10 DAYS TO PENTECOST

 

10 DAYS TO PENTECOST

TEXT:  ROMANS 8:15

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

KEY TEXT: Romans 8:15 “…The Spirit of adoption…”

REFLECTION:

Describing spiritual truths with physical terms is not easy.  Our terms are limited by our finite understanding, limited experiences, and our incomplete knowledge of the universe as well as the constraints of our language.

For that reason the Scriptures describe the relationship between God and His people in several ways.  Jesus urged Nicodemus to be “born again.”  (John 3)  In other passages we read that God’s people have been “redeemed” [literally purchased by the blood of Christ], “justified” [a legal term that speaks of being called “just” or “right], and in our key text “adopted,” into the family of God.

The contrast between those who labor under the “spirit of bondage and fear” and those who have received “the Spirit of adoption,” could not be more dramatic.  Paul makes it clear that the Holy Spirit—the Spirit who delivers us from condemnation, who brings life and peace, who raised up Jesus from the dead, and who leads God’s people--brings believers into the family of God by adoption. 

By nature we are slaves to sin and the Master of sin. When confronted with the law of God our corrupt nature resists. Yet the law of God persists and insists that we conform.  In Romans 7 Paul cries, “O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me?”  No wonder.

But those who are brought into the family of God by the Spirit of adoption now rejoice in the glorious privileges that only the children of God can know.

1.     We have been specifically chosen by God to be a part of His family!  The adopted son knows for sure that he has been chosen.

2.     We are free!  The Spirit of Adoption delivers us from the dominion of sin and the Master of sin.

3.     We no longer fear God, we are in His household under His divine protection and loving care.

4.     We are heirs!  By virtue of being adopted into the family of God we now are rightful heirs to the blessings that are reserved for the children of God.

5.     We are joint-heirs with Christ!  As children of God we can now count the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ as our brother!

6.     We may now cry “Abba, Father!”  Slaves were never permitted to call their master’s “Father” but those who are adopted into the family of God, are now urged to use this endearing term when speaking to the Lord.  And He invites us, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  “Let us come boldly to the Throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy.” 

PRAYER: Our Father in Heaven, What an honor and joy it is to call you "Abba Father."  To know that you have chosen us to be your children is beyond amazing. It thrills  us to know that we, who so long  refused your grace, are now joint-heirs with Christ. We pray that today we would walk in and with the Spirit. May we do nothing but what is pleasing in thy sight.  In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen. “Our Father, &c.”