Introduction:

Paul is adamant in his writings that those who are in Christ have a different identity. There may not be a clearer change of identity than that of Paul in the Bible. He knows what it was like to be dead in his sin and to be made alive in Christ. It wasn’t his works in the Law that changed Paul, but the voice of Jesus. Paul hated Christians and wanted to see them persecuted for their faith. However, he would become the very Christian he once hated. He understands the complete identity shift that happens when you place your faith in Jesus.

Romans 8:12-17

“So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified.”

Think about it:

Paul draws the distinction between two different identities. The first one being a spirit of slavery that defines every person who has sinned. You and I were once identified by a spirit of slavery to sin. But for all who have placed their faith in Jesus, we have received the Spirit of adoption! What does it mean to be adopted as sons and daughters of God? It means you have a Father you can always run to and who will forgive you through the abundance of his grace! The prodigal son is a perfect illustration of this (see Luke 15:11-32). There is not a greater blessing than to be in the family of God, to have a Father that is quick to forgive and rejoices in his relationship with you. That is the Christian faith. That is freedom. To know through the ups and downs of life, and the struggles with sin and the victories of life, that your heavenly father loves you through it all.

Take away:

When your faith is in Jesus, you are no longer identified as a slave but as a child of God.

Personal reflection:

When you understand your identity as a child of God, how does that influence how you interacted with God?