Romans 8:15 (KJV)

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.

Fear is defined as "an apprehension of impending danger." In Tom Clancy's book The Sum of All Fears he presents a scenario in which terrorists explode a nuclear bomb. Our modern day seems to mirror Clancy's book and many seem to be in the grip of fear. It doesn't help to say, as President Roosevelt said, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself" because man by nature is a creature full of fear. Only the Holy Spirit can rid us of fear.

Christ redeemed us who through fear of death were subject to bondage" (Hebrews 2:15). Death is ultimately rejection by God. A person's fear of death always leads to bondage:

1. Bondage to be as beautiful and young as possible -- to be accepted of men.
2. Bondage to addictions that mask the pain and fear of rejections -- by God and man.
3. Bondage to possessions and money to make this life as comfortable as possible.
   1. The basis of all fear is a lack of control.
      When a person lacks control and cannot change his awful situation, fear dominates. This is true in salvation. The Spirit first brings despair, then He brings a Deliverer. "The Spirit is not first a quickening Spirit to us, but a withering Spirit" Spurgeon.
      1. What is the first thing you felt when the Spirit began moving in you?
         I would propose you felt your sin, impending judgment, and fearful despair. Often this despair will lead to a different kind of bondage - religious in nature.
      2. Why did God's grace as revealed in Jesus Christ become precious to you?
         You came to the place where you realized that your deliverance was out of your hands; you realized your only hope was for God to do what you could not do.
   2. The banishment of all fear is to be loved by the One who is in control.
      Paul says we once received "the spirit of bondage to fear" but "no more!" Now we have received the "spirit of adoption by which we cry, 'Abba, Father.'" (Romans 8:15).
      1. You have a special relationship with God -- literally 'my Fahter.'
         He has chosen you. He has adopted you. He has made you His own. Why has God done this? For two reasons: (a) His love for you, (b) A display of His grace.
         1. "Abba, Father" are two words -- the first Syriac, the second Greek.
            The first word is transliterated and it is the same forwards and backwards. "God is the Father of His people in adversity as well as prosperity" Gill.
         2. "Cry" connotes times when you feel helpless -- you cry to Him.
      2. You have a special response from God -- "He can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 4:20). "He works all things for good" (Romans 8:28).
   3. The beauty of no fear is power, love and self-control.
      When Paul wrote to young Timothy he gave to him some encouraging words:
      "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-control" (II Timothy 1:7).
      1. Why am I living in fear? You have a defective understanding of God and you.
      2. Why can't I rid myself of fear? It is the work of the Spirit and of the truth.
      3. Will the Spirit rid me of fear? You bet He will. Ask Him and learn from Him.

   

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   Questions? Comments?
   Pastor Wade