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
Human beings were created to love and serve the Lord. Sadly, in the absence of faith in God through Christ, people become slaves to sin and fear. Believers walk by the Spirit, overcoming the enticements of the flesh. God loved the world so much that He sent His son Jesus to set humanity free from the bondage of fear, sin, and death (John 3:16). Jesus liberates you, similar to the way Moses led the Hebrews out of Egyptian slavery, or as the brave soldiers fought to free the slaves in the American Civil War. Christ sets you free to live a victorious life in Him.
In today’s verse, Paul admonishes you not to fall back into the spirit of slavery. Know that you, as a believer in Christ, are free because of whose child you are. The Holy Spirit enables you to cry Abba, or Papa, Father. Now, you can boldly walk with Him and live a peaceful life. “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:5-6).
It takes boldness to live in liberty and follow after the Spirit. Live your life by the grace and freedom the Lord has given you, receiving His forgiveness and love, and sharing it with others. Pray that the nation’s public officials and citizens will serve God, and so become truly free.
Today’s Verse: Romans 8:15
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!”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 20:20-28
20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
