November 9
The Spirit
of Adoption
Romans 8:15
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
Daily Steps
This final entry on The Spirit's Convicting Work offers profound comfort to the new believer. The Spirit's work of conviction (Day 313) is not meant to condemn but to transform our identity. He removes the spirit of slavery and fear, replacing it with the Spirit of adoption, which grants us the secure, intimate access of a loved child to God: Abba, Father.
The peace in this principle is found in intimate relationship:
Freedom from Fear: The Spirit we received is not one that makes us a slave again to fear. Before Christ, humanity was separated from God by sin, living in terror of divine judgment (Day 313). Now, the redemption (Day 225) secured by Christ has broken that bondage to fear, granting us eternal security (Day 297).
The New Identity: We received the Spirit of adoption. This is the core of our ultimate identity (Day 288). Adoption is a legal and loving act where God declares us His own permanent, rightful children, granting us full rights to the inheritance (Day 312).
The Resulting Intimacy: Because of this adoption, we can confidently cry out, “Abba, Father.” Abba is an Aramaic term of ultimate closeness and affection, similar to "Daddy." It is the Holy Spirit (Day 314) Himself who empowers us to address the Almighty God with such simple, loving intimacy.
Your peace is secured by intimate relationship. Embrace The Work of the Holy Spirit today as your Spirit of adoption. Reject any lingering spirit of fear and confidently approach God as your loving Abba, Father, resting in the certain knowledge that you are His beloved child.
Reflective Question
Do you usually approach God with the fear of a slave or the confidence of a loved child? How can addressing God as "Abba, Father" today change the way you pray about a difficult situation or need?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I confess my tendency to hold back and approach You with formality and fear. I thank You for not giving me a spirit of slavery, but the Spirit of adoption, by whom I can cry out, “Abba, Father.” I pray for the grace to live in the full intimacy of my identity as Your child. Secure my peace today in this powerful adoption, knowing I am eternally loved and secured by You. Amen.
