Having predestinated us to the adoption of sons to himself by Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will

Why have kids? oops!; IRS; lonely in old age; burn money; family farm; relive childhood; continue society; legacy; multiply 

Heb 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons...10 they...chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness. {to increase the manifestation of God's character and ultimately glory}

Advance determination of God of our destiny as heirs with all the rights and responsibilities thereof

Gal 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

purpose(decree)-election-foreknow-predestine(appoint)-call-redeem(regenerate)-impute-forgive-justify-sanctify-preserve-glorify

Destiny of believers to be brothers of Christ

Christlikeness Rm 8:29 predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son...might be firstborn among many brethren

Shared inheritance Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will:

Only in union with Christ

Dependent upon our reception of Christ and a function of our exercise of His power. Jn 1:12 But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:

Gal 3:7 Know ye therefore that they who are of faith, the same are the sons of Abraham...26 For ye are all sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 29 And if ye [are] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Prelude to glory and future service

Rom 8:23 ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [that is], the redemption of our body. (Cf. 1Cor 15)

Transformation into sons is seen at the resurrection (1Jn 3:1-3)

Rom 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

A Son of God is a son of the resurrection Lu 20:35 But they who shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: 36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal to the angels; and are the sons of God, being the sons of the resurrection.

Indwelling of the Holy Spirit makes sonship possible

A Son is led/controlled by the Spirit Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Rom 8:15 not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but the Spirit of adoption, by which we cry, Abba, Father.

Php 2:13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Obedience makes sonship a reality

1Jo 3:3 And every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure.

2Co 6:17 come out from among them, and be ye separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, 18 And I will be a Father to you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Involves suffering Heb 2:10...bringing many sons to glory to make captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

A Son is a peacemaker Mt 5:9 Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.

Not guarantee of inheritance (nor even a good relationship cf. Luke 15)

Blessing to overcomers Re 21:7 He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Nu 14:12 I will smite them with pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of you a greater nation and mightier than they.

1Co 9:27...bring [body] into subjection: lest by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified

Heb 12:17 when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it

Gal 5:21 ...that they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Heb 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. If you were an orphan, for what aspect of adoption would you be most thankful?

2. Is adoption one of the blessings for which you bless God? Why? Why not?

3. How does being in a father-son relationship with God affect your daily life?

4. How does your experience with your earthly father influence your perception of your heavenly Father?

5. How does our route to royal sonship differ from Christ's?