Let us consider Romans 8:15 “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.”
The Spirit of Bondage
The Spirit of bondage is a spirit of fear, condemnation, and legalism. It is characterised by a focus on rules, regulations, and performance. Those who are under the influence of this spirit often feel burdened, anxious, guilty and condemned. They mostly struggle with a sense of inadequacy and a fear of God's judgement.
The Bible speaks against this spirit in various places. For example, in 2 Corinthians 3:17, Paul writes, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." This verse suggests that the Spirit of the Lord brings freedom, while the spirit of bondage leads to slavery.
Another example can be found in Galatians 4:4-5, where Paul contrasts the law with grace. He writes, "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." The law, which was given to the Israelites, was a temporary measure that pointed to the coming of Christ. It could not bring true freedom or righteousness.
While the Bible doesn't explicitly use a Greek term for the "Spirit of Bondage," we can infer its characteristics from various passages. Terms like phobos (fear), katachreō (to use by force), and douleia (slavery) are often associated with this spirit. These terms convey a sense of compulsion, restriction, and fear. Coupled with the Greek word pneuma (such as in Romans 8: 15), makes its spiritual context and existence clear.
The Spirit of Adoption
The Spirit of adoption, on the other hand, is a spirit of love, grace, and freedom. The Spirit of Adoption is the Spirit of Jesus, the Spirit of Truth. It is characterised by a sense of belonging, acceptance, and security. Those who are under the influence of the Spirit of adoption experience the love of the One who adopted. They know that they are forgiven and washed clean and are no longer bound by fear or guilt, but rather by love and gratitude.
Romans 8:15 is a key passage that speaks to the Spirit of adoption that highlights the intimate relationship that believers have with God as their Father, calling upon Him as a child does, “Daddy, Daddy”.
The Greek word for "adoption" in this verse is huiothesia, which literally means, made a son or made a daughter, a child who belongs. This word conveys the idea of being brought into the family of God and embraced as a child. The Spirit of adoption is often associated with the Greek word pneuma, which refers to the Holy Spirit. It implies a deep sense of belonging, love, and security.
As children of God, we have the privilege of approaching Him with boldness, confidence and childlike innocence.
The Contrast
To further understand the contrast between the two spirits, let's examine the following:
Fear vs. Love: The Spirit of bondage is characterised by fear, while the Spirit of adoption is characterised by love.
Condemnation vs. Grace: The Spirit of bondage leads to condemnation, shame and uncertainty, while the Spirit of adoption brings forgiveness, grace, acceptance and freedom.
Performance vs. Faith: The Spirit of bondage emphasises performance according to set rules and legalism, while the Spirit of adoption emphasises freedom and faith in Christ.
Bondage vs. Freedom: The Spirit of bondage leads to spiritual confinement, while the Spirit of adoption brings spiritual freedom.
Overcoming the Spirit of Bondage
To overcome the spirit of bondage and embrace the Spirit of adoption, we need to:
Embrace the Truth of the Gospel:
The Gospel is the good-news-only of Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection coupled with His abiding Spirit of Adoption. It is through His finished work that we are freed from sin and death and empowered into life.
2 Corinthians 5:17 states, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come."
Yield to the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit is the one who empowers us to live a life of freedom, love and victory.
Ephesians 5:18 encourages us to "Be filled with the Spirit."
Practice Gratitude:
Focusing on God's blessings and goodness help us overcome negative thoughts and feelings.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to "give thanks in all circumstances."
Spend Time in God's Word (with the Word Himself):
The Bible is a powerful tool for spiritual growth. By reading and studying it under guidance of His Spirit, we renew our minds and hearts.
Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Build Relationships with Other Believers:
Surrounding ourselves with like-minded believers in the fully completed work of Jesus can provide support, encouragement, and accountability.
Hebrews 10:25 encourages us to "not neglect meeting together, as some do, but encourage one another." And remember, whenever you are meeting with the Spirit of Jesus, you are "meeting together".
By embracing the Spirit of adoption and rejecting the spirit of bondage, we experience the fullness of God's love and grace in our lives as co-heirs together and in the presence of Jesus.
Conclusion
Understanding the Greek words behind these concepts can deepen our appreciation for the contrast between the two spirits. While the Spirit of bondage seeks to enslave us through fear and legalism, the Spirit of adoption empowers us to live a life of freedom, love and triumph. By recognizing the finished work of Jesus and applying it in our daily lives through His abiding Spirit, we overcome the bondage of sin and shame and we experience the abundant life of an adopted child of God.
HalleluYah!
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