We are Delivered

| Sermon Summary by PKD Lee |

Romans 8:14-17 - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Most people struggle in life. Unfortunately, in spite of the promises in the passage above, they struggle. They want to earn their salvation and to do something to justify God giving them salvation. They cannot accept a salvation by grace. Why?

Because of various insecurities in their life, they need to prove to themselves, that they have pleased God and ‘earned’ salvation. Unfortunately, they know, in their inner self, that they are not making it. So, they compare themselves to others and see how much better they are than others. That gives them some self-respect. But their worry about salvation continues.

Some are not worried about their salvation or relationship with God, but are seeking an identity in the world. They constantly compare themselves with others and struggle to have an identity. Any slur or adverse criticism collapses their world and their behaviour and relationships suffer. They do not have an identity in Jesus, that I am a child of God and need no other identity.

Some are terrified of their tomorrow, what does the future hold. They try to plan to be able to control tomorrow, but they are unable to. Because of a lack of relationship with God, they are unable to commit their tomorrow to God. To all of them, Jesus says 'relax'. We did not receive a spirit of bondage (Rom 8:15).

God has made a plan for us from before we were born and we have to let God work out the plan in our life. All we have to do is to stop worrying and commit your life to Jesus to lead on your behalf.

Some would say, “Not again!!” I have just managed to get free from the dominance of my parents, and now you want me to go back into subjugation again? Jesus has promised that His yoke is easy and light, we need to just surrender to it. We are the children of God and we do not have to fear. We get confidence in God when we do what he says and see how well things work out in our life. It is only in living the life that we experience God, not the reverse. When we go through crises in peace, you know that God is with you, when you suffer for your faith. Not just persecution, or bad treatment, but also when you stretch yourself to fulfil what God wants from you. See Paul’s description of his sufferings in his ministry (2 Cor 1:8-11, 11:22-29).

When you serve God in all areas of your life, God will glorify you, that is His promise. People will see that you are a child of God. So, surrender your life to Jesus. Forget the world except an instrument to serve God with. Let God use you and glorify you.