Tag: Law of Spirit of Life
Abba, Father (Daddy)!
Scripture reading for November 20th: Romans 6-8
Fathers are important people in the lives of their children. God has given fathers the responsibility of modeling for their children the character of God, the Father. They are to teach their children how to love, serve, and give their lives to God and others. Sin has marred this process so that many times fathers teach the opposite to their children. Children hate their fathers or in many instances don’t even know their father. In Romans 8, Paul teaches us about the new relationship that salvation brings with our heavenly Father through the Holy Spirit.
“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.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co -heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings that we may also share in His glory.” Romans 8:15-17
When we repent and invite Jesus to be Lord of our lives, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. We are adopted into the family of God and made a part of that family. The Holy Spirit gives us a deep understanding that we are children of God and our inner man cries out, “Abba”, which is the Greek word for “Daddy”. It is the affectionate title of a family member for their father! Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9) He told them that He only did what his Father showed Him to do. (John 5:19-20)
We become “co-heirs” with Christ in the Father’s family! (Romans 8:17) This means that we are in the will! We have an inheritance from our Daddy’s estate! What does that estate contain? God owns everything! He made the universe, stars, planets, and every living thing visible and invisible! He rules as King! We are heirs of the highest royalty! This truth is beyond our comprehension with our natural mind! We must have revelation to grasp what God has given us!
There is one stipulation that is often overlooked. We will share in this inheritance of glory if we are willing to share in His sufferings. What does this mean? When Jesus lived on earth, he suffered temptations and overcame them by the Holy Spirit. He suffered persecution, physical torture, and even death because of His willing obedience to the Father who loved Him and us. He loved us enough to endure the pain and shame of crucifixion so that we might be adopted into Father’s family! (Hebrews 12:1-2) Now that we are part of that family, we must obediently submit to a path of suffering to enter into glory!
As you go through your day today, take time to talk to your “Abba” and tell Him how much you appreciate what He has provided! Take any inconvenience or suffering as opportunity to thank Him for the coming glory!