“Cry … ‘Abba, Father'”

Learning to Live in the Spirit of Adoption
“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 8:15
This study of spiritual adoption will hold many surprises for us. Not only is God the Father treated slightly in most works on theology, but the concept of sonship by spiritual adoption is scarcely understood.
Because of the biblical meaning of the term “adoption,” our study is forced to take a practical approach to the relationship of the believer to the heavenly Father. This approach is demanded by each of the passages in which the phrase “Abba, Father” is found.

Living in the Spirit of Adoption – VA 2015

Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2000

Living Sacrifice 24

People approval began to wain when Jesus expressed hard truth (Joh 6:66). Our primary goal should be to hear "well done good and faithful service" (Mat 25:23, 2Ti 4:7-8). "...acceptable to God..." (Rom 12:1, "...acceptable to us..." (Rom 12:2). Election: We choose Christ for our savior, He chooses us; He knew ahead of time. The quality of the acceptable life -- what is God doing in it (Rom 14:17-19)? The pursuit of God's pleasure is the beginning of wisdom (2Co 5:9, Eph 5:10, Eph 5:17). Sacrifice is well-pleasing to God (Phi 4:18). Obedience to parents is pleasing (Col 3:20). Employees being subservient are well pleasing to God (Tit 2:6-9). Our Great Shepherd supplies us everything we need to stand approved in His presence (Heb 13:20-21). God's will indicates His pleasure (1Ti 2:4-6, 2Pe 3:9 1Th 4:3). "reasonable service" -- logical, sensible, or rational (Rom 12:1). It is reasonable that if Christ gave His life to us, that we should give ourselves to Him (1Co 6:20). Genuine "service" is an act of worship.

Scripture References: Titus 2:6-9, Romans 12:1, Colossians 3:20, Matthew 25:23, Philippians 4:18, John 6:66, Ephesians 5:17, Ephesians 5:10, Romans 12:1, Romans 14:17-19, Hebrews 13:20-21, Romans 12:2

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From Series: "Living Sacrifice (1995)"

Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.

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