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"The Spirit of adoption..."

Text: Romans 8:15

APPRECIATING GOD’S GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

All too often, we take the gifts from God for granted. We must make every effort to ensure that we do not take for granted His special gift of the Holy Spirit.

“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear,
but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out,
‘Abba, Father.'”
Romans 8:15

1. An important contrast to be noted

a) The spirit of bondage

b) The Spirit of adoption

2. “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear”

a) What is this “spirit of bondage?”

b) It is not a reference to an evil spirit.

c) The word “spirit” is to be understood with reference to two things:

i) Bondage

ii) Fear

d) This thought is to be seen as a contrast.

3. “But you received the Spirit of adoption”

a) This is a definite reference to the Holy Spirit.

b) Believers are made the children of God “by adoption”.

c) The Spirit of God is the One who is directly involved in this process.

4. “By whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father'”

a) How may we know that the Spirit of God indwells us?

b) One very clear work is mentioned right here.

i) He teaches us how to address God as “Abba, Father”.

ii) “Abba” is an Aramaic word that suggests closeness to God as Father.

iii) “Father” is a more formal way of describing God as our Heavenly Father.

There must be a great sense of regard or respect for the LORD our God.

c) Both terms are used effectively to suggest both “closeness” as well as having deep respect.

d) The Spirit of God will teach us how to be prayerful.

e) He will teach us how we may draw closer to God without becoming overly familiar with Him.