Abandoment and Adoption
Dean Taylor teaches that though believers may experience feelings of abandonment, God’s promise of adoption assures them of their secure identity as His beloved children, encouraging a faithful pursuit of Him despite spiritual struggles.
This sermon delves into the emotions of joy, depression, abandonment, adoption, and spiritual anguish in the Christian experience. It emphasizes the importance of genuine emotions in praising God and the need to pursue Him even in times of sorrow and grief. The message highlights the sanctified feeling of abandonment, the spirit of adoption, and the power of spiritual anguish in prayer and seeking God.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Reality of Spiritual Emotions
- Joy and praise as God-given experiences
- The struggle with depression and emotional ups and downs
- The sanctified feeling of abandonment
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II. Biblical Example of Abandonment: David in Psalm 13
- David’s honest expression of feeling forgotten
- Self-counseling through anguish
- Trusting God’s mercy and salvation despite feelings
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III. The Sanctified Abandonment and Pursuit of God
- The Song of Solomon as a roadmap for spiritual journey
- The reality of ‘little foxes’ that spoil spiritual joy
- The beloved’s active seeking of God despite absence
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IV. The Spirit of Adoption and Assurance
- John Wesley’s story illustrating assurance of salvation
- Galatians 4 and Romans 8 teaching on adoption as children of God
- The Spirit’s witness in believers’ hearts affirming their identity
Key Quotes
“Satan is entirely spending his life, he's ever accusing the brethren, day and night, saying you're worthless, you can't do it, you've messed up too much, you've sinned too much, God cannot look at you, you're too dirty.” — Dean Taylor
“If God was just to continually give us great feelings and everything was going to go good... God wants us to love him more.” — Dean Taylor
“Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your heart, crying out, Abba, Father.” — Dean Taylor
Application Points
- When feeling spiritually abandoned, bring your honest emotions before God instead of suppressing them.
- Pursue God actively even when you do not feel His presence, trusting His promises over your feelings.
- Rest in the assurance of your adoption as God’s child through the witness of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'sanctified abandonment' mean?
It refers to the holy experience of feeling spiritually abandoned by God, which leads believers to deeper faith and pursuit rather than despair.
How can believers handle feelings of rejection or abandonment?
By honestly expressing their emotions to God, like David did, and by reminding themselves of God’s promises and mercy.
What is the significance of adoption in the Christian life?
Adoption signifies that believers are accepted as God’s children with all the rights and privileges that come with being heirs of His kingdom.
Why is pursuing God important during spiritual dryness?
Because it strengthens faith and intimacy with God, showing trust beyond feelings and leading to spiritual growth.
How does the Holy Spirit affirm a believer’s adoption?
The Spirit bears witness with our spirit, crying out 'Abba, Father,' confirming our identity as God’s children.