“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” – Romans 8:15 NIV

Introduction

As we journey through the Christian life—through both mountain-top moments and valleys of deep sorrow—there is one name that continues to echo through time with unshakable comfort and assurance: Abba, Father. This tender name for God, first uttered by Jesus in His darkest hour, invites us into the most intimate relationship possible with the Almighty.

To the ancient Jewish mind, addressing God as “Father” was considered audacious—perhaps even irreverent. But Jesus changed everything. Not only did He refer to God as His Father, but He also welcomed us into that same intimacy, teaching His disciples to pray, “Our Father who art in Heaven.”

The term “Abba” is not formal—it’s familial. It’s what a child would say to a loving dad. It speaks of closeness, protection, and trust.

Today, as many feel orphaned by a world full of broken promises and fractured relationships, the call to know God as “Abba, Father” is more vital than ever.

WHO IS ABBA, FATHER? WHAT DOES THIS NAME MEAN FOR US?

The phrase “Abba, Father” is not just a poetic expression—it carries with it theological weight, relational significance, and spiritual power. Let us explore what this sacred name reveals.

1. Abba Reveals God’s Fatherly Love

At the core of the Christian gospel is the revelation of God as Father. Not a distant deity or a harsh judge, but a loving Father whose arms are always open. Romans 5:8 tells us: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That kind of love is not abstract—it is personal, pursuing, and sacrificial.

In Luke 15, Jesus told the story of the prodigal son to demonstrate what the heart of the Father looks like. Despite his rebellion, shame, and wastefulness, the younger son was welcomed with a robe, a ring, and a feast. Why? Because his father had never stopped loving him. That is the picture of Abba—the Father who runs toward us when the world turns away.

2. Abba Affirms Our Identity as Sons and Daughters

Romans 8:15 reminds us that we are not slaves to fear but sons and daughters of God. This means our relationship with God is not transactional —it’s familial. Through Christ, we are not merely forgiven; we are adopted.

This adoption comes with full rights. Galatians 4:6–7 says: “Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir.”

We are heirs of promise, joint-heirs with Christ. Our identity is no longer based on our past, our failures, or the world’s opinions—it is rooted in the unchanging love of our Father.

3. Abba Invites Us into Honest, Intimate Prayer

In Mark 14:36, Jesus, in Gethsemane, prayed, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.” In this moment of agony, Jesus did not turn away from God—He turned toward Him. He used the most personal name He knew.

This shows us that prayer is not about performance—it’s about presence. Abba invites us to bring our full selves—our joy, our sorrow, our confusion, our need—and lay them at His feet.

You don’t need to clean yourself up to pray. You don’t need eloquence. You just need to come. Abba, Father is not a title to fear but a name to whisper when your heart is breaking.

4. Abba Strengthens Us in Our Weakness

Jesus used “Abba” in a time of deep sorrow. That tells us something: intimacy with God does not eliminate suffering, but it gives us strength within it.

Deuteronomy 33:27 says, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” What a powerful image—our Father not only watches over us, but He also holds us when we fall. We can trust Him with our questions, our grief, our waiting, and even our silence.

When life feels overwhelming, the whisper “Abba” can become your anchor. He is not the Father who stands far off in judgment; He is the Father who enters into your story and carries you.

5. Abba Calls Us to Reflect His Heart

Knowing God as “Abba” is not only about receiving His love—it’s about reflecting it. Jesus said in Matthew 5:48, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” We are called to imitate our Abba in how we love, forgive, and serve others.

If He welcomes the broken, so should we. If He forgives the undeserving, so must we. The more we understand the heart of our Father, the more our own hearts are transformed.

Being a child of God means becoming an ambassador of His love. It means embodying the mercy we have received and extending it to a world in desperate need of grace.

WHAT DOES ABBA, FATHER, ACHIEVE FOR US?

• Freedom from Fear: We no longer approach God as slaves, but as children. Fear does not define us—faith does.
• Confidence in His Presence: We can approach the throne of grace boldly (Hebrews 4:16).
• Assurance of Belonging: No matter how far you’ve wandered, you are still His. He is still Abba.
• Eternal Inheritance: As His children, we share in Christ’s victory and promise (Romans 8:17).

CONCLUSION

To call God “Abba, Father” is to enter the deepest truth of the Christian faith: that we are loved, accepted, adopted, and never alone. It is to cry out from the core of our being—not to a far-off deity but to a Father who knows our name and hears our voice. Jesus showed us what it means to walk with the Father, to trust Him in trials, to submit to His will, and to rest in His love. And He invites us to do the same.

So, today, whether you are standing strong or hanging by a thread, whisper this name: Abba. Let it remind you who you are. Let it draw you closer. Let it change the way you live.

He is not just God. He is not just Lord. He is Abba.

Remain Blessed!

Please note that the preaching program on Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays at 5:30 am has been temporarily put on hold. However, please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sundays at 5:30 am and YFM 107.9 – Sundays at 6:30 am for our Radio Bible Study, as well as on Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm for Hymns and Their Stories.