Romans 8:15 - No Longer Fearful Slaves But Joyful Children Of God.
Romans 8:15 (ESV) 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!
Romans 8:15 (NLT) So you have not received a
spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you
received Gods Spirit when he adopted you as his
own children. Now we call him, Abba,
Father.
INTRODUCTION
Paul uses adoption to illustrate the
believer's new relationship with God. In Roman culture,
the adopted person lost all rights in his old
family and gained all the rights of a legitimate
child in his new family. He became a full heir to
his new father's estate. Likewise, when a person
becomes a Christian, he or she gains all the
privileges and responsibilities of a child in God's
family. One of these outstanding privileges is being
led by the Spirit (see Galatians 4:5, 6). We may
not always feel as though we belong to God, but
the Holy Spirit is our witness. His inward
presence reminds us of who we are and encourages us
with God's love (5:5).
We are no longer like "fearful slaves";
instead, we are the Master's children. What a
privilege! Because we are God's children, we share in
great treasures as co-heirs. God has already given
us his best gifts: his Son, his Holy Spirit,
forgiveness, and eternal life; and he encourages us to
ask him for whatever we need. [Life Application
SB]
COMMENTARY PEARL
Growing up, I didnt know my biological
father. But my mother married a man named Oscar
Laurie, who adopted me formally. He treated me as a
father should treat a son. He disciplined me when I
went astray. He did the best that he could in
helping me to be a good boy. But tragically my mom
left him, and I didnt see him for the rest of
my childhood.
However, I did have the privilege of
reconnecting with him as a young adult, after I become a
Christian and a pastor. I also had the privilege of
leading him to the Lord.
Just as Oscar Laurie adopted me, God has
adopted you, if you have put your faith in Christ.
The Bible says, For all who are led by the
Spirit of God are children of God (Romans 8:14
NLT).
Are you a child of God? That comes
through believing in Jesus Christ. He can pardon you
of every sin you have ever committed. Maybe
youre thinking, Ive messed up and made
mistakes. I have sinned.
You dont have to be controlled by your
past. And you dont have to be crippled by it,
either. You can put it behind. You can become a new
person in Jesus Christ.
This is your moment to come into a
relationship with the God who loves you. He loves you so
much that He sent His only Son Jesus Christ to
come to this earth, die on the cross for your
sin, and rise from the dead. Now He stands at the
door of your life and knocks. And if you hear His
voice and open the door, He will come in.
Are you worn out and exhausted? Are you
filled with sadness and depression? There is hope.
But this hope is not in religion or in rules and
regulations. It is hope in Jesus Christ coming to live
inside of you. [Greg Laurie from Harvest
Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com]
COMMENTARY
If fear falls upon you in a punitive sense,
check and find its source. Following God's Spirit
we have no fear, we have God's love instead.
We are exhorted to remember that we are God's
children, in such a wonderful relationship to Him that
out of our heart we may cry, Papa, to Him who
sits above all creation enthroned in majesty!
Having become part of God's family we receive His
Holy Spirit, who comes to live within us and give
us the power to please God. Even if our own
spirit questions our position in Christ, God's
Spirit witnesses to us inwardly and tells us we are
indeed sons of God! If we find ourselves
questioning our position in God's family regularly we
must ask the Lord to reveal to us its source. Be
prepared. We can call Him Papa. He has given us that
right. But He also will keep us walking the narrow
path by whatever means are necessary. [In His
Time; Walk With Wisdom]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY
Revelation 3:20 - An Invitation For
Relationship With Divinity.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220506-0938.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Steps to Peace by Billy Graham:
https://stepstopeace.org/
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Voice of Prophecy Discover Bible Study
Guides:
https://www.voiceofprophecy.com/study/discover
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible
Panorama of Prophecy with Pastor Doug
Batchelor: https://www.panoramaofprophecy.com/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
