Sunday Devo - June 16, 2024

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:14-15)

Paul’s point is as believers in Christ we are filled with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives us power to live in obedience to what scripture says. Jesus’ Spirit in us removes the fear of death and the fear of judgment. We have the example of Christ as a model for believers who have been adopted as children into God's family through the love demonstrated by the Father and the Son for all mankind.

So, as Christians, we benefit from Jesus' close relationship with God the Father. We see Jesus' intimate relationship with the Father in the garden the night before He was crucified as recorded in the gospel of Mark, "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.” The word "Abba" expresses that close intimate relationship between a child and their father. In English we might say "daddy". "Abba" is never found in the Old Testament as a reference to God the Father.
It is only through Christ who boldly calls His Father "Abba" do we experience this close connection. We too can have this intimate relationship if we live by the Holy Spirit.

-Bob