Freedom from Fear
A Sermon on Romans 8:15
Originally preached Nov. 18, 1960
Scripture
15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Sermon Description
While the spirit of bondage and fear is a work of the Holy Spirit, it has a specific and limited role in the life of the Christian. It is to awaken the person to their desperate condition. However, as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones argues in this sermon on Romans 8:15 titled “Freedom from Fear,” the spirit of bondage and fear cannot coexist with the spirit of adoption. The former is always replaced by the latter. But how can Dr. Lloyd-Jones claim this when the New Testament has much to say about fear in the Christian life? Are there not numerous examples where Christians experience what could be called a spirit of bondage and fear? Are these examples that prove the spirit of adoption does not replace the spirit of fear? Dr. Lloyd-Jones walks through objections to his understanding of the apostle Paul, detailing how his understanding of Romans 8:15 is compatible with the rest of Scripture. In so doing, he engages a number of pastorally pressing concerns such as depression in the Christian life, demonic aggression against believers, and the Scriptures in counseling. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones hits on a wide-range of topics in this fascinating teaching on Romans 8:15.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul is concerned with the theme of sonship in Romans 8:15.
- He tells us we can be assured of our sonship in two ways: being led by the Spirit (v. 14) and no longer having a spirit of bondage (v. 15).
- A "spirit of bondage" produces fear and is a sign of not being a son of God. Sons of God have the "spirit of adoption" and call God "Abba, Father."
- Some argue this contradicts verses calling us to fear God (e.g. 2 Cor. 5:11; Phil. 2:12; Heb. 12:28-29). But there is a difference between a "spirit of bondage" and proper "reverence" and "godly fear" of God. The former is craven and tormenting, the latter is respectful and loving.
- Feeling depressed or deserted does not mean one has a "spirit of bondage." The cause could be temperament, sin, or satanic attack. The key is how one responds to Scripture. Those with a "spirit of adoption" respond positively.
- God may withdraw his felt presence to chasten us or for other reasons. But this is different from a "spirit of bondage." We seek God's face (Song 5:2-6) rather than cry in utter despair (Rom. 7:24).
Sermon Q&A
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Romans 8:15 - Understanding the Spirit of Bondage and Adoption
What does Romans 8:15 teach us about the Christian's deliverance from fear?
Romans 8:15 teaches that Christians "have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but have received the spirit of adoption" whereby they can call God "Abba, Father." Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that this verse shows Christians have been definitively delivered from the spirit of bondage and fear that characterized their pre-conversion state. This deliverance is a key evidence of true salvation and marks a fundamental shift in relationship with God - from one based on fear and law to one based on love and sonship.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones differentiate between the "spirit of bondage" and "godly fear"?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones carefully distinguishes between the "spirit of bondage" and what Scripture calls "godly fear" or "reverence." The spirit of bondage involves a torment, despair, and agonizing uncertainty about one's relationship with God. In contrast, godly fear is reverence and respect that's compatible with boldness in approaching God. As Lloyd-Jones explains: "What we are exhorted to is a spirit of respect. But when you respect a person, you don't fear a person. All you are fearing is that you will do anything to displease that person." Godly fear flows from love and recognition of privilege, not from bondage.
What evidence suggests someone has truly been delivered from the spirit of bondage?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the key evidence is how a person responds to Scripture's promises of grace. When depressed or doubting Christians hear biblical truths about God's love and forgiveness, they respond positively and find comfort, even if temporarily. In contrast, those still under the spirit of bondage remain unmoved by these same promises. As Lloyd-Jones puts it: "Go to a man who is in the spirit of bondage and of fear... State these scriptures to him. They don't help him. He says, 'I know, but not true of me.'" This responsiveness to God's word reveals whether someone is truly in Christ.
Can a true Christian ever experience feelings similar to the spirit of bondage?
Yes, Dr. Lloyd-Jones acknowledges that Christians may experience temporary states that superficially resemble the spirit of bondage, including depression, satanic attacks, or feelings of divine desertion. However, these experiences differ fundamentally from the pre-conversion spirit of bondage in several ways: 1) The Christian's distress stems from different causes (temperament, sin against love rather than law, or spiritual warfare); 2) The Christian maintains an underlying assurance of relationship with God even amid doubt; 3) The Christian responds positively when reminded of biblical truths; and 4) The Christian knows whom to seek for restoration rather than feeling utterly hopeless.
What did George Whitefield teach about the role of law in conversion?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones quotes George Whitefield saying: "First we hear Moses' voice. We hear the voice of the law. There is no going to Mount Zion, but by the way of Mount Sinai, that is the right straight road." Whitefield maintained that while some people might not recall precisely when they were converted, almost everyone must first experience the conviction of the law before they can truly appreciate the gospel. Whitefield declared, "Before they are made to see the glory of God, they must hear the voice of the law. So you must hear the voice of the law before ever you will be savingly called unto God."
How can we distinguish between a backsliding Christian and someone who was never truly converted?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones provides a crucial distinction: when true Christians fall into sin, they sin against love rather than law. The backsliding Christian knows God will forgive them but finds it difficult to forgive themselves precisely because they're aware of God's grace. Like David in Psalm 51, the true believer returns to God even in their sin, acknowledging "against thee, thee only have I sinned." They still believe "if I confess my sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us my sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). The backslider remains miserable in sin because they know the relationship is real, not because they fear final condemnation.
The Book of Romans
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.