Romans 8:12–17 CEB

12 So then, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but it isn’t an obligation to ourselves to live our lives on the basis of selfishness. 13 If you live on the basis of selfishness, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the actions of the body, you will live. 14 All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters. 15 You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that shows you are adopted as his children. With this Spirit, we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The same Spirit agrees with our spirit, that we are God’s children. 17 But if we are children, we are also heirs. We are God’s heirs and fellow heirs with Christ, if we really suffer with him so that we can also be glorified with him.

Not Fear, But Freedom

Let's begin with a story, a story that might resonate with many of us. Picture yourself in a pet store, choosing a new member for your family. Among the options, there's a tiny kitten, a bit unsteady on its paws, looking a tad nervous. You decide to bring this kitten home, and it spends the first few days hiding under the bed, only venturing out for meals.

Imagine, one day, you introduce a new toy—a laser pointer. In an instant, the once-timid kitten bursts from under the bed, chasing the little red dot up and down the hallway, utterly fearless in pursuit of something it can't even see. It's a remarkable sight. This simple change in perspective—from fear to focus—has brought about a profound transformation in courage.

This kitten is a lot like us sometimes. We can be overwhelmed by fears, crouching in the dark corners of our doubts and anxieties.

But what happens when we shift our focus?

When we chase after God's truth, like that kitten chases the laser light, we find ourselves breaking free from the fears that once paralyzed us.

Today, we will look at how, through the Holy Spirit, we move from a spirit of fear to a spirit of freedom. Let's explore what it means to live not in fear but in the liberating freedom that comes as children of God.

I heard a story about a little boy practicing his trumpet in the living room while his father was trying to read in the next room. Frustrated by the noise, his father finally stormed into the room. 'I can't read in here with all that noise,' he complained.

The boy looked up at his dad and innocently asked, 'Should I play louder so you can hear me better?'

Just like this little boy misunderstood his father's frustration for encouragement, we often misunderstand our fears as signs that we must handle things on our own, without realizing that we have the support of the ultimate Father, cheering us on from the sidelines, ready to step in and guide us towards freedom.

The Bondage of Fear

As we just saw in the story of that kitten, it's remarkable what a change in perspective can do. This little creature moved from hiding in fear to exploring with courage, all because its focus shifted from the shadows to the playful chase.

In much the same way, our spiritual journey can be hampered by shadows—shadows of doubt, fear, and uncertainty that creep into our lives.

When it comes to these shadows, Scripture offers us reassurance. In 2 Timothy 1:7

2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

This verse is a beacon of hope, a reminder that fear does not bind us, but that God provides us with the strength and clarity to overcome it.

Fear is a common human emotion, but it can become a crippling force when it takes root in our lives. It operates like chains that bind us, holding us back from stepping into the fullness of life God designed for us. In the spiritual sense, fear keeps us from trusting God's promises, engaging fully with our community, and pursuing our God-given purposes. It whispers lies into our ears, making us believe that we are alone, vulnerable, and incapable of overcoming our challenges. Romans 8:15 tells us, 'For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.' Here, Paul contrasts the paralyzing spirit of fear with the freeing spirit of adoption provided by God.

Fear is not just an uncomfortable emotion; it's a spiritual stronghold that can dominate our lives, dictating our decisions and shaping our destinies. In the scriptures, we see numerous examples of fear acting as a barrier to God's promises. In Numbers 13, when the Israelites were poised to enter the Promised Land, they sent spies to assess the land. Ten of these spies returned, overwhelmed by fear. They reported, 'We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them'

Numbers 13:33 CEB

33 We saw there the Nephilim (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We saw ourselves as grasshoppers, and that’s how we appeared to them.”

This fear spread like wildfire among the people, ultimately causing them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. They allowed their fear to overshadow God's promise.

Imagine you're walking on a tightrope high above the ground. Below you, there's a safety net, but you're so focused on not falling that you can't move forward. You're stuck, paralyzed by fear.

But what if you shifted your focus to the safety net below? Suddenly, the fear of falling isn't overwhelming because you know you are safe. This safety net is like the assurance we have in God's Spirit. Knowing we are God's children should shift our focus away from the 'what ifs' of falling and toward the 'even ifs' of falling—I'm still safe.

Today, I encourage each of you to identify a 'tightrope' in your life—maybe it's a challenging relationship, a or a ministry opportunity that feels overwhelming.

Where are you letting fear stop you from moving forward? Reflect on this question, and ask yourself if you are viewing your situation from a place of fear or a place of sonship and security in God.

This week, take a practical step to address this fear. It could be initiating a difficult conversation, or volunteering for a new role in church.

Remember, you are not walking the tightrope alone; you are securely held by the safety net of God's love and presence.

As believers, we are not left to battle the fears and struggles of life alone; the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, freeing us from the shackles of fear and empowering us for holy living.

The Spirit of Adoption

Having explored how fear can act like chains, holding us back from the life God wants for us, we can see why it's so important to understand not just what we are moving away from but also what we are moving towards. Fear entraps, but God offers a transformational alternative. This isn't just about breaking free from the old; it's about stepping into something profoundly new and life-giving.

This brings us to the heart of our message today, rooted in Romans 8:15, where Paul tells us, 'For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption.' Let's unpack what it means to live not under the spirit of bondage but with the spirit of adoption that cries out, 'Abba, Father.' This is the spirit that transforms our identity and our experiences from fear to freedom.

In the scriptures, Paul vividly contrasts two spirits: the spirit of fear and the spirit of adoption. The spirit of fear, like chains, binds us, keeping us captive to our anxieties and uncertainties. However, the spirit of adoption, like a key, liberates us, instilling a profound assurance of our identity as children of God. Romans 8:15 beautifully illustrates this transformation, showing how we shift from being slaves to becoming beloved children. This shift is profound, for when we truly grasp and accept our identity as God's children, the fears that once loomed large begin to fade. The realization that we are deeply loved and cared for by the Almighty transforms everything. It's not just about no longer being afraid; it's about knowing who stands with us in every fear-inducing situation. The Holy Spirit, a powerful presence within us, doesn't just reside; He cries out, proclaiming our status as God's children, which provides a firm reassurance against the deceptions of fear.

Consider the story of a young man who struggled with severe anxiety about his future. Despite his talents, the fear of failure haunted him, stifling his potential and joy. This changed at a retreat he attended, where the message of God’s fatherly love deeply touched him. During a quiet prayer time, he truly grasped the reality that he was not just a face in the crowd but a beloved son of God. This realization empowered him. He started approaching life’s challenges with a newfound courage, knowing he was supported and loved unconditionally. His fear of failure didn’t disappear overnight, but it no longer controlled him. Instead, he began to step out in faith, pursuing opportunities he would have previously avoided out of fear.

Now, I invite you to pause and reflect on how you view God. Do you see Him as a distant authority or as a loving Father? This perception shapes everything about how we face fears and challenges. We might be more susceptible to fear if we see God primarily as a judge. But if we recognize Him as our loving Father, our approach to fear changes dramatically—we know we are not alone and loved, no matter the circumstances.

This week, take some time to meditate on this identity. Perhaps write down instances where fear has held you back, and next to each, write a truth about what it means to be a child of God. Let these truths replace the fears. Let the spirit of adoption speak louder than the spirit of fear.

Living as Heirs of Freedom

As we've explored the profound impact of embracing our identity as God's children, we begin to understand who we are and the incredible inheritance that comes with this identity. The spirit of adoption does more than reassure us; it redefines our entire existence, elevating us from a state of fear to a position of authority and liberty as heirs. This isn't just a change in status; it's a transformation in how we live day-to-day.

Let's focus on what it truly means to live out this inheritance. How does knowing we are heirs with Christ affect our daily actions and decisions? How does it empower us to confront our fears and actively overcome them? This brings us to our third point, 'Living as Heirs of Freedom,' where we will dive into the practical implications of our spiritual inheritance and how it compels us to live boldly and freely.

Paul wrote

Romans 8:17 CEB

17 But if we are children, we are also heirs. We are God’s heirs and fellow heirs with Christ, if we really suffer with him so that we can also be glorified with him.

As heirs with Christ, we inherit not only eternal life but also the freedom to live courageously and righteously in the present. This inheritance is transformative, empowering us to overcome the fears that once held us back. Being liberated from fear means more than just feeling brave; it means living with a purpose that aligns with our divine heritage. Our actions, choices, and interactions should reflect the boldness and freedom of someone who knows they are eternally secure in God's family. Romans 8:17 not only calls us heirs but reminds us that our sharing in Christ's glory comes through persevering in trials, much like He did. This perspective shifts our approach to fear and challenges, viewing them as part of our spiritual growth and opportunities to manifest the character of Christ in our lives.

Consider the Apostle Paul, a quintessential example of living out freedom in Christ. Before his conversion, Paul was Saul, a man who acted out of fear and anger, persecuting Christians with fervor. However, once he encountered Christ, his life transformed drastically. Despite numerous fearsome situations—imprisonments, beatings, shipwrecks, and constant threats of death—Paul lived out his freedom. He wrote in Philippians 1:21, 'For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.' This statement encapsulates the radical shift from fear to freedom. Paul didn't merely survive his trials; he thrived through them, using each challenge to advance the gospel, demonstrating what it means to be an heir of God's kingdom, living not in fear but in the freedom of his divine calling.

Embracing this freedom isn't just for biblical heroes; it's for each of us here today. I challenge each of you to identify areas in your life where fear has been a barrier. Is it in your career, relationships, ministry, or perhaps a personal challenge? This week, take a concrete step towards trusting God in one of these areas. It could be initiating a difficult conversation, sharing your faith, or committing to a ministry you've felt called to but were too afraid to try.

Write down this commitment and pray for the Holy Spirit's empowerment to fulfill it. Remember, as heirs, our inheritance includes the Holy Spirit's presence, which enables us to face and overcome our fears, not in our strength, but in His.

Not Fear, But Freedom

Let me tell you the story of Emily, a woman who truly understood what living as an heir of freedom meant. Emily was diagnosed with a severe illness that threatened not only her health but also her vibrant spirit. Initially, she was consumed by fear—fear of suffering, fear of being a burden, and fear of the unknown. Every day presented new challenges and uncertainties.

But one quiet evening, while reading Romans 8, Emily came across the verse, 'If God is for us, who can be against us?' Something shifted in her heart that night. She realized that her fears, though real and tangible, didn't define her reality—her identity as God's child did. From that moment on, Emily decided to live differently.

She started a blog sharing her journey, not focusing on her illness but on the daily victories and joys she found in Christ. Her story reached thousands, inspiring others facing similar battles to focus not on their fears but on their freedom in God.

Emily's life became a testament to the transformative power of living as an heir to God's promises. Despite her physical weaknesses, her spirit was strong, free, and full of life. She lived not as a victim of her circumstances but as a victor through her faith.

Emily's story is a vivid reminder to all of us. As we conclude today, let us remember that living as heirs of freedom doesn't mean we won't face trials or fears. It means that in the midst of those trials, we have a choice—to live constrained by our fears or empowered by our faith. Like Emily, let each of us choose faith. Let us choose freedom.