“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.'”
Romans 8:15
This study of spiritual adoption will hold many surprises for us. Not only is God the Father treated slightly in most works on theology, but the concept of sonship by spiritual adoption is scarcely understood.
Because of the biblical meaning of the term “adoption,” our study is forced to take a practical approach to the relationship of the believer to the heavenly Father. This approach is demanded by each of the passages in which the phrase “Abba, Father” is found.
Living in the Spirit of Adoption – VA 2015
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We like Israel have the provisions but need to take advantage of them (1Co 10:1-5, 1Co 10:14-17). During communion we eat and drink blessing or cursing. There's always a remnant of believers (Rom 11:5). There must be a sense of destiny, a sense of urgency, and tenacity or endurance. Paul always wanted to go to Rome, but he went as a prisoner (Phi 1:12). In Rom 12:1 the word "brethren" indicates the potential for unique standing in eternity. Membership in a royal family has distinction as does spiritual heritage (Gal 3:9). Paul appeals to our standing -- what we are should effect our action (Rom 5:1-2, John 3:36). The baptism of the Spirit puts us into union with Christ and makes us brethren (1Pe 3:18, 1Co 12:13-15). In the race to be at the top, Paul had been more zealous than Jewish peers. God thinks of it as crap (Phi 3:8, Isa 64:6).
Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.