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"The Spirit of Adoption"

Text: Romans 8:15

THE DOCTRINE OF ADOPTION (“sonship”)

The doctrine of sonship of all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ also involves the Spirit of God (and not just the Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father). Paul wrote clearly on this matter.

“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. The spirit of bondage

a) This is purposely stated to offer a contrast to the “Spirit of adoption”.

b) This is a reference to the pre-Christian stage.

i) One is in bondage to sin.

ii) Sin causes inordinate fear within the heart.

2. The Spirit of adoption

a) This Spirit has already been well identified (Romans 8).

The following may be highlighted:-

i) He generates life (Romans 8:2, 10, 11)

ii) He indwells every believer (Romans 8:9)

iii) He leads in life (Romans 8:14)

b) He is identified further

i) The Lord Jesus made adoption possible.

ii) The Father affirms that we may indeed be called His children.

iii) The Spirit of God applies this truth,

c) Proof of the work of the Spirit of Adoption

i) He will teach us how to relate to God as our Father in heaven.

ii) He will teach us how to address God as “Abba, Father”.