Romans 8:14-17

Paul writes: "You did not receive a spirit which makes you a slave to fear again; you received the spirit of adoption by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!'"

In this letter to the Christians in Rome Paul argues that they are "sons of God," because they are "led by the Spirit of God." (v. 14) Paul uses the Aramaic word "Abba," which has an intimate meaning like "Papa" or "Daddy." In the gospel accounts Jesus also calls God Abba.

Paul uses this image to assert that Christians have nothing to fear, as children of God, for they are "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ." (v. 17) But Paul reminds the Christians in Rome that they must suffer with Christ in order "to be glorified with him." (v. 17) The promise of the church is that God will not abandon us, because he did not abandon Christ, but raised him from the dead. "He who did not share his own Son, but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him?" (v. 33) Paul encourages the Christians in Rome to remain faithful despite their suffering.

Grace and peace...Bob