Adopted and Assured: How Knowing Who You Are Changes How You Live

What does it mean to live with confidence as God’s adopted child? In this message from Romans 8:12–17, Pastor Chris explains how our identity in Christ reshapes how we fight sin, follow the Holy Spirit, and rest in God’s assurance. Discover how a secure foundation in Christ leads to freedom, faithfulness, and hope through every season of life. 

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18688050

Key Points: 

1. Break free from the old way of living (Romans 8:12–13)
 Believers are no longer obligated to live according to the flesh. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to actively put sin to death and walk in the freedom Christ provides.

2. Walk daily under the Spirit’s leading (Romans 8:14)
 Those who are led by the Spirit are God’s children. A Spirit-led life is marked by surrender, obedience, and trust as God guides us step by step.

3. Live confidently as God’s adopted child (Romans 8:15–17)
 Adoption is both a legal and relational change. Through Christ, we are welcomed into God’s family with full rights, assurance, and an eternal inheritance as co-heirs with Christ.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
 Pastor Chris uses the illustration of the Virginia High Bridge to show how a strong foundation determines long-term stability. Just as unseen supports hold the bridge steady, a secure identity in Christ sustains believers through pressure, temptation, and hardship.

Notable Quotes:
 “Our faith needs a secure foundation, because what we believe shapes how we live.”
 “The flesh offers comfort without cost, but the Spirit offers life with a fight.”
 “God doesn’t accept us because we live right. We live right because God has accepted us.”

Actionable Takeaways:

• Reflect on areas where old habits or sinful patterns may be weakening your spiritual foundation
 • Choose one daily practice that helps you stay sensitive to the Spirit’s leading
 • Confess known sin quickly and receive God’s forgiveness with confidence
 • Live each day from your identity as God’s adopted child, not from fear or performance

Scripture References:
 Romans 8:1, 10–17 – Life in the Spirit and adoption as God’s children
 Romans 6:11–14 – Dead to sin, alive in Christ
 Colossians 3:5–10 – Putting off the old self and putting on the new
 James 1:14–15 – The progression of temptation and sin
 1 John 1:8–9 – Confession and forgiveness
 Galatians 4:4–7 – Adoption and inheritance through Christ
 Proverbs 4:23 – Guarding the heart

Keywords:
Christian identity, Romans 8, adoption in Christ, Holy Spirit, assurance of salvation, freedom from sin, spiritual growth, grace, discipleship

Challenge:
This week, choose to live from your identity as God’s adopted child by surrendering one area of struggle to the Holy Spirit and trusting God’s grace to guide your next step.

26.0215de Living from a Secure Identity

The WELL Faith Podcast offers encouraging, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien and guests. New sermons are released every Sunday. Replay episodes are marked with an asterisk. Visit the well.faith media page and find us online at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN. Email comments to wellfaith24@gmail.com