Connect Galatians 4:6 with Romans 8:15 on the Spirit of sonship. Spirit Sent into Our Hearts “And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’” (Galatians 4:6) • God’s action of sending is decisive—He plants His own Spirit inside every believer, sealing family status. • The initiative rests with God, confirming that sonship is not earned but bestowed. The Cry “Abba, Father” “For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” (Romans 8:15) • Both passages highlight the same spontaneous cry, “Abba, Father,” signaling intimacy and confidence. • The Holy Spirit Himself moves the heart to address God in the tender, family language Jesus used. Adoption Secured • Ephesians 1:5—God “predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ.” • John 1:12—All who receive Christ are given “the right to become children of God.” • Adoption is a legal, irrevocable placement into God’s household, not a temporary arrangement. Freedom from Fear • Romans 8:15 contrasts the old “spirit of slavery” with the new “Spirit of sonship.” • Hebrews 2:14-15—Christ frees believers from lifelong bondage to fear of death. • The indwelling Spirit displaces fear with confident love (1 John 4:18). Identity Affirmed by the Spirit • Romans 8:16—“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” • 1 John 3:1—“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” • Assurance is more than emotion; it is the Spirit’s ongoing witness lining up with the written Word. The Spirit as Down Payment • 2 Corinthians 1:22—God “put His seal on us and placed His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.” • Ephesians 1:13-14—The Spirit is “a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.” • Present experience of the Spirit assures a future inheritance that cannot fade. Living as Sons and Daughters • Approach God with bold access (Hebrews 4:16). • Reflect the family likeness by walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25). • Reject the old slavery mindset—guilt, insecurity, spiritual orphanhood. • Rejoice in the full rights of inheritance with Christ (Romans 8:17). Takeaway Truths • Sonship is a divine gift, anchored in the finished work of Christ and sealed by the Spirit. • The Spirit’s indwelling cry, “Abba, Father,” replaces fear with filial confidence. • Every promise of inheritance stands secure because the Spirit is both witness and guarantee. |
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