135. ROM 8:15. THE SPIRIT OF ADOPTION

Rom_8:15. The Spirit of Adoption

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father"’97Rom_8:15.

This subject is stated by the apostle,

I. Negatively.

Believers "have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear." Observe.

1. The Jews were under a spirit of bondage and fear.

The apostle speaks of their yoke as being one which neither they nor their fathers could bear. Their ceremonies and rites were so numerous, that the mind must always have been in a state of thraldom and anxious alarm. Such are described as being slaves, the sons of the bondwoman, Gal_4:30. Not only were the Jews in this state, but,

2. The Gentiles had a spirit of bondage and fear.

They felt the imperfection and misery of their state, and devised numerous plans for their improvement and happiness. But all was ineffectual. The strong man kept possession; sin reigned and tyrannized; and they could find no sure and certain expedient to remove their alarms, or allay their fears.

3. All believers were once subject to a spirit of bondage and fear.

"Ye were the slaves of sin;" Rom_6:17. "At that time ye were without Christ, being aliens," &c.; Eph_2:12. As such, the mind was darkened with guilt, and the conscience burdened with apprehensions of the wrath to come. But the subject is stated,

II. Positively.

Believers "have received the spirit of adoption," &c.

1. Believers are adopted into the divine family.

No longer afar off, aliens, &c.; but brought nigh, and received into the family of God. This change is the result of divine grace. It is always in connection with faith, Joh_1:12; and it is effected by the holy Spirit of God. As the Spirit is the agent, so,

2. The Holy Spirit is the evidence of our adoption.

It dwells in all the sons of God. "Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts," &c.; Gal_4:6. So the verse following the text: "The Spirit itself heareth witness with our spirits," &c.

3. This Spirit is a Spirit of freedom and confidence.

"It makes free from the law of sin and death;" ver. 2. It breaks our bonds, dissolves our fetters, and brings us into the liberty of the children of God. Dread is removed, and holy affection and confidence in God inspired.

4. This Spirit enables believers to ad dress God as their Father.

By which we cry, Abba! that is, Father! God is dreaded by the sinner; but loved by his children. They can draw nigh to him with holy assurance, and say to him, Father! And as such they are interested,

(1) In his fatherly care and protection "I will spare him," &c.; Mal_3:17.

(2) Fatherly supplies: "If ye, being evil," &c.; Mat_7:11.

(3) Fatherly instructions and corrections; Heb_12:6-11.

(4) Fatherly affections and delights Joh_16:27.

(5) Fatherly promises and interests "If children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ;" ver. 17

IMPROVEMENT

1. How miserable and degraded the servants of sin! Held in bondage’97full of fear’97exposed to death. 2. How happy God’s people! Sons, not slaves; the Spirit of adoption filling them with joy, and righteousness, and peace, and a blessed hope of a glorious immortality.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS