Soul Shift: Slave to Child / Message #3

August 26, 2012
Soul Shift: Slave To Child
Message #3 / Romans 8:14-17
Scott Howard

How do we shift our soul's mindset from Slave to Child?

"...because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.  For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received a Spirit of sonship.  And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'  The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.  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."   ---Romans 8:14-17

1. Slavery is recurring  ("...For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear..." Rom 8:14-15)

• The way that you see God is the way that you approach God.
• Slave Mindset = God is judge (first & foremost)
• Vicious cycle: slave to rebellion / slave to religion  --- you may continue to rebel, keeping you enslaved, or you may do deeds and rituals to "atone" for rebellion, keeping you enslaved to religion.
• You can't DO enough to get you into Heaven.  (Jesus paid it ALL)
• As a slave, you are Driven by Fear

   2.    According to the Bible, we have been adopted as God's children.  (Rom 8:15-16)

• Child Mindset = God is Father (first & foremost)
• "Abba" = Aramaic for "Daddy" (implies love, intimacy, and respect)
• when you shift from slave to child everything changes---as a child you have God's love and an inheritance 
• "Adoption" means God Wants YOU!
• As a child, you are Driven by Love---we obey Him because we Love Him, not out of obligation

   3.    To whom much is given, much is required  ("...then we are heirs...if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."  Rom 8:17)

• We are now heirs of God.  We are now co-heirs with Christ Jesus!
• Just because we are God's children doesn't give us permission to act childish.

If we understand (make a soul shift) that we should act like a child of God, maybe we would start acting more like THE Son of God (more Christlike).  Simply trust God as a child trusts his/her Daddy.  Come to Him not with childish behavior, but with a childlike spirit.

"Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." 
---Matthew 18:3

Next week:  Soul Shift from SEEN to UNSEEN