Adoption is not for the faint of heart.  
Adoption is one of the greatest ways we can care for orphans. 
Adoption may be the best way to tell my story, or perhaps your story.

Context for Ephesians

From: Paul the apostle, by God’s choosing.
To: Holy people whose faith is in Christ (messiah) Jesus.
Where: Ephesus or may be simply a general letter to all the churches as “in Ephesus” is not listed in some of the earliest and most reliable texts. EBC 

Speak well of God for he has blessed you greatly.  (3)

• Praise (def)- speak well of
  
  
• The Father blessed us with citizenship or our new place of belonging in Heaven.
  • We are no longer to be of earthly mind.
  • We are merely traveling through.

• In Christ we receive every blessing possible from the Spirit.
  • This verse and chapter are very Trinitarian. BKC
    • Selection of the Father. (4-6)
    • Sacrifice of the Son. (7-12)
    • Sealing of the Spirit. (13-14)

We are blessed to be seen by God as holy and blameless. (4)

• This happens in Christ alone, not by our merit or work.
  • Can anyone accomplish holiness or perfection on their own merit?

• The decision or choice was by God alone, not by our will.
  
  
• That decision was made before time was established in Creation.

God lovingly adopted us as heirs before we ever drew our first breath. (5)

• Huiothesian- is a single Greek term best understood in English as “adoption to sonship” because it signifies in Roman culture in being adopted as a legal heir.
  
  
• We were adopted with intent to inherit the treasures of heaven.
  
  
• His decision to adopt us was willful and this brings him joy filled pleasure.

*Illustration: Adoption journey

1. Choosing to adopt is not for the faint of heart. It can come with peril.
2. The adopted child is loved on no differently than a biological one.
3. The adopted child has all the privileges and inheritance as any child would.
4. Adopted children often struggle with identity of having been chosen verses the norms of biological parenting.
5. It grieves the heart of the adoptive parents when they see their adoptive child doubt their significance and full standing as their child.
6. Peace and strength of esteem come when they identify and receive the beauty of the love having been chosen.

Praise goes to God for the grace given us in Christ to be adopted into his big family. (6)

• “He wrote us into his will, then he died so the will would be in force.” Unknown Professor
  
  
• Such grace, a glorious grace!

God’s invites you to join his family and experience his grace.

God invites you to enjoy the peace and the identity that comes with being his adopted heir.

What will be your adoption story?