“15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!”
In this devotional, we’re going to take a second look at Romans 8:15 to cover Paul’s use of the phrase, “Abba, Father”.
“And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!”” — Galatians 4:6
Both in Romans 8:15 and in Galatians 4:6, Paul refers to us, by the Spirit of God, as crying out, “Abba, Father!” Abba is the Aramaic word for Father, but one that includes a great level of intimacy. God the Father not only loves us as sons and daughters, but He loves us as redeemed sinners, adopted children, washed in the blood, and clothed in the righteousness of God the Son, Jesus Christ. What an intimate love the Father has for us. Do we appropriately share in this love for the Father, or are we more like the prodigal son? (See Luke 15:11-32) Another passage where the phrase “Abba, Father” is used by Jesus himself in the Garden of Gethsemane.
“Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he told his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.” He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.”” — Mark 14:32-36
Do we love God the Father in the same way that Jesus did? We are called to do so, and the Spirit enables us in this endeavor! This passage is a great example of what true “Abba, Father” love is. It is not an intense like for, or emotional feeling about God. Rather, it is open communication and an undying obedience to the Father. In Jesus’ case, He was obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. We must ask ourselves, are we willing to be obedient to God’s will, even under difficult circumstances? Will we be faithful to love God as Father? Praise be to God that He is faithful to love us as sons, even when we go astray.
“Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death — even to death on a cross.” — Philippians 2:7-8
Great lesson for all of us who believe! (Per John MacArthur) “The term “Abba Father” denotes a level of intimacy, that could be correctly interpreted as “Daddy.” God is our heavenly Daddy if you will, which speaks of intimate love on a much more personal level.” I love this thought!!!!