As I’m preaching through the book Romans and finished the first half of chapter 8, I drew everyone’s attention to v. 15 – For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of sonship (literally, adoption). And by him we cry “Abba, Father.”

I stated publically (in front of God and everyone!) that “Abba Father” could be translated “Daddy, Father.”  Then I did a little more research on the Monday after the Sunday sermon.

I must admit my face is blushing because a more accurate translation is “Dearest, Father” and was a word used by adult children with respect to THEIR parents.  I found many bloggers on the internet who were really adamant that Abba DOES NOT MEAN Daddy.

My response?

Click on this link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEGHP2yqgp8

No, we shouldn’t address God in an irreverent way.  We must not view God as our buddy or the big guy upstairs or dude (the worst, I think).  But if you read the entirety of Romans 7 and 8, you’ll see the right response to the God who saves us, breaks the power of sin in our lives, and helps up put the sinful nature to death might be more like the two-year old preschooler than the mighty opinionators (a word I just made up) on the internet.

Blessings!

Pastor Mark