ADOPTED BY GOD

Introduction:

A. Do We Really Appreciate How Fortunate We Are?

B. Do We Really Understand What God Has Done For Us?

Body: Ephesians 1: 1 - 6

I. We Are Blessed.

A. With every spiritual blessing.

1. None of His blessings are withheld from us!
2. We are now citizens of heaven.
3. We have an inheritance in heaven.
4. We have been given the gift of the Spirit.

B. In Christ.

1. This occurs for those who are in Christ.
2. Those who are outside are excluded.

II. We Are Chosen.

A. In Christ.

B. That we shall be holy.

C. That we shall be without blame.

D. That we shall be before Him in love.

1. We do not come before "the Judge" for condemnation.
2. We stand before Him because of His love for us and our love for Him.

III. We Are Predestined.

A. Like Esau.

1. We had sold our birthright.
2. We despised our inheritance.
3. We turned and walked away like the Prodigal son.

B. God has provided for our adoption.

1. We are received by Him as sons.
2. We are received by His good pleasure.
(Kings of ancient peoples received people by invitation)
3. We are received because He has made us accepted.
(Lepers could only be accepted back into society by having been cured of leprosy)

Conclusion:

A. Because Of How Good And Loving God Is…

1. We have the opportunity to receive all of His blessings.

2. We can be holy, blameless and without condemnation.

3. We can be received as fully entitled children of His.

B. How Have You Shown Your Appreciation?