What responsibilities accompany the "adoption" and "covenants" mentioned in Romans 9:4? Setting the context Romans 9:4 says of Israel, “to them belong the adoption as sons, the divine glory, the covenants, the giving of the Law, the temple worship, and the promises.” Paul highlights two privileges—adoption and covenants—that carry weighty responsibilities. What “the adoption” means • Exodus 4:22 and Hosea 11:1 reveal God calling Israel His “firstborn son.” • In Christ, the same family privilege extends to all who believe (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5). • Adoption confers identity, inheritance, affection, access to the Father. Responsibilities flowing from adoption Because God names us His children, we are to… • Reflect the Father’s character—“Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). • Live in confident obedience, not fearful slavery (Romans 8:15). • Represent the family well—“shine before men” so the Father is glorified (Matthew 5:16; Philippians 2:15). • Pursue family likeness by loving as He loves (Ephesians 5:1-2). • Receive discipline as sons (Hebrews 12:6-11) and grow through it. What “the covenants” covers • Abrahamic covenant: walk blamelessly, trust God’s promises (Genesis 17:1-8). • Mosaic covenant: obey God’s voice, keep His commandments (Exodus 19:5-6). • Davidic covenant: hope in the coming King (2 Samuel 7:12-16). • New covenant: hearts transformed by the Spirit, sins forgiven through Christ’s blood (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:10-12). Responsibilities flowing from the covenants • Faith-filled obedience—“Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant…” (Exodus 19:5). • Circumcision of heart—inner devotion replaces mere external forms (Deuteronomy 30:6; Romans 2:29). • Loyalty to the covenant King, Jesus (Acts 2:36). • Proclamation of covenant grace to the nations (Isaiah 42:6; 1 Peter 2:9-10). • Participation in the covenant meal—regular remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:25-26). • Perseverance—holding fast to the hope anchored in God’s sworn oath (Hebrews 6:17-19). Living it out today • Embrace your sonship: approach God freely, speak to Him as “Abba, Father,” and rest in His love. • Let covenant promises fuel obedience: we obey not to earn favor, but because covenant grace has already been given. • Walk in holiness: carry the family resemblance into every sphere—home, work, church, community. • Keep the covenant story alive: celebrate the Lord’s Supper, tell the rescue narrative, and model faithfulness so the next generation knows whose family they belong to. |
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