Abba Father

Romans 8:12-17

Sermon Notes:

1) A Debtor to Mercy Alone, 12-13

2) A Death that Brings Life, 13

3) A Divine Father, 14-16

4) A Divine Inheritance, 17

Reflection questions:

1) In what sense are we indebted to Christ? Should that phrase make us feel guilty, or should it encourage us? Consider the story found in Luke 7:36-50, especially vv. 41-43, 47.

2) Are you trying to kill your sin, today, this week? Which sin? Are you asking God to show which sins needs to be killed the most? Read Psalm 139:23-24.

3) Why do you think Paul (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) uses the word “sons” and not “sons and daughters” in this passage? (From the ESV’s preface: “Sons … was used as a legal term in the adoption and inheritance laws of first-century Rome. As used by the Apostle Paul, this term refers to the status of all Christians, both men and women, who, having been adopted into God’s family, now enjoy all the privileges, obligations, and inheritance rights of God’s children.”)