The Voice You Have Been Hearing!

 

June 17, 2025

 

Romans 8:14–17

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 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.”



The Apostle Paul's teaching in Romans 8 is a powerful declaration about our identity. In a world where people often define themselves by success, struggle, relationships, or failure, Paul declares that the Jesus-follower’s identity is founded on something unshakeable: we are adopted by God through the Spirit.

I think a bit of context will help us today. Adoption in the Roman world, during the time of Paul, was not considered a second-rate status. Adopted children held the same legal rights as full heirs and were often deliberately selected a father to preserve name and inheritance. That context gives profound weight to Paul’s metaphor, God didn’t pity us; He chose us. Through the Holy Spirit, we are welcomed not as servants or slaves in God’s house, but as children at His table.

And more than that, Paul says we can cry, “Abba, Father.” This was the intimate Aramaic word Jesus Himself used to speak to God, something like “Papa” or “Dad.” It is not formal. It is not distant. It is the cry of trust and affection from someone who knows they are safe.

We struggle to live in that safety and freedom. Don’t we? We slip back into the slavery of fear, fear of not measuring up, of being rejected, of being alone. However, during our times of fear we must listen closely, for the Spirit’s voice responds to our fear by whispering God's words to our hearts: “You belong. You are mine.”

That is the truth that the Holy Spirit confirms to us. You see, Our Creator God chooses us. He welcomes us. He wants a deep and abiding relationship with us. Aren't you thankful that "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children."


Let’s Pray

Creator God, thank you for the gift of the presence and work of your Holy Spirit, through which you adopt us a your children. When fear whispers to me messages like I am not enough, remind me that I belong to you my heavenly Father. Help me live in the freedom of Your love and the confidence and safety of being part of Your family. Teach me to call out to God not as a stranger, but as my Abba. Amen.