Children of God and Heirs with Christ

Romans 8:12-17

Paul further elaborates on the implications of living in the Spirit, focusing on the believers’ identity as children of God and heirs with Christ. He emphasizes that those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God and have received the Spirit of adoption, which enables them to cry out to God as “Abba, Father.” This passage highlights the deep, familial relationship believers have with God and the inheritance they share with Christ.

• “Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

Exegesis and Study

• Obligation to Live by the Spirit: Paul begins by reminding believers that they have an obligation, but it is not to the flesh. Because of their new identity in Christ, they are called to live according to the Spirit, which involves putting to death the sinful deeds of the body. This is a continuous process of sanctification, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• Adoption as Children of God: Paul introduces the concept of spiritual adoption, where believers are brought into God’s family and given the full rights of children. The Spirit of adoption allows believers to address God intimately as “Abba, Father,” reflecting the close and personal relationship they now have with Him.
• Heirs with Christ: As children of God, believers are also heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. This means they share in the inheritance promised by God, including eternal life and the glory that will be revealed. However, Paul also notes that sharing in Christ’s glory involves sharing in His sufferings, a reality that believers must be prepared to embrace.

Practical Application

• Living as Children of God: Understanding our identity as children of God should impact how we live. It calls us to reject the ways of the flesh and to embrace a life led by the Spirit. This includes cultivating a relationship with God that is marked by intimacy, trust, and obedience, recognizing Him as our loving Father.
• Embracing Our Inheritance: As heirs with Christ, we have a glorious inheritance waiting for us. This

hope should motivate us to persevere in faith, even in the face of suffering. Knowing that we are co-heirs with Christ encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the promises of God rather than the temporary challenges of this world.

Prayer Guide

• Pray for a Deeper Understanding of Your Identity as a Child of God: Thank God for adopting you into His family. Pray for a deeper understanding of what it means to be a child of God and for the ability to live out that identity daily.
• Pray for the Strength to Embrace Your Inheritance: Reflect on the inheritance you have as a co-heir with Christ. Pray for the strength to endure any suffering that comes your way, knowing that it is part of your journey to sharing in Christ’s glory.