Adopted into God's Family
Main Bible Passage: Romans 8:15-17
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
The concept of adoption is powerful and transformative. In Romans 8:15-17, Paul explains that through the Holy Spirit, we are adopted into God’s family. This adoption changes our status, identity, and inheritance. Today, we will examine what it means to be adopted by God and how
this impacts our daily lives.
Paul starts by contrasting our new life in Christ with our old life of fear and bondage. He reminds us that the Spirit we received does not make us slaves again to fear; instead, it brings about our adoption to sonship. This means that we are no longer bound by the fear and constraints of our past. Instead, we have been given a n ew identity as sons and daughters of God.
The term “adoption to sonship” in this context signifies a full legal standing as a child in God’s family. This was a significant concept in Roman culture, where an adopted child was given all the rights and privileges of a biological child, including inheritance rights. Similarly, our adoption into
God’s family grants us full status as His children, with all the accompanying rights and privileges.
By the Spirit, we are able to cry out, “Abba, Father.” The term “Abba” is an Aramaic word that
denotes an intimate, personal relationship with God, akin to calling Him “Daddy” or “Papa.” This reflects the close, loving relationship we now have with our Heavenly Father.
Furthermore, the Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are indeed God’s children. This inner confirmation provides us with assurance and confidence in our identity. As children of God, we are also heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. This means that we share in the inheritance promised to Christ, including eternal life and glory.
However, Paul also notes that sharing in Christ’s glory means sharing in His sufferings. This
reminds us that our journey as God’s children will include challenges and trials, but these are part of our growth and ultimate glorification with Christ.
Life Application: Understanding that we are adopted into God’s family should transform our view
of ourselves and our relationship with God. Reflect on the significance of being a child of God, and let this identity shape your actions and attitudes. Embrace the intimate relationship with God
as your “Abba, Father,” and bring your concerns and joys to Him with the confidence of a beloved child. Recognize that you are an heir with Christ, and let this inheritance give you hope and strength, especially during difficult times. Live out your identity as a member of God’s family, extending love, grace, and compassion to others as God has shown to you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting me into Your family and making me Your child. Help me to fully grasp the depth of this relationship and to live in the confidence and assurance
that comes from being Your beloved son/daughter. Teach me to rely on Your Spirit and to call upon You as “Abba, Father.” Strengthen me to face challenges, knowing that I am an heir with Christ. May my life reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
