This article is part of a yearlong series exploring one foundational biblical word each month. This month, we are focusing on LIBERTY. Subscribe to the Sunday Morning Newsletter and catch up on the entire series at amac.us/faith.
Bob Dylan once sang, “You’re gonna have to serve somebody… it may be the devil or it may be the Lord, but you’re gonna have to serve somebody.” While Dylan wasn’t quoting Scripture, he captured a profoundly biblical truth.
As human beings, we often imagine ourselves to be independent, making neutral choices and answering only to ourselves. But as we discussed last week, “you will be like God” is one of Satan’s greatest lies.
He wants us to believe we can stand on neutral ground when, in reality, every decision either draws us closer to God or farther away from Him. One of my personal heroes, Charles Colson, once observed, “There is no neutrality in the universe. Every square inch, every split second, is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan.” Jesus said it even more plainly: “Whoever is not with me is against me” (Matthew 12:30, ESV).
There Is No Neutral Ground
That is exactly what the Apostle Paul teaches in Romans 8:12-16:
“So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” (Romans 8:12-16, ESV)
Paul begins with an important reminder: “We are debtors, not to the flesh” (Romans 8:12, ESV). Before Christ, we lived as slaves to sinful desires. The flesh promised satisfaction but delivered guilt, fear, brokenness, and ultimately death. But through Christ, we’ve been set free. Paul says we no longer owe our old master anything. That is true liberty.
This freedom in Christ, however, doesn’t mean we’re free to do whatever we want. It means we’re finally free to say “no” to the very things that once held us captive.
Paul then presents two paths: “If you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13, ESV). Freedom or slavery? Death or life? Notice, there isn’t a third option.
Every day we either feed the flesh or follow the Spirit. One path leads toward death. The other leads toward life. There is no neutral ground. But Paul also tells us how we fight this battle.
Freedom by the Spirit
He doesn’t say, “Try harder.” He doesn’t tell us to conquer sin through sheer determination or willpower. Instead, he says we put sin to death by the Spirit.God supplies the power. We respond with obedience.
The Christian life is neither passive nor self-powered. It is a daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, who enables us to become more like Christ.
Paul then explains why this battle is even possible: “You have received the Spirit of adoption as sons” (Romans 8:15, ESV). The Greek word translated “adoption” is huiothesia, which literally means “placing as a son.” In the Roman world, adoption wasn’t primarily about caring for orphaned children. It was the legal act of making someone a full heir, complete with a new name, a secure inheritance, and permanent standing in the family.
That is exactly what God has done for us. We are no longer slaves trying to earn His acceptance. We are sons and daughters who already belong. Because we belong to Him, Paul says we cry, “Abba! Father!”
This was the very word Jesus used when praying to His Father in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:36). It is a deeply personal expression of love, trust, and intimacy. Through the Holy Spirit, we are welcomed into that same relationship with God. We no longer approach Him as frightened servants but as beloved children.
And the Holy Spirit continually reminds us that this relationship is real. “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16, ESV). What incredible assurance.
Imagine a king adopting a homeless child and naming him heir to the throne. Overnight, everything changes. The child receives a new name, a new home, a new future, and a new identity. He no longer has to live like an orphan because he isn’t one anymore.
The same is true for every believer. We don’t fight sin in order to become God’s children. We fight sin because we already are God’s children. Every day presents the same choice. Will we live as slaves to the flesh or as sons and daughters led by the Spirit?
The Choice is Ours
There is no neutral ground. Bob Dylan was right: “You’re gonna have to serve somebody.” The Apostle Paul would agree – but he would add that only one Master gives life.
This week, choose liberty. Yield to the Holy Spirit. Put sin to death by His power. Cry out, “Abba! Father!” True freedom isn’t found in doing whatever we please. It is found in belonging completely to Jesus Christ.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for setting me free through Jesus Christ. Thank You that I am no longer a slave to sin, but Your beloved child through the gift of adoption. Help me each day to walk by Your Spirit, to say “no” to the desires of the flesh, and to say “yes” to Your will. Remind me that true freedom is found not in doing whatever I please, but in belonging completely to You. Teach me to cry out, “Abba, Father,” with confidence and joy, knowing that I am secure in Your love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Daily Scripture Readings
Monday – Romans 8:12-17
Freedom from the flesh and the privilege of being adopted as God’s children.
Tuesday – Galatians 5:13-25
Using our liberty to serve God by walking in the Spirit rather than gratifying the flesh.
Wednesday – John 8:31-36
Jesus teaches that true freedom is found in Him alone.
Thursday – Ephesians 1:3-14
The blessings of adoption, redemption, and our secure inheritance in Christ.
Friday – Philippians 2:12-13
God works within us, giving us both the desire and the power to obey Him.
Saturday – 1 John 3:1-3
Rejoice in the incredible love of the Father, who calls us His children and promises our future hope.
Jonathan Griffin is the Director of Advertising & Partner Development at AMAC and a former pastor with a passion for biblical teaching. He lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with his wife and their two pups, Hank and Kirby.