We've Found Our Father

Bible Bites

Scott Beyer
07/25/23 - Bulletin

“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba, Father!’” (Romans 8:15)

Paul spends a great deal of time in this chapter discussing the difference between the inner man (our spirit) and the outer man (our flesh). Outwardly, we are all weak, inferior, foolish humans with a history of sin and weakness. In fact, if you look throughout human history, our record of bloodshed, selfishness, and pride is so stark that it is truly only by the grace of God that we have not been consumed.

Yet, as a Christian, you need not find your identity in that weakness and inferiority. In Christ, our spirits can cry out with confidence that God is our Father, and we need not fear death or sin. Our mistakes, our human ancestry, and our past is no longer our identity. We are sons and daughters of the Almighty now, and may live confidently that the Holy Spirit Himself will testify that we belong to God.

You are who He says you who are, not who everyone else says.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Romans 8:9-17

Questions to ask:

How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision