THE RELATION OF THOSE IN CHRIST TO THE FATHER

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father" (Rom. 8:15). "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Gal. 4:6).

Devotion 4 of 11

THE SPIRIT OF HIS SON

This is the Spirit that anointed Jesus to be "the Christ." As it is written, " . . . God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him" (Acts 10:38). The early church recognized this truth, addressing the Father as He that anointed Jesus. "For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed . . . " (Acts 4:27). This is the Spirit that animated our Savior throughout His ministry, giving vitality to all that He did. This does not demean our Lord. Rather, it underscores the extent to which He humbled Himself to save us. He possessed the Spirit without measure. As it is written, "For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him" (John 3:34). He depended upon the Holy Spirit to direct His speaking. O, the marvel and extent of His humiliation! Jesus was conceived in Mary's womb "by the Holy Spirit" (Matt. 1:20; Luke 1:35). He was led "by the Spirit" into the wilderness prior to His wonderful ministry (Matt. 4:1). It was "by the Spirit" that Jesus cast out demons (Matt. 12:28). It was "through the eternal Spirit" that Jesus "offered Himself without spot to God" (Heb. 9:14). Even in His resurrection, He was "quickened," or made alive, "by the Spirit" (1 Pet. 3:18). How wonderful! The Holy Spirit that played such a prominent part in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ, has been given to us! We have received the "Spirit of His Son!" You must not miss the involvement of the entire Godhead in this transaction. God, the Son, and the Spirit are mentioned. The same God that "sent His Son" (Gal. 4:4), has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts. PRAYER POINT: Father, give me grace to see the magnitude of your great salvation--to comprehend its heihght, and length, and depth, and width!

-- MONDAY: THE SPIRIT OF ADOPTION --