THE INHERITANCE OF THE SONS OF GOD.
(Romans 8:14-25)

1. OUR TITLE TO THE INHERITANCE (8:14-16).

It is of the utmost importance that we have a clear title to our
inheritance. "If children, then heirs." (Rom. 8:17; Gal. 4:7)--
we must prove, then, that we are God's children. The Spirit of
God provides a threefold proof:
a. THE GUIDANCE OF THE SPIRIT IS THE PROOF TO THE WORLD.

Rom. 8:14 "as many as are led by the Spirit...are...sons"

His leading does not make us sons, but proves we are sons.
b. THE RESPONSE OF THE SPIRIT IS THE PROOF TO THE FATHER.

Rom. 8:15 "Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry...Father"

Only His children can call God "Father." Gal. 4:6.
c. THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT IS THE PROOF TO OURSELVES.

Rom. 8:16 "beareth witness with our spirit that we are..."

1 John 3:24 "hereby we know...by the Spirit"

CONCLUSION: We are sons and therefore true heirs.

2. THE GREATNESS OF THE INHERITANCE (8:17).
a. WE ARE HEIRS OF GOD.

Rom. 8:17 "heirs of God" How vast an inheritance'.
Psa. 24:1 "the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof"
1 Cor. 3:21,23 "all things are yours." Heb. 9:15 "eternal"
b. WE ARE JOINT-HEIRS WITH CHRIST.

Rom. 8:17 "joint-heirs with Christ." It is not that God gives
us the inheritance to enjoy by ourselves; we can enjoy it only
WITH CHRIST. Eph. 1:3,11 "in Christ"

3. THE EFFECT OF THE INHERITANCE (8:18-21).

Present conditions are contrasted with future:

a. THERE WILL BE A CHANGE IN US.

Rom. 8:18 "sufferings...glory" 2 Tim. 2:12 "suffer...reign"

NOW "knoweth us not (1 Jo. 3:1); THEN manifest (Rom. 8:19).
b. THERE WILL BE A CHANGE IN ALL CREATION.

Rom. 8:20,21 "bondage of corruption" Gen. 3:17,18.
 Isa. 11:6,7; 35:1.

4. THE POSSESSION OF THE INHERITANCE (8:22-25).

Although we hold a clear title now, the actual physical possession

of the inheritance awaits the return of Christ.

a. THE SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS WE HAVE NOW.

Rom. 8:23 We "have the firstfruits of the Spirit"

Eph. 1:3 "hath blesses us with all spiritual blessings"

Note what we now have: Eph. 1:7; Rom. 5:11; 1 Jno. 5:13.

b. THE PHYSICAL BLESSINGS WE WAIT FOR.

Rom. 8:22,23 "waiting for...the redemption of the body"
Rom. 8:25 "then do we with patience wait for it"
See 1 Pet. 1:4; 1 Cor. 15:50-53; Phil. 3:20,21.