Romans 8:12-17

Paul has given us a paradox.  A paradox is a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement that when investigated or explained proves to be well founded and true.  Paul has told us that we are to be slaves to righteousness, slaves to obedience and God’s will.  Now he tells us that the Holy Spirit does not make us slaves.  Instead of being slaves, those who the Holy Spirit leads are the children of God.  Because the Holy Spirit brought about our adoption as children of God, we do not live in fear.  With the assurance of the Holy Spirit, we feel so close to God, and so sure of his love that we can cry out to him “Abba, Father, Daddy, Dad or Papa.”  Whatever name a young child uses to call out to their loving father that is the name we can use to call our father God.  The Holy Spirit testifies and gives witness to our spirit that we are God’s children.  As children of God, we are heirs of God and co-heirs of Jesus.  We share in his suffering, and we shall share in his glory.

How does the spirit of adoption and enslavement to obedience coexist in the same Christian experience?  They coexist because God makes one happen for us; the other we must make happen for ourselves.  Our adoption is a gift of God’s mercy and grace; living as a slave to righteousness is our choice.  Out of our thankfulness, we choose to be obedient to God’s will.  Some Christians are too immature to be grateful.  They love living as the children of God; but they do not love God enough to behave, as his children should.  If we want to live like the children of God, we must commit and consecrate ourselves to obedience.  As God’s children, we live without fear, and as godly children, we live in obedience.  Paul is right, all Christians are God’s children, and all children can choose to be obedient.  Love and obedience is not a paradox, it is Christian.