A Spirit of Adoption
A Sermon on Galatians 4:4-9
Originally preached Dec. 28, 1958
Scripture
4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth …
Sermon Description
Christians can sometimes feel as if they are trapped or in bondage. In this sermon on Galatians 4:4–9 titled “A Spirit of Adoption,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones helps the listener understand the reasons for this feeling and the truths that help correct it. What are some reasons that people have this feeling even though they have been freed from sin? Dr. Lloyd-Jones says that some of this can be attributed to poor teaching within the church. Additionally, some people know it intellectually but have not applied it. This all brings the believer back to understanding why Jesus came. First, to redeem those who are under the law since they cannot do this themselves. Second, so that they could be adopted as His children. Those who believe in Jesus have been adopted into His family and have received the inheritance that comes with being a child of God. How does this “spirit of adoption,” as Paul refers to it, manifest itself? First, Christians are delivered from this bondage and may still sometimes feel trapped by it. Second, they are known by God. And third, relationship with Him is personal, like a father to his child. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages perseverance in the walk with Jesus and throw off the chains of sin that often entangle.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul is writing to the Galatians to deal with false teachers who were telling them they must be circumcised to be true Christians.
- Paul wants to show them that in Christ they have freedom from bondage.
- The first consequence of Christ's coming was redemption - to redeem us from the curse of the law. We must rely fully on Christ's work, not our own righteousness.
- The second consequence was adoption as sons - coming of age and entering our full inheritance. Though believers, the Galatians were still like children, in bondage.
- The third consequence was receiving the Spirit of adoption - realizing our position as sons and heirs, with the privileges and responsibilities. The Galatians lacked this.
- The Spirit of adoption delivers us from a spirit of bondage. The Galatians were in danger of going back into bondage.
- The Spirit gives us knowledge of God through Christ. We know God as our Father.
- Even better is being known by God - chosen, predestined, cared for. This is the greatest privilege.
- The Spirit leads us to cry "Abba, Father" - with deep passion and intimacy, as Christ did. Not just knowing about God, but knowing and loving Him.
- We must ask if we know God this way, if Christ's coming has had this effect in us. If not, it may be due to sin, ignorance, or being bogged down in trivialities.
- Christ came to free us from bondage and bring us into sonship and liberty. We must stand fast in the liberty He brings.
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Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.