For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  (15)  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.

Romans 8:14-15

Explanation:

God describes the special relationship that exists between those who are saved and Himself. The Bible describes being “born again”. In John 3, the Bible expresses that you have to born of the water (physical birth) and the Spirit (spiritual birth). When a person is born to the father they are a son or a daughter, and that is exactly what God calls us in verse 14. Those who are saved, who have been born again, have the Spirit of God living in them. They are then led by that Spirit and that leading testifies to them that they are the sons of God. We don’t have a spirit of bondage, fearful of the condemnation of our sin, fearful of God like criminal is fearful of the cops. Rather, we have an intimacy with God, as loved, adopted children. It is out of that relationship as adopted children that we cry out to God by a different name- Abba. The name Abba is an aramaic term of intimacy for a dad, much like “daddy”.

As a dad, I really resonate with this passage. When my son or daughters are struggling and crying, I want to come alongside them, take them up in my arms and comfort them. I want to teach them to do the right thing. I want to see them grow. I really resonate with John when he said,

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

3 John 1:4

I don’t want my children to look at me as a master to be feared, but as a dad to be respected, honored and loved. I want them to see me as someone who is helping them to love and follow Jesus because of my example and my words. I believe this is God’s heart as well. There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. We don’t have a spirit of bondage, but rather a spirit of adoption!

Application:

To think that this is the Word that God chose for us to call Him! He called Himself Father. He calls Himself Abba for those who He has sent His Spirit to indwell, and illuminate and lead. We must be careful to pursue a real relationship with our loving Heavenly Father. We have been justified, given peace with God, and given access to God, all things that are needed to commune with God.

Closeness with God comes through communication, shared experiences and time. You can’t have a close, deep relationship with anyone without time. To spend time with God we get in His Word and we get on our knees.

Closeness with God also comes through obedience. He says that we are lead by the Spirit. It is difficult for the child to be close with their parent when they are being disobedient, rebellious and defiant. The right relationship comes through submission. He is our Father. We obey Him.

Response:

I’m going to take some extra time today, on a very busy morning, to spend some time communing with God in prayer. He’s my dad. I want His leadership in my day.