19 June 2025
“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!’” (Romans 8:15, CSB). That one word—Abba—changes everything. It is not the language of trembling fear. It is the cry of beloved children who know they belong.
Mark Penrith explains, “A spirit of slavery is a metaphor for sin’s tyranny. Cowering under condemnation’s whip. Gasping in fear’s prison.” That fear once ruled us. It gripped us with guilt and shame. But now the Spirit has entered our lives, and everything has changed. Mark proclaims, “We’ve been rescued from sin’s dungeon. We’ve received the Spirit of adoption. We’ve are sons of the Most High.”
This adoption is not theoretical. It is intensely relational. Mark draws the picture with care: “Roman fathers held absolute power. Life or death over their children. Even their adult sons.” But in God’s family, “Abba” shatters these norms. It’s the tender cry of a child to their dad. “Abba” is not trembling before a tyrant language. It is God bending down His ear to your lips to catch your whisper, ‘Dad.’”
When fear creeps in—fear of failure, of fatherhood, of not being enough—don’t shrink back. Cry out. Say “Abba.” Literally say it. Let that word settle your soul. The Spirit is not interested in ritual. He pushes you into relationship. Mark says, “The Spirit thrusts this cry from your heart. Not a ritual, but relationship! This is not religious formality. This is family intimacy.”
Let your children hear you use this word. Talk to them about God as Father—not distant, but near. Say to them, “God never leaves. He always listens. He really loves us.” You’ll model faith, not just in what you believe, but in how you belong.
When fear lies, “You are an orphan,” let the Spirit shout louder, “Abba! You are Mine!”
Prayer:
Abba, Father, when fear presses in, remind me that I belong to You. Let me cry out with trust, not tremble with doubt. Amen.
Watch the sermon here.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.