Puyallup Nazarene Church
Abba, I Belong to You
In this world of options and confusion, what people come to believe about God and their relationship with God is arguably the most critical issue of their lives. Jesus has given a picture of God, invites us into relationship with him and set us on a course of belonging and transformative love.
Locations & Times
Puyallup Nazarene Church
1026 7th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98371, USA
Saturday 5:30 PM
Prayers for the Journey
"This is what I can do when I'm sober."
The Gift of Belonging. verses 14-17
Breaking the back of false mental images of God.
"Abba, I belong to you."
Discussion and Application Questions for Group Life Communities and Personal Study- Romans 8: 14-17
Observe
- Read the passage several times. Use different translations.
- According to this passage, what makes a person a child of God? What does this passage do to the idea that all people are God’s children?
- Do you see a connection between this passage and Israel’s exodus from Egypt? How do Paul’s terms, led by the Spirit/slavery – adoption/Father-children remind you of God liberating his people from Egypt?
- Look at the various ways Paul uses the term spirit in the passage…..what is the a difference between the Holy Spirit and the spirit of slavery of spirit of adoption?
- What is the connection between Abba Father and adoption? Where does Jesus come into play in this?
Interpret
- Why would God want to enter an Abba relationship with you? How does this invitation impact the way you pray and talk to God?
- Roman adoption cancelled any personal debts and set up a new relationship with the adopted father and family. Why is it difficult to live believing that Jesus cancels our debts and invites us into a close relationship with God?
- Why would Paul introduce the idea of suffering into the discussion of our close relationship to the Father and children?
Application
- What does it mean to be a joint heir with Jesus? How does this truth change how you will approach your day tomorrow? In what ways do you live anchored in the inheritance that God gives us?
- Do you have an ‘Abba’ relationship with God? How will you remember this? How might your prayers change if your consciously realize this truth?
- Who do you know that needs to hear this good news? How can you share this with them this week/
Let’s pray for each other as we grow in the realization that we belong to God/Abba this week.
As we live into the Four Principles for Living the Missio Dei:
*Share in life with people who do not yet know Jesus.
*Inspire others to know and follow Jesus by living your faith attractively.
*Grow with others in your faith and obedience.
*Serve others with sacrificial love.
Observe
- Read the passage several times. Use different translations.
- According to this passage, what makes a person a child of God? What does this passage do to the idea that all people are God’s children?
- Do you see a connection between this passage and Israel’s exodus from Egypt? How do Paul’s terms, led by the Spirit/slavery – adoption/Father-children remind you of God liberating his people from Egypt?
- Look at the various ways Paul uses the term spirit in the passage…..what is the a difference between the Holy Spirit and the spirit of slavery of spirit of adoption?
- What is the connection between Abba Father and adoption? Where does Jesus come into play in this?
Interpret
- Why would God want to enter an Abba relationship with you? How does this invitation impact the way you pray and talk to God?
- Roman adoption cancelled any personal debts and set up a new relationship with the adopted father and family. Why is it difficult to live believing that Jesus cancels our debts and invites us into a close relationship with God?
- Why would Paul introduce the idea of suffering into the discussion of our close relationship to the Father and children?
Application
- What does it mean to be a joint heir with Jesus? How does this truth change how you will approach your day tomorrow? In what ways do you live anchored in the inheritance that God gives us?
- Do you have an ‘Abba’ relationship with God? How will you remember this? How might your prayers change if your consciously realize this truth?
- Who do you know that needs to hear this good news? How can you share this with them this week/
Let’s pray for each other as we grow in the realization that we belong to God/Abba this week.
As we live into the Four Principles for Living the Missio Dei:
*Share in life with people who do not yet know Jesus.
*Inspire others to know and follow Jesus by living your faith attractively.
*Grow with others in your faith and obedience.
*Serve others with sacrificial love.