Undeserved Adoption

SERMON DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Read Romans 8:12-16. During this time children were frequently abandoned or given up for money into slavery. Couples who could not bear children that had financial means often would adopt children that they were often excited to adopt. Under Roman law during that time, children who were adopted were given the same legal rights as biological children? Understanding this, how does this affect your view of this passage, knowing that we are considered adopted sons and daughters of the Father? We know that we were born into slavery through sin, but as Christians we have the right to reject slavery and fear and accept an inheritance from our Daddy. How does this impact you knowing this? Discuss as a group.
2. Read Matthew 7:21-23. After reading this passage, there are two types of people – ones who call God “Lord” and those who call him “Father.” The word Lord means ‘master’ and father signifies a personal familial relationship with God. Both types of people spend time serving God, but only the one who does the “Father’s” will is one who will enter heaven according to this passage. What exactly does that mean? How do you personally see God? How can you walk in a closer personal relationship with Him and not just see him solely as your Lord, but also as your Father?
3. Read Isaiah 7:14. Isaiah spoke of Jesus and the virgin Mary 700 years prior to his birth. Why do you think he was impressed to prophesy of this so far ahead of Jesus’ birth? God was intentional when He chose to come down to us in human form and become a son himself. He was able to walk through the very things we do daily on earth and overcome. How is this personal to you? Discuss.
4. Read Matthew 1:21-23. God came down to earth to be “with us.” He doesn’t just want us to check off things in a box that we do for Him. He wants us to be WITH Him and be ABOUT Him. How can we make this Christmas look different? How can we make it more about HIM and less about what we are doing? Discuss some thoughts on how you can make personal improvements in your family, your friendships, your work, your service that will include Jesus and make things more about HIM.
5. Read Matthew 25:31-40. What we do for God is important, but only if our intentions to serve others are to serve them as Jesus did. Jesus himself tells us to treat the very least, those who we don’t think much of, as a BROTHER of Jesus. Are there people that you have a hard time serving? Evaluate yourself – is the reason that you have a hard time serving them because it brings you no glory? Who are you truly bringing glory to in your service – is Jesus receiving the main attention? Is your purpose in serving pointing to Jesus? Talk through personal situations in ways that you can improve this mindset and make serving others more ab