30 October 2023

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

From Romans 8:12-17, NRSV

Paul was aware that he was writing to an audience who understood that under Roman law, adoption gave a child the same rights and protection as any other. In telling them that they had received a “spirit of adoption”, he was telling them that they were God’s very own children and so joint heirs with Christ to all that God could give. Like Jesus, they were given permission to use the intimate language of “Abba” rather than the formal “Father”. Paul touches on the fact that as joint heirs with Christ, they would experience some share in his suffering but he also promises that they will also know glory and that nothing would ever separate them from the love of God.

• • How do you suppose the Christians in Rome felt to hear these words?
  • How does it feel to know that you are a child of God?

Reflect on how your being a child of God impacts the way you live.