Introduction/Review: Paul concluded that we are obligated to live according to the Spirit and not the flesh in 12. In 13 he showed us that this obligation comes from the new system of governance that we live under. We are to obey the Spirit who is leading us to life and not the system we used to be under which was leading us to death. In 14 he strengthened that argument by reminding us that following the Spirit is the very evidence that you are indeed a son of God. You don’t follow the Spirit to become a son of God. You must become a son of God first, by faith in Jesus. This morning I want us to consider the meaning and significance of this expression “sons of God”. **14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” ** 1. In the Old Testament, what was the meaning of “sons of God”? * Everyone * Angels * Jews 2. How did Jesus challenge the Jewish understanding of God as Father? 3. How are we sons of God? * Rebirth * Adoption 4. Read 1 Sam 20 and 2 Sam 9. How does the adoption of Mephibosheth resemble our adoption into the family of God? 5. How does knowing you are a son or daughter of God bring assurance to you in this life?