Two Spirits in Romans 8:15: Fear Versus Adoption

Many believers know that God has forgiven them, yet still withdraw, punish themselves, or push harder when they fall short. The post observes that such people may have heard about God’s unconditional love but still act as if they must make up for their mistakes. The author suggests that asking questions like “Have I done enough for God?” can be a sign of what it calls spiritual slavery, though the tone is encouraging rather than alarming.

The post builds its teaching on Romans 8:15, which speaks of two spirits: a spirit of slavery that leads to fear, and a spirit of adoption by which believers cry out, “Abba! Father!” The author describes the spirit of adoption as the Holy Spirit’s work in those who trust Christ, teaching them to see God as a loving Father rather than a judge to be feared or a distant power. The post explains that “Abba” is an Aramaic word of familial closeness, and that the cry is one of trust and love, not a formal prayer.

The author also describes the spirit of slavery as a lie that God is not a loving Father. The post links this to temptations in two directions: license, which says “if it feels good, do it,” and legalism, which says “if it makes you good, do it.” Both, the author argues, leave a person fearful and enslaved. A simple test follows from Paul’s words: fear and anxiety point toward bondage, while the Spirit inspires a turning toward the Father.

The post closes with encouragement. When fear drives a person away from God instead of toward him, the author suggests, that person may be listening to a spirit that does not know God as Father. The remedy offered is to renew the mind, believe what God’s word says, and learn to see oneself as God sees him. The post ends by reminding believers that they can cry out to their Father for help in their time of need.

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