This sermon from Romans 8:12–17 explores the believer’s transformation from slavery to sonship through the power of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that while we have been set free from the dominion of sin, we are not without obligation—we are now debtors to live according to the Spirit. Paul’s teaching reveals that true freedom in Christ comes with a new identity and a new calling. Through the doctrine of adoption, believers are assured of their place in God’s family, receiving not only the Spirit’s guidance but also the intimacy of calling God “Abba, Father.” This adoption brings with it a promised inheritance, though it also includes suffering with Christ. Yet even in suffering, we are assured of glory to come. The sermon closes with a challenge: If we are truly children of God, is there evidence of the Spirit’s work in us? And if not—what keeps us from crying out to the Father today?
Brad Jordan Brad is the Pastor of Christ Reformed Baptist Church, an RBC church plant in the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina (Hartsville, Darlington, Florence, Sumter and surrounding areas). He has a wife, Lisa, and three kids, Kaylee, Anna and Jonathan. Born and raised in South Carolina, Brad has been a pastor for over 15 years and has a great passion and desire for shepherding the flock of CRBC and "teaching them to keep all that [Christ] commanded".
