Paul mentions the Spirit 20 times in this chapter. In Romans 6-7, Paul wrote about our bondage to the flesh. Our sin finds its way to turn what is meant for our good for our condemnation.
In the first 11 verses, Paul has already addressed them and spoke of various things to them.
What does it mean that the Spirit works in us? This set of verses will flesh that out for us! We will see that adoption change our identity.
(A) Adopted for life by the Spirit (Rom 8:12-13)
Paul calls them “brothers” and identifies himself with them with the use of the word “we” (Rom 8:12). This is a change from the earlier use of the word “you” in previous verses. He is teaching them how to think of their reality now. They are debtors, and begins what they are not debtors to.
The “for” in Romans 8:13 explains why we are debtors, not to the flesh. As Romans 6:11 said, we were once a debtor to the flesh and lived according to the flesh. If we were given over to the flesh, our self-righteous ways, striving to prove ourselves to the Lord will result in death. But, if by the Spirit we put to death the deeds of the body, we will live.
This comes on the heels of what we have seen in Romans 8:9-11. The Spirit has taken up residence in us! We are meant to live! God has saved us to eternal life with Him. We are not meant to live according to the flesh.
Remember that Paul is writing to a church that he has not seen before. Yet from here, he is going to write in heartfelt ways. How is this posisble? He is certain that the Spirit that dwells in him, dwells in them also.
Paul speaks of our debtedness here. In Romans 6, he wrote of how we were once slaves to sin, but now a debtor to righteousness. But in Romans 8:14, he doesn’t contrast and show what we are now debtors to. Instead, he speaks of how those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
(B) Adopted as sons of God (Rom 8:14-16)
Paul goes on to stress that our new reality coincides with a new identity: sons of God. Firstly, the sons of God “did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear (Rom 8:15a)”. What is this fear? A life in the flesh constantly tries to justify ourselves before God. Hebrews 2:14-15 helps us to see that this leads to death and a fear of death. Earlier in Romans 7, Paul had also written of how a contemplation of the law leads to fear — a fear of judgement and death.
Secondly, the sons of God “have received the spirit of adoption as sons” (Rom 8:15b). John 3 speaks of new birth and throughout the New Testament, Jesus and the other writers speak of new life, new birth and also the language of adoption. This language of adoption is unique to the New Testament. People were not spoken of as being adopted in the Old Testament. This language is intentional, precise and clear about the legal rights of those who are the Lord’s.
There is a clear shift. Once you belonged to someone else, but now, something has changed decisively. This came about because of a costly action by someone.
Note that the language of “sons” is specific and here, he is not referring to daughters. In the New Testament context, only sons had the rights and privileges. Of course, the rights and blessings are extended to women too, but Paul is being intentional and specific here. We are brought into this shared inheritance as sons of God.
Thirdly, the sons of God are able to relate to God as Father (Rom 8:16b). They call out “Abba! Father!”. This helps us understand our relationship to God! While it is important for us to know who we are, it is also important for us to know whose we are! This anchors and grounds us, and changes everything.
This God, whom we were once estranged from and enemies of, is now one to whom we belong to. It changes how we think about our anxiety, plans and purposes, what will make you or break you.
Yet, while it conveys intimacy and access, it is not something flippant. Our access is a weighty matter and should help us grow in our deference instead!
In Mark 14:36, Jesus shows us how He cries out to His Father in the Garden. Jesus cried out on the way to the cross to bear our judgement, so that we can cry out, not out of a fear of judgement!
How do you think of the Father? Maybe you think that Jesus is strong and kind, but the Father is harsh. Romans 8 reminds us that it is the Father’s will to rescue us and draw us back to HImself.
Do you keep Him at a distance? See this reality for you today. Cry out to Him, and ask that the Spirit will help you to see the Father's love for you. We sing “how deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure”.
This joy also should cause is to cry out to Him in prayer, regardless of the circumstances we are in.
Finally, the sons of God know that “the Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Rom 8:16).
(C) Adopted for glory with Christ (Rom 8:17)
Paul explains our status as heirs in two ways — we are heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ (Rom 8:17). All that is Christ is ours!
What does it mean? The freedom from sin and addiction, purity of heart, full and final rest will one day be ours! God really intends for us to be sons and co-heris with Christ. And we are to work out our sanctification today from this understanding.
Friends, this also gives us the confidence and should whet our appetites for the great truth that God is our God! This enjoyment that Christ has with the Father and the perfect joy in the Trinity will be one that we can and will share in. These verses challenge us by broadening our expectations, imaginations and desires.
What is the condition? Provided we suffer with Him in order that we may be glorified with Him (Rom 8:17b). A life of faithfulness to God will come with a cost. Sometimes, the greater the joy, the more painful the waiting can feel like. There is something of this that Christ knew and we too struggle with. ‘
Where will you stand, if not with Jesus, our heavenly Father? And this is a reality even for you today.