Sermon Central
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Abba
Contributed by Ronald Crandall on Jan 15, 2003 (message contributor)
Summary: He is our Father and Father means provider. This message takes a look at Romans 8:15 and the story of the Prodigal Son.
ABBA!
By: Ron Crandall
Rom 8:15
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
(KJV)
AB (father), an element in the composition of many proper names, of which Abba is a Chaldaic form, having the sense of “endowed with,” “possessed of.”
Names and Titles Of
The names and titles of God reflect the greatness of his being and nature. In titles denoting his greatness, he is the Almighty; the first (former); the Most High (to come up, ascend; highest); the Lord; the Lord of Hosts (Sabaoth); the Holy One; the living God (live); the Lawgiver.
In terms of his relationship with his people, he is Father and Abba; and in titles which reflect his activity, he is the Redeemer; the Husbandman; the Maker and Author of life.
His character is shown in titles such as the Amen and the stone (rock) of Israel.
FATHER IN THE GREEK: IS PATER - from the a root signifying a nourisher(one who provides with substances necessary to life and growth), protector, upholdolder
We all have at one time or another come to the end of our rope and felt like we were hanging on by the last thread.
That last thread produces fear, anxiety, depression and for some people it causes them to use of mind altering drugs and look for fulfillment in all the wrong places.
I want to share with you that there is hope!
There is a way; to better understand my problems, situations and sometimes the messes we get ourselves into. (You know those things (messes) we get ourselves into, and try and blame everyone and their brother for and even going to the length of blaming the God of deliverance for our bondage.)
I want to share a story with you taken out of the book of Luke, the physician, or healer (I hope you catch that).
God does not make any mistakes only humbled mighty warriors, who after their fall or sin come to understand that God has everything in control.
I want to continue this morning going a little further and a little deeper and come to an understanding that it is necessary to fear (respect) the Lord.
Not a type of fear that produces intimidation, but the type of fear that is healthy fear!
A reverential fear, of God as a controlling motive of life.
In matters both spiritual and moral, not a mere fear of His power and righteous retribution, but a wholesome dread of displeasing Him.
Coming into a place of responsibility with our walk with God. And holding precious what he has entrusted to us.
Rom 8:15
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
(KJV)
5401 phobos (fob’-os);
from a primary phebomai (to be put in fear); alarm or fright:
KJV-- be afraid, + exceedingly, fear, terror.
A fear which banishes the terror, that shrinks in His presence, and which influences our disposition and attitude of one whose circumstances are guided by trust in God, through the indwelling of Spirit of God. Vines (page 84)
The church of Acts walked in the fear of the Lord.
31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
(KJV)
2 Cor 7:1
1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
(KJV)
We have an inheritance through the promises of God. But like a natural inheritance there are stipulations put on the receiving of the inheritance. Here Paul writes that ;
1. We need to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh
2. We need to become holy as he is holy
3. We need to respect his Presence and His place of authority in our lives.
Eph 5:21
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
(KJV)
The reverential fear of God will inspire a constant carefulness in dealing with others in His fear. Vines (page 84)
***Taking Responsibility for our actions:
Turn with me to Luke 15:21
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
