There is a spirit that attaches to a believer’s life, with the intent of cutting off the ability to receive from God. This spirit can become pervasive per·va·sive /p_r_vasiv/ (esp. of an unwelcome influence or physical effect) spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people -without the believer recognizing it. This is a spirit of slavery. We can see it in Romans 8:15 where it says, “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by whom we cry out Abba! Father!”
The scripture tells us we are not slaves who serve the King, but sons who rule with the King. We are adopted and therefore joint heirs with Him (Romans 8:17).
To further illustrate this, consider that it is the son who remains in the King’s house, the slave does not (John 8:35). The son is an heir to the King’s provision, the slave is not. The slave’s reward is determined by what he does. The son’s reward is determined by what the King does.
I have seen this mindset in people who hope God will heal them. Those that have been prayed for by many, and have read every book on healing, but cannot seem to win the battle in their heart that their healing has already been finished. It is like we have seen ourselves in the house of the King, but cannot seem to receive what is ours.
It is the slave who doesn’t carry the authority of the King. It is the slave who is unable to demonstrate His power because he sees himself without authority. It is a slave who can serve in the King’s house and still live in poverty.
The spirit of slavery will cause an orphan spirit to prevent us from stepping into the spirit of adoption as sons who can receive our inheritance. The son who carries the spirit of adoption, knows who the King sets free is free indeed, and stands firm in his inheritance of healing.
Galatians 5:1 “It was for freedom that Christ set us free, therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”
How we see ourselves determines whether or not we receive from the King. We must not subject (be in bondage) to slavery, but receive our inheritance as sons and daughters who are joint heirs with Christ. Romans 8:14 “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.” As a slave we will hope we were healed, as a son, we will know we are healed.
The Hebrew word for “know” is “yada”. The way this is defined is: 1) To know intimately, 2) To show mercy, 3) Doing justice, 4) Exemplifying good and righteous character. In other words, “yada” is faithfully living out our covenant relationship with the LORD in every area of our life.