Spirit of Adoption

Romans 8:14-17: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by Whom we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together with Him.

For just a minute, look with me at the flow of this passage.

To pass it up would be to overlook a treasure!

V  First, the Holy Spirit sets us free from the law of sin and death. Fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law, once and for all. (Romans 8:1-4)

V  Once we grasp that, an overwhelming sense of freedom takes over. Without any striving or strain, we stop thinking about the fleshly things that once held us captive. We are so in awe that we use our new liberty to pursue even harder after God. (Romans 8:5)

V  The power of the Spirit destroys our carnal nature, and for the first time in our lives, we realize we are no longer slaves to sin. (Romans 8:6-13)

V  The wonder of it all….Can you remember those days of your first love? The joy unspeakable and full of glory, when you seemingly without effort overcame the very sin that for so long had kept you hostage, watching brand-new fruit come forth from your life – love, patience, gentleness, kindness…
Remember it?

V  Jesus wants EVERY DAY to be like those days. Today is the appointed day of revelation, your perfect time to grasp this amazing reality…God is declaring this is not temporary, or a phase. YOU ARE FOREVER FREE, FOREVER HIS!

V  He has adopted us. Freedom, acceptance, and an unending supply of His Spirit is the birthright of all His kids. (Romans 8:14-17)

V  God LOVES to hear the sound of your voice calling out to Him, “Abba!”

He is our Father, He alone in all the universe realizes the fullness of meaning that there is in that wonderful word Father, and it brings joy to Him to have us realize that He is our Father and to call Him so...When we look up into His face and, from a heart that the Holy Spirit has filled with a sense of sonship, call Him, “Abba, Father,” no language can describe the joy of God. ~ RA Torrey