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” The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together (Romans 8:15-17).
The one who cannot reach God is unable to do so because he or she is trying to reach God, as a slave. The expectation is that we approach His as heirs, sons and daughters, His very own offspring.
Spirit of Bondage (Slavery) Performance oriented | Spirit of Adoption (Seed) Relationship oriented |
Fear | Revelation of the Father |
Condemnation | Justification |
Debt | Inheritance |
Distance | Closeness |
Isolation | Intimacy |
Shame | Boldness |
Work | Faith |
Mourning | Comfort |
Pride | Humility |
When there is no revelation of the Father, the churchgoer is stuck, in a spiritual sense, as an orphan. He/she is Fatherless, but functioning. Such a person can sing, preach, serve, and do all of the “good” Christian things, but never really come into fellowship with God, Himself. Such a person has a relationship with religion (even spiritual gifts!), but no rest; no comfort in knowing who God actually is. This is where we get the idea of the orphan spirit. Let’s talk about that.
- What do you think we mean when we speak of having an “orphan” spirit?
- How do you think the orphan spirit affects your relationship with God?
- How do you think the orphan spirit affects your relationship with others?
- Who in the Bible may have had an orphan spirit?
See Luke 10:38-42
“Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. 40But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” 41But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”