What does "Abba, Father" signify about our intimacy with God? The Spirit-Given Cry “For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’ ” • “Abba” was an everyday Aramaic word little ones used for their dads—tender, trusting, intimate. • The Holy Spirit implants this cry in every believer, confirming we truly belong in God’s family. • Fear is displaced; confident affection takes its place. Rooted in Jesus’ Own Address Mark 14:36—Jesus in Gethsemane: “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You.” • The same address the Son used is now placed on our lips. • Union with Christ means sharing His privilege of fearless nearness to the Father. Adoption Over Slavery Galatians 4:6 echoes the theme: “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’” Contrast of positions: • Slavery: distance, compulsion, uncertainty, dread. • Adoption: acceptance, love, security, inheritance. What “Abba, Father” Reveals About Our Intimacy 1. Personal Access – Ephesians 2:18: “For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” – We come as children, not petitioners standing outside. 2. Assured Love – 1 John 3:1: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” – The lavish love is experiential, not merely theoretical. 3. Bold Confidence – Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.” – “Abba” language eliminates the hesitation of servants; we come running. 4. Compassionate Care – Psalm 103:13: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.” – God’s fatherly heart bends toward our frailty. 5. Guaranteed Inheritance – Romans 8:17: “And if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” – Intimacy now, inheritance forever. Living the “Abba” Reality Daily • Approach God conversationally throughout the day—He welcomes the simplest “Dad, I need You.” • Rest in security when temptation to fear arises; remind your soul of your status. • Cast every care (1 Peter 5:7) because a Father’s shoulders are broad enough. • Reflect the family likeness—walk in holiness, kindness, and truth, showing whose child you are. • Anticipate the full redemption of your body (Romans 8:23) with the confidence of heirs awaiting their Father’s promised estate. Calling God “Abba, Father” is the Spirit-taught language of adopted sons and daughters—proof of present intimacy and pledge of eternal belonging. |
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