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14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father” 16 it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

 

Paul was writing this letter to the church in the capitol city of the Roman Empire to help heal divisions between Christians who were Jewish and those that were not and to resolve any misunderstandings about his view of the gospel. In this part of the scripture, he is specifically addressing Life in the Spirit of Christ followers. This of course resonates with us today as it did with the Christians of that time as it defines our relationship with God though Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Paul tells us as believers we are God’s children and that we are blessed with a relationship of love and trust. After all that is what Christ is all about. Think about the relationships of love and trust Jesus formed with people in all walks of life. To help us Paul uses the names Abba, Father in clarifying our relationship with God. He also reminds us we do not need to be tied to fear and condemnation. He uses the phrase “spirit of adoption” to help with the understanding of our relationship with our Lord. Adoption has been defined as love, closeness, and security. This particularly resonates with me as our daughter came to us through adoption. I remember sitting in court and the judge asking questions such as, “Will you provide for and love this child? Will this child inherit from you?” This is what our Lord has promised us--an inheritance of Jesus, through the promise of God’s kingdom and eternal life. Paul is telling us that we need not live as a slave in fear but as a child of God. God, whose Spirit gives us guidance and reassurance in Christ’s inheritance even if it includes suffering now. What a gift to be a Child of God!

Dear Abba! Father, We offer thanks and praise for your adoption of us through the Holy Spirit and an inheritor of your son, Jesus Christ.

Sharon Rhodes

sharonrhodes76@hotmail.com

 

Prayer Concern: For all who are feeling captive in some form of slavery, (physical, mental, emotional), that they might find Life in the Spirit.

Additional scriptures: Exodus 19: 16-25, Psalm 33:12-22