The sermon by Daniel Thursby focuses on the concept of spiritual adoption, emphasizing its significance in the Christian life. Drawing primarily from Romans 8 and Ephesians 1, Thursby outlines the privileges and responsibilities that come with being adopted into God's family. He argues that adoption is not merely a legal transaction but a transformation of identity, where believers take on God's name and become heirs to His glory.
Thursby highlights the contrast between our former "household of sin" under Satan and our new family under God. He explains that adoption provides immediate access to God ("Abba, Father") and the spiritual blessings that come with being His child. This adoption is not just a change in status but a change in identity, akin to receiving a new birth certificate with God's name on it.
The sermon also delves into the theological underpinnings of adoption, citing the Second London Baptist Confession and theologians like John Murray and John Gerudo. Thursby emphasizes that justification is a prerequisite for adoption, and all who are justified will be adopted into God's family.
In terms of practical application, Thursby suggests that adoption should be the lens through which believers view their Christian life. He argues that our primary identity should be as children of God, and this should guide our actions, ethics, and relationships. He also stresses the eternal bond between believers, which is stronger than any earthly familial ties.
Thursby concludes by reflecting on the immense love God has shown in adopting believers as His children, citing 1 John 3:1. He encourages the congregation to live in a manner worthy of this new identity and to remember that the world's rejection is a result of its ignorance of God.
The sermon ends with a prayer, asking God to help believers live up to their new identity and to proclaim the good news of spiritual adoption to the world.
