The Father’s Love Abba, Father Romans 8:12-17 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1 Abba, Father Romans 8:12-17

Romans 8:12-17 “Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation — but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Romans 8:12-17 15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

Putting on a show keeps God at arm’s length.

Romans 8:15-16 “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.” Galatians 4:6-7 “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.”

Father Reverence “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10

Father Reverence Our relationship begins with reverent fear. “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.” Psalm 34:11

Father Reverence Our relationship begins with reverent fear. “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.” Acts 9:31

Father Reverence Our relationship begins with reverent fear. God transcends humanity.

Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Father Reverence Our relationship begins with reverent fear. God transcends humanity. Reverent fear guides our moral life. “Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.” 1 Peter 1:7

Abba Intimacy God desires intimacy with us.

Isaiah 57:15 For this is what the high and lofty One says — he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite."

Abba Intimacy God desires intimacy with us. Jesus introduces this title for God. This is revolutionary.

Hebrews 10:19-22. "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith . . ."

Slave or Son? You can be a slave to sin or religion. Sonship is a privilege, freedom, security.

Challenge: Keeping our religion balanced and intimate.

The Father’s Love