Today’s Promise
April 10, 2023
You are My Child, not My Slave
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!”
Romans 8:15
Child or Slave?
When you put your faith in Christ Jesus, you are born into the Kingdom of God and become a child of the living God.
Are you living the Christian life as a slave or as an adopted child of God? How you answer that question tremendously impacts how you live the Christian life.
A Slave
If you see yourself as a slave of Christ, you will always live in fear and condemnation. Slaves fear their masters. In Ancient Rome, a slave was a commodity. They lived in fear of death any time they were near their master. A slave could be beaten or put to death for the slightest infraction.
So many Christians see God as the great taskmaster. They believe God is ready to judge and punish them for their slightest failure. They think they must work hard for God and do their best to please Him. They feel they must “work out” their salvation. When they pray, they feel condemned and guilty before Him.
A Child
However, if you see yourself as an adopted child of God, everything changes. You no longer live in fear but enjoy a loving relationship with your Heavenly Father. You understand that as a child of God, you are well-pleasing in His sight. You realize it’s not about performance but your relationship.
Here are four things you know when you live as an adopted child of God.
- You understand God chose you and brought you into His family. You didn’t earn your salvation; you accepted it as a gift from God. You know you aren’t worthy of His love, but you are thankful for His grace in your life. You accept His love by faith.
- As an adopted child of God, you live without fear. When God is your father, how can you possibly be afraid? You don’t fear God because you know Him as your loving father.
- You have an intimate relationship with God. Although God is still the “high and lifted up” King of glory, to you, He is your father. The word “Abba” used in this verse is a very intimate term. It is the term a young child calls its father. As God’s child, you can call Him your daddy or papa.
- As an adopted child of God, you desire to please Him. You don’t obey out of fear but out of your relationship with Him. Like a little child, you want to please your Heavenly Father and make Him proud.
Look at this promise again.
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” – Romans 8:15
Make these confessions.
- In Jesus Christ, I am a child of God.
- I am adopted into the Family of God.
- I don’t live in fear because God is my Father.
- I have received a spirit of adoption.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
There are two ways to live the Christian life, as a slave or as a child. I hope you will claim this promise today and live as a child of God.
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Do you see yourself as a slave or child? Put “Slave” or “Child” in the comments below.
Child
Child
Child,
Child of the king
Child
Child
Child of the Father because of Jesus blood and the Holy Spirit voice in me!!