NIGERIAN BAPTIST CONVENTION SEEK DAILY (NBC) Monday, October 2 LIVE NOT IN FEAR

RBT: Matthew 1-4

Memory Verse: The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15, NIV

Bible Text: Romans 8:12-17

8:12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 

8:13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 

8:14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 

8:15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 

8:16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 

8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 

In the ancient Roman Empire, an adopted son had the same privileges as a biological son. In the same way, Christians have been adopted into God's family through Christ's redemptive work, thereby receiving an eternal inheritance in Christ. 

Today's text concludes from preceding verses that, because of the new status of freedom in Christ, we have an obligation to say no to the urges of the sinful nature, and live by the sweet influences of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit we have received brought about our adoption, which implies that we have been given full privileges of sonship in God's family.

This assurance of freedom replaces our fears with boldness and sound mind. However, those enslaved to sin will be afraid to approach God. Even though God is God of all flesh, He is the Father of all who have experienced new birth in Christ. You can also become a member of God's family and enjoy the full privileges of sonship. 

You can live above the fear of approaching God by receiving Jesus into your life this day, and this will grant you all the legal rights and privileges of divine sonship.

Insight: We demonstrate that we are true children of God by saying no to sinful acts.

Prayer: Because I am God's child, every cause of fear is hereby neutralized and evacuated from my life.