Romans 8:15 For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba… 1. In what sense are we to understand the word "spirit"? Our own spirit, inasmuch as it refers to that filial disposition which prompts us to cry, Abba, Father; yet also God's Spirit, because it is only by His power and inspiration that this temper of mind is produced or sustained (chap. Romans 5:5). 2. To what does "again" refer? No doubt to the former dispensation, Judaism (see the argument in Galatians 4, especially verses 4-7 and 22-31, and again, Hebrews 12:18-24). 3. This Spirit of adoption is a spirit of — I. REVERENTIAL ADMIRATION AND LOVE. Who so good or wise in the eyes of a son as his beloved parent? Yet our filial partiality may be grossly mistaken. Not thus is it with our regard for God. If His children, we learn to discern in Him every excellence, and each in its highest perfection and purest form. II. GRATITUDE AND PRAISE. The son acknowledges his obligation to his father, is ever grateful to him, and learns to speak of him with becoming expressions of thankfulness and filial pride. So it is with us and God. III. DEPENDENCE AND TRUST. While we acknowledge His kindness in the past, we depend on Him at the present moment, and we commit to Him all our care for the future. How little anxiety for the morrow has the confiding child. IV. MEEK SUBMISSION AND CHEERFUL OBEDIENCE. A father's will is law to a good son; and all that a father reposes or inflicts is submitted to without murmuring, from a persuasion of his wisdom and right to correct us when we do wrong, combined with a firm conviction that he seeks only our welfare and good. How much rather should we be in subjection to the Father of our spirits (Hebrews 12:5-10). V. COMMUNION AND FELLOWSHIP. It cries, "Abba, Father." It is natural for a son to seek his father's society, and to tell him all his wishes, all his wants. So do the sons of God come to Him in supplication and prayer (Matthew 6:6.) Further, a good son is interested in his father's pursuits, knowing that he himself will be enriched by his father's successes and advanced by his father's promotion. So do we know, as God's children, that He conducts all the affairs of His empire for our honour and welfare, and we constantly pray, "Father, Thy kingdom come," etc. VI. CONFIDENCE AND HOPE. A child who incidentally does wrong can come to his father in penitence and sorrow, assured of readily obtaining acceptance and forgiveness. So likewise we can come to God when we have sinned against Him, believing that He will quickly restore us to His favour, and not vindictively cast us off for ever. Therefore, we shall at length be brought home to our Father's house above. A wealthy parent may send his child away for a season, and place him under tutors and governors, but it is to receive him back eventually with increased honour and joy. Thus will Jehovah act with regard to us. (T. G. Horton.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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