#1366. Predestined for adoption (16/10/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Yesterday, we considered how ‘love’ is the summary and height of holiness. Loving God summarises all that the Bible teaches about the attitude that most pleases God, and it’s the driving and shaping force for how we are to seek to live for Him. 

Today, we are reflecting on the blessing of adoption; to love God, and to be able to call Him “Father,” is only possible because we have been adopted into His family through Jesus Christ.

You can listen to this devotional below

Adoption changes everything. It transforms our status, our identity, and our relationship with God and His people.

i. Predestined for adoption

Part of the ‘every spiritual blessing’ mentioned in verse 3, is our adoption by the Father. We are to praise God because, through Christ, we have become a part of God’s family. However, God wants us to know that this adoption has come about because he ‘chose’ and ‘predestined’ us for this.

None of us, I assume, feel worthy of God. None of us feel that we are living up to His glorious will. We are all aware of our failures and lack - in any area: worship, prayer, evangelism, generosity, forgiveness, faith, purity… we, I’m sure, know that we are so far from being like Jesus. However, the truth is, when we were dead in sin, God chose to adopt us apart from any merit in us; and He continues to love us as His children ‘through Christ’ - His work and merit and not because of our merit! 

ii. The nature of our adoption

So, what does it mean to be adopted by God?

Adoption is a legal and relational act. Clinton E. Arnold explains:

This is what Paul means. Adoption isn’t the same as regeneration (a change of nature); it’s a change of status. We are no longer spiritual orphans - we are legally and relationally children of God. We bear His name and share in the inheritance of His Son.

Later in the letter, Paul emphasises this:

We are not just welcomed into God’s kingdom - we are welcomed into His family. That’s the kind of intimacy and belonging the gospel gives to us.

iii. Adopted according to God’s pleasure and will

Lastly, notice the tone of this adoption: it was ‘in accordance with His pleasure and will.’ God wasn’t reluctant or pressured into saving you. He didn’t adopt you as the last child left in the orphanage.

No, He delighted to adopt you. It brought Him joy. It was His pleasure. And because you are in Christ, the Father loves you as He loves His Son. There is no second-class status in the family of God.

Response

• How do you feel knowing that you were chosen for adoption before the foundation of the world?

• How might God want to reshape your understanding of His joy in adopting you?

• How should we view and treat fellow believers - those who, like us, are beloved children of God?

Community Group Notes

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be a good idea to start with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

Important - please ensure you are aware of the plans regarding New Ground Sunday this coming Sunday.

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our series entitled: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Please read Ephesians 1:4-6 and discuss:

1. Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

2. What do these verses say about God’s involvement in our becoming Christians?

3. What are we chosen for, and how are we to actively pursue these things? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• From Ephesians 1:4-6, How does knowing that salvation is according to God’s call meant to inspire confidence to witness? 

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the “people of peace” in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.