Reflecting on the Sermon 10/17/10

The sermon was from Romans 8:14-17 this week. Rod mentioned four things that assure a person that he/she is a child of God in this passage:

Being led by the Spirit to put to death the deeds of the flesh (14, see v. 13 also)

• Have you had the inclination to love God and go down the path of righteousness?  Have you been led to put to death the deeds of the flesh (not that you are perfect, but you desire this and battle towards it)?

Having the Spirit of adoption by which he/she cries "Abba Father" (15)

•  Do you cry out to God as your Father or do you still live in fear and dread of him?  Do you recognize you never need to be lonely because God has adopted you as his child

The Holy Spirit testifies with his/her spirit the he/she is a child of God (16)

•  Have you ever had an overwhelming sense of belonging to God and a desire to love God?  Does the Spirit of God give you this internal, overwhelming sense that your adoption was legitimate and that you belong to God?

He/she suffers with Christ (17- he didn't cover this point...to be continued I guess)

If you are struggling with assurance of salvation and weren't able to be here Sunday, listen to the whole thing online (it isn't up yet, but check here in a few days).

It was good to examine these things in my own life.  I found encouragement as I worked through the questions under each point and saw affirmations that God is at work in me. I hope you will reflect on these things in your life too.  If you find evidence that you belong to Him, give Him praise since it is His grace in which you stand.  If evidence is lacking, take time to make your calling and election sure.  Ask a trusted Christian friend to help you in this process.

If you have any thoughts about the sermon I'd love to hear them in the comments section.