Scripture to Read: Romans 8:15
Today, we’re going to look a little deeper at Romans 8:15. We need to make sure we understand what God means when He says that we’ve been given a spirit of adoption as Christians. We also need to examine closely that God provides every Christian the privilege of calling Him “Abba, Father.” We only find “Abba” used three times in the entire Bible. “Abba” is found in Mark 14:36, Galatians 4:6, and of course, in Romans 8:15. In Galatians 4:6 and Romans 8:15, the reference to “Abba” is for us as God’s children. God wants us to know that He desires a deep intimate fellowship with us. Therefore, He wants us to see Him as a loving Daddy. For many Christians, calling God “Daddy” makes them feel uncomfortable and that’s OK. Many people have been taught that God is a distant Father, but that is not the God of the Bible. Also, people who have not had a positive role model in an earthly daddy find it hard to envision God as their Heavenly Daddy. We need to know that the word “Abba” is a Greek and English adaptation of the Aramaic word for father. “Abba” was often used by young children for "papa" or "daddy." The beauty in this is that God wants this kind of fellowship with us, and He has made it possible through His Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Jesus, in Mark 14:36, called out to God in the Garden of Gethsemane and called Him, “Abba, Father.” We now have that same privilege.
Challenge & Application
· What did God teach you today about His desire to have a deep intimate fellowship with you?
· How has what you’ve learned today changed your thinking about your current fellowship with God?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!