What is the meaning of Romans 8:15? For you did not receive The life you now possess was not earned or manufactured; it was received as a gift. • John 1:12 reminds us that “to all who received Him…He gave the right to become children of God.” • Ephesians 2:8-9 underscores that salvation is “by grace…not from yourselves.” • The emphasis is on God’s initiative, not human effort—He acted first; we simply welcomed what He offered. …a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear What God placed within you is not a force that drives you back into anxious servitude. • Hebrews 2:14-15 speaks of Christ freeing “those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” • 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control.” • Galatians 4:3-9 contrasts bondage under the law with freedom in Christ. Any impulse that shoves you toward dread, condemnation, or a never-enough performance mindset is not from Him. …but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship In place of fearful bondage, God installed His own Spirit, stamping you with full family rights. • Ephesians 1:5 celebrates that He “predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ.” • Galatians 4:5-6 explains that adoption means being redeemed “so that we might receive adoption as sons,” followed immediately by the Spirit entering our hearts. • Adoption isn’t second-class membership. The Father treats you with the same affection He has for His only-begotten Son (John 17:23). …by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit’s presence moves us to speak to God with the intimacy of a beloved child. • Jesus Himself prayed “Abba, Father” in Mark 14:36, and His Spirit now echoes that address in us (Galatians 4:6). • “Cry” is a heartfelt, spontaneous outburst, not a formal recitation; it reveals relationship, not ritual. • Hebrews 4:16 invites us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence,” because the One on the throne is also “Abba.” summary Romans 8:15 assures believers that God has replaced the old, fear-driven slavery with the warm embrace of adoption. The Spirit you received is the Spirit who secures your family status, banishes dread, and stirs an instinctive “Abba! Father!” on your lips. Live and pray from that settled place—loved, accepted, and free. |
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