Paul seems to be clarifying that the role of the breath of life in producing holiness is not characterized by preaching the law (with its attendant fear of punishment). Instead the breath of life's ministry is characterized by strengthening the believer's confidence in the death, resurrection and return of Christ. Instead of saying "Hey, you aren't keeping the law so you are condemned" it says "you have been adopted by God. Your flesh has been condemned to death. You are a child of God and a co-heir with Christ of everlasting life in his God's family with endless blessings. You am not a debtor to sin but are am debtor to God." And so on.
Paul is clarifying and expanding on the role of the holy spirit in the new humanity as one who does not repeat the failures of the law but instead advances the ministry of the gospel in our lives by reinforcing our position and hope in Christ.
So one could translate:
Rom 8:15 For ye have not received [from God] the spirit [the inner
advocate] of bondage [to the law] again to fear [its punishments]; but
ye have received the Spirit [inner advocate of our new relation to God
of] adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
This teaching enables the believer to distinguish between the "dead end" natural thoughts, Satanic thoughts and old habits that result in old patterns of defeat from the powerful confidence that comes from the ministry of the holy spirit calling to our attention the power of God at work through the cross and the newness of life to which the believer has been called. This leads directly into the crescendo of perfect trust that is the brilliant triumph of the gospel at the end of the chapter.
KJV Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the
firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves,
waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. Rom
8:24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for
what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? Rom 8:25 But if we hope
for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Rom 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what
we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh
intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Rom 8:27
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the
Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the
will of God. Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for
good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to
his purpose. Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did
predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be
the firstborn among many brethren. Rom 8:30 Moreover whom he did
predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also
justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Rom 8:31
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be
against us? Rom 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered
him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all
things? Rom 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's
elect? It is God that justifieth. Rom 8:34 Who is he that
condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again,
who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for
us. Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall
tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or
peril, or sword? Rom 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are
killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through
him that loved us. Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death,
nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things
present, nor things to come, Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any
other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
"Think on these things":
KJV Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto
God. Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Php 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are
honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these
things. Php 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and
received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be
with you.