June 8, 2025

Not an Orphan But An Heir

Pastor Rok Lee

Romans 8:14-17

14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs: heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if we in fact suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

The Annual Conference is happening in Middleton. During this time, a beautiful daughter was born to one of my close pastor friends. He came to attend the conference, but received an even greater joy. Though it was an unexpected delivery, and they were far from home with no preparation, it is surely a great blessing.

The birth of a new life is always a miracle. But sometimes, due to difficult situations, parents have to give up raising their children. In the past 20 years, over 6,000 babies in the States were separated from their parents right after birth. Among them, just over 4,500 received legal protection, but over 1,600 were abandoned illegally. Sadly, 900 of those babies lost their lives.

What do these babies, who were separated from their parents, need the most? Not money, not food — but new parents who will love and care for them. Jesus said, “I will not leave you orphaned” (John 14:18). Today’s passage tells us that God has adopted us as His children and made us His heirs. Through today’s message, I want to share the amazing grace of becoming children of God.

First, we are no longer orphans but heirs of God. There is an important condition here: “those who are led by the Spirit.” Paul says that we are not just religious people, but that we have a new identity — we are God’s children. This means more than just saying we believe in God. The Holy Spirit actually lives in us and leads our thoughts, hearts, and lives.

To be “led” is not to live passively, but to walk actively with God. Just like a child walking while holding a parent’s hand, they rely not on their own strength, but on the hand and vision of parent. In the same way, those who are led by the Spirit live not by their own plans but by God’s will, listening to His voice and following His guidance.

Sometimes, the Spirit’s leading may feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Why? Because it may break our pride, ask us to lay down our plans, or face hidden sins. But through that, we begin to know our true identity as children of God.

Let me give you an example. A young man went to church for years, but lived according to his own plans, not God’s voice. One day while praying, he felt a deep question in his heart: “Is this really the path for God?” From that moment, he rethought his path — not for human success, but for God’s will. That was when he truly began to understand what it means to be led by the Spirit.

Here’s the key: being led by the Spirit doesn’t mean just feeling emotional at church. It means living in a way that is sensitive to God’s will in every area of life — at work, at school, at home. It means asking, “Lord, is this your way?” That’s the first step in living as a child of God.

Paul is clear: “those who are led by the Spirit of God” are not just church-goers. They are people who try to live by God’s will. They belong to God’s family. A servant obeys out of fear, but a child understands and delights in the Father’s heart. That’s the true mark of being a child.

Who are we? We are God’s children. And if the Spirit is leading us, that is proof that we truly belong to God. The world may judge us by our job, looks, or skills, but God sees us being led by the Spirit and says, “That’s my son. That’s my daughter.”

You are not orphans. Even without direction, you are not lost. God’s Spirit is with you. If He is guiding your life, then you can confidently say, “I am a child of God.”

Second, the Holy Spirit confirms that we are truly God’s children. In verse 15, Paul explains more clearly who we are. We are not “slaves.” In other words, we are not living in fear and pressure. Our relationship with God is not just like a master and servant. God is our Father, and we are His beloved children.

The “spirit of slavery” means living in fear and guilt under the law. A slave worries about the master’s mood and fears punishment. They live in anxiety, afraid of being rejected. But a child is different. A child trusts their parent’s love. Even if they make mistakes or feel weak, they live with the assurance that their parent’s love remains unchanged.

Paul says we received the “Spirit of adoption.” This doesn’t just mean legal adoption — it means being invited into a close, personal relationship with God. That relationship grows deeper until we can call God “Abba, Father.”

“Abba” is an Aramaic word used by children to call their dad. It’s the most loving, intimate way to say “Father.” It shows deep trust, affection, and dependence. What a beautiful gospel this is — people who once only feared God can now call “Abba” because of Jesus Christ.

God did not make you slaves but children. You don’t need to hide from God. Don’t be afraid. When you fall, God won’t push you away. He will run to you and hold you in His arms. You have the privilege to call Him “Abba” and rest in His love.

Lastly, we are heirs. The Bible clearly says that we are not only children but heirs of God. That’s a powerful truth — it means the God of heaven gives His Kingdom and glory as our inheritance.

An heir isn’t just someone with a title. They also have a future hope and right. The blessings we enjoy in this life are just a small part of our inheritance. The full gift God has prepared for us is still to come.

But Paul also talks about reality. He says we must also “share in His sufferings if we want to share in His glory.” Why suffering? Because we are co-heirs with Christ. Just as Jesus walked a path of obedience and sacrifice, God’s children must also walk through challenges in this world. But those sufferings lead us to glory.

Sometimes, the world may ignore our identity or mock our faith. People may not accept that we call God our Father. But the Holy Spirit continues to speak within us: “You are God’s child. You are God’s heir.” That truth holds us firm when life shakes us.

An heir is someone who receives an inheritance. But God’s inheritance is more than just a ticket to heaven. We receive Christ’s life, love, and Kingdom — starting now and fully in the future.

Today is Pentecost Sunday. Because of the Holy Spirit living in us, we can now be certain that we are not alone in the darkness, but heirs to God’s Kingdom.

In the drama Heavenly Ever After, there’s a scene where people must leave everything behind before entering heaven. One mother brought a savings account for her children. She had lived such a hard life that she had to send them away for adoption. She worked hard, hoping to pass on something to them, but she died before she could. Still, she wanted to leave them that money — but heaven’s rules said she couldn’t bring anything in. That’s right — we take nothing with us to heaven. But there is one thing we do take: our identity. We enter the Kingdom as God’s heirs.

So I bless you today: live your life with the Spirit, as God’s children and heirs of His Kingdom. Do not be afraid. Do not be depressed. Because you are children of God.