Fear is Slavery

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. (Romans 8:15)

I want you to notice the connection between slavery and fear in Romans 8:15. The spirit of bondage sounds like a complicated thing, but it is slavery, plain and simple! Fear is absolute bondage and will enslave you if you allow it.

If you are born again, you should not be fearful because ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Did you notice Paul said ye have not received the spirit of bondage again? Before you were saved, you were in bondage to the law of sin and death, but the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free! (Romans 8:2) Why would you go back to the bondage of fear?

Fear is the antithesis of faith in God. When you realize fear is faith in the devil, I think you’ll be able to resist it better! Fear believes the devil’s lies. Faith believes God’s Word! So, resist fear and choose faith.

Another truth that can help you resist fear is knowing God as your Abba. Abba is daddy in Hebrew. When you know the God of all creation is your Daddy, you will come boldly before His throne of grace! My children are grown now, but sometimes they still need something from me. They know when they need advice, wisdom, or anything else, they can come right to me and ask! They don’t have to “butter me up” or perform in any way. All they need to do is say, “Dad, I need you,” and I’ll be there! They wouldn’t talk to you about their issues because you are not their daddy, but when they come to their daddy, they know he will have a listening ear and an open heart and hand to help.

Practical Application

Fear is faith in the devil and it puts you in bondage. Resist fear by going to your Abba, Father. Approach His throne with boldness and tell Him what you need. He will take care of you just as any loving father takes care of his children.

1 John 4:18; Hebrews 2:15