Ephesians 1:5 Community Group Questions

1. Does the concept of adoption strengthen or weaken the concept of God's unconditional election of us? For e.g. does the adopted pick the parent, or vice versa? Is it unjust for God to adopt some but not all?

2. John Piper has written a book entitled, "God is the Gospel."  In light of this morning's message, would you agree that the greatest treasure of the gospel is God Himself?  That we are saved, as Eph. 1:5 (KJV, NASB) says, "unto Himself"?

3. Have you ever considered that our forgiveness of sins is but the prerequisite for God's eternal purposes of adoption as sons into God's household?  Eph. 1:4-5 say that the Father chose us & predestined us ultimately for adoption.  Does Galatians 4:4-5 confirm this? How about Romans 8:29?

4. Review: What roles do each of the members of the Trinity play in our adoption?

5. The doctrine of adoption is meant to destroy the legalism that so easiliy creeps up in our Christian walk (i.e. "do in order to be accepted by God"). But does adoption give excuse for lawlessness? (i.e. "well, I'm a son and so I can sin, knowing God will forgive me).

Of the 5 usages of the Greek word huiothesia, 2 are in Romans 8 (8:15, 24). In light of the the beginning of the chapter, do we who have the Spirit of adoption "get to do what we want?"  If so, what is it that regenerate sons ultimately want?

1 John 3:1-4 also shows us that those whom God adopts, God gives the desire to become "holy & blameless before Him" (Eph. 1:4), that is, to be made into the image of God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

How does meditating upon the glorious doctrine of adoption enable us to "do sanctification" in our everyday life?  What are some practical ways we can implement this doctrine into our daily lives, that we may be conformed from one degree of glory to another?