Romans 8:15
[15] For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (ESV)
We have been learning in this chapter the difference the Holy Spirit makes in our lives. Before we met the Savior we were in slavery to sin and could not please God. Now, we are forgiven of our sins and are now led by the Holy Spirit of God who lives within us and enables us to put to death the sinful nature in our lives.
Paul informs us that there is going to be the temptation to fall back into that slavery and bondage to sin. Where does that come from? Not the Holy Spirit! The Spirit you received is the Spirit of adoption, not slavery. It is the voice of the enemy that attempts to convince you that you are still a slave to sin. That is not who you are anymore.
Who are you really? I have wonderful news for you. You are a child of God. You have been adopted. I know my earthly father. He is a great and godly man. I was not adopted in an earthly sense. I feel as if those who were adopted in this world feel a certain kind of special because they were particularly chosen to be a son or daughter. Someone wanted them and chose them.
We are adopted. We were wanted by God. He chose us. As a result of this special relationship we have the right to cry out to our heavenly father. We call him Abba. Father. What does that mean? The closest translation is a term of perfect intimacy such as "daddy," or "papa." Picture yourself as a small child in your daddy's lap. That is the kind of relationship you have because of the spirit you received.
Do not believe the lies of the enemy when he tells you that you belong to him. If you have placed your faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross you are no longer a slave. You are a chosen, adopted child of God. Go ahead, call him daddy. He loves you.
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