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April 12, 2021
Today’s Promise
I am God’s Child, Not His Slave
Romans 8:15
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!”
Are you living the Christian life as a slave or as an adopted child of God? Your answer to that question has a major impact on your walk with God.
If you think of yourself as a slave of Christ, you will always live in fear. 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.
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 have to 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.
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.
Here are four things you know when you live as an adopted child of God.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. You have an intimate relationship with God. He is not 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. You can call God your daddy or papa.
4. 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 of you.
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 an adopted 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 child of God, or a slave? Share in the comments below.
Father today let me live as your adopted daughter and not in fear!
*ABBA FATHER!*
I needed this
I know a preacher that says we are slaves to Jesus Christ. Where he gets this is not from the Bible.
Billy you made it easy to understand that we have been adopted by his love. God bless you Billy.