A Child By Adoption

Romans, chapter number eight. When you get there, go ahead and stand with me. The title of this morning’s message is A Child by Adoption. A child by Adoption.

Scripture Reference

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:15)

Introduction

Today’s sermon title is “A Child By Adoption.” The text centers on Romans chapter 8 and the biblical truth that everyone who trusts Jesus Christ as Saviour is not only forgiven but legally and spiritually adopted into God’s family. This is a deep, practical truth with rich implications: new name, new citizenship, restored inheritance, continual provision, and a family relationship with the King of kings. The preacher, Dr. Terry LeQuieu, uses the Old Testament story of Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9) as a beautiful picture to show how God sought the helpless, provided for their needs, restored what was lost, and made them sons at His own table.

Quote from Preacher

But ye have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry, Abba Father.

Outline

Adoption Defined
1. Legal Term and New Identity
  The New Testament uses a legal term: to adopt is to make a son. When you trust Christ you are not merely forgiven; you are legally made part of God’s family. The KJV uses the phrase “Spirit of adoption” (Romans 8:15) and Galatians 4:5 explains Christ came “that we might receive the adoption of sons.” Adoption gives a new standing before God — you are a child of the Father.
2. Rights of the Adopted Child
  As children by adoption we receive rights which the preacher highlights: a new name (1 John 3:1 speaks of us as God’s children), new citizenship (Philippians 3:20 — “our conversation is in heaven”), and inheritance (Matthew 5:5 and many other passages teach that the meek inherit the earth and believers inherit eternal riches). This is not mere sentiment; it is divine, legal change with eternal consequences.
3. Provision and Purchase
  The purchase price was the blood of Christ. The word redeem literally means to buy back. Ephesians 2:8–9 and Galatians 4:4–5 show that the provision was made by God’s Son and salvation is God’s gift, not man’s achievement.
Adoption Demonstrated
1. King David Seeks the Lame Heir (2 Samuel 9:1–4)
  David enquires, “Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul?” This is a picture of the King (God) seeking out the helpless. The illustration shows God’s initiative: when we were spiritually dead in sin, Christ sought us (Ephesians 2:1–5). The King not only asked where Mephibosheth was, he “sent and fetched him” — he went out of his way to bring him into the royal presence.
2. Provision Made for the Trip (2 Samuel 9:5)
  David “sent and fetched him.” The king made every provision. So did Christ. Salvation is God’s provision — not dependent on human merit — and all necessary grace for the journey was provided by Christ’s work on the cross.
3. Humble Response and Full Restoration (2 Samuel 9:6–11)
  Mephibosheth fell on his face in reverence; the king restored to him all the land and the right to eat continually at the king’s table. Likewise, when a sinner humbles himself and calls on the Lord (Romans 10:13), God restores fellowship, gives citizenship in heaven, and secures an inheritance. The preacher stresses that humility before God is the pathway to restoration.
4. Fruitfulness After Adoption (2 Samuel 9:12)
  Mephibosheth had a son, Micah, and servants dwelling in his home — signs of fruitfulness and continuity. Salvation is not merely rescue for the present; it aims at fruitfulness in service and in bringing others to the table.
5. Practical Parallels
  David’s actions map to Christ’s: seeking the lost, making provision, restoring rights, and bringing the once-forgotten into royal fellowship. The preacher draws the parallel: you didn’t find God — God found you. The initiative, provision, and restoration are all His work; our response is humble trust.
Personal and Pastoral Applications
1. Don’t Reduce Adoption to Sentiment
  Being adopted by God is legal and eternal. It changes your status before God, not merely your feelings.
2. Bring Your Past to the King, Not as Boast or Shame
  Mephibosheth did not hide; he humbled himself. Yet at the table his lameness did not define him. Similarly, your past is known, but at God’s table you are a son or daughter. Humble confession, not self-righteousness or despair, is the right response.
3. Remember Who Prayed For You
  The preacher asks an important pastoral point: often someone else’s faithful prayers and testimony opened the door for our salvation. Remember that and be stirred to intercede for others.
4. Use the Privileges Given
  We may “eat at the king’s table continually” — that is, we have constant access to God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship. Don’t limit your spiritual feasting to church services; cultivate daily feeding on Scripture and fellowship with God.
5. Pay It Forward
  Adoption both receives and gives. Mephibosheth grew fruitful after kindness; likewise, God’s kindness should motivate us to reach others with the gospel and practical care.
Warnings and Encouragements
1. Avoid Taking Privilege for Granted
  The preacher warns against complacency: the privileges of a child of God (assurance, access, inheritance) are precious gifts to be used, not taken for granted.
2. Never Let Your Past Hinder Your Future
  Your past may be known, but it no longer determines your status. Serve with confidence in the King’s provision and call others to the table.

Summary

Being a child by adoption in Christ is a glorious, legal reality taught plainly in Scripture. God the Father, through the Son’s redeeming work, makes sinners into sons and daughters. The story of Mephibosheth pictures this well: the King sought the lowly, provided everything for his removal to the palace, restored his rights, fed him continually at the royal table, and brought fruitfulness into his life. Likewise, Jesus searched for us, paid the price, appointed us heirs, gives continual provision through His Word and Spirit, and expects us to live fruitfully and to share His kindness with others. If you have trusted Christ, rejoice: you are adopted, accepted, and assured. If you have not, the King still seeks; the provision is ready. Humble faith is all that is required to receive God’s gift.

Quote to Ponder

When you were far away from Jesus Christ and when you were living in your sin and when you were doing your own thing and you were living it up in the world, you weren’t the one that was seeking after Jesus. He was the one that was seeking after you.

Application for the Week

Take these practical steps this week to live like a child by adoption:

Feast Daily at the King’s Table
Commit to read the Bible each day this week — start with Romans 8 and 2 Samuel 9. Even 10–15 minutes daily is better than nothing. Treat it like your daily bread; do not confine “eating” to corporate services only.
Practice Humble Prayer
Spend at least one focused time of confession and humility to the Lord this week. Remind yourself that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. If you are uncertain about your salvation, call on the Lord in simple faith (Romans 10:9–13).
Remember Those Who Prayed For You
Write down one or two people who faithfully shared the gospel with you or prayed for you. Send them a note, call them, or pray for them — and commit to begin praying for one unbelieving person God places on your heart.
Show Kindness Where It’s Hard
Like David, go out of your way to show practical kindness to someone overlooked, forgotten, or in need. It may be a phone call, a meal, a ride, or bringing them to a church event. Let God use your kindness as an avenue for the gospel.
Share Your Adoption Story
Tell one person this week (a friend, family member, or coworker) how Jesus changed your life. Be specific about the difference Christ has made. An honest testimony opens doors and encourages others.
Pray for Fruitfulness
Ask God to make you fruitful — to give you opportunities to disciple someone, bring a friend to church, or begin regular one-on-one Bible study. Mephibosheth’s life became fruitful after the king’s kindness; God intends fruit from His grace in your life.

May the Lord grant you boldness to live as His adopted child: humble in spirit, faithful in witness, and constant at the King’s table.