Francis Chan - Our hearts cry "Abba! Father!"

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives, enabling us to cry out to God as Abba, Father. When we surrender to Jesus, a fundamental shift occurs within us, and we become slaves to righteousness, driven by a deep desire to serve the kingdom. However, many believers struggle with feeling disconnected from this inner dynamic, relying on external motivators rather than the Spirit's prompting.

Key Scripture References

• Romans 8:15-16 - This passage highlights the Spirit's presence within us, causing our spirits to cry out "Abba! Father!" as we are adopted into God's family. When we surrender to Jesus, we receive the Spirit, and this inner transformation enables us to relate to God as a loving father.
• Galatians 5:22-23 - The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control, which is essential for resisting sin and living a life surrendered to righteousness. When we're filled with the Spirit, we become increasingly aware of our need to serve God's kingdom.
• 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 - This passage emphasizes that when the Spirit of the Lord dwells within us, we have access to the deep things of God and are transformed by His presence. We're no longer conformed to this world but become new creations in Christ.
• Psalm 119:25-32 - David's prayer for the Spirit's illumination highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance and understanding. When we desire to know God more intimately, He responds with His presence and power.
• Matthew 28:18-20 - Jesus' commission to His disciples emphasizes the need for believers to take action in serving the kingdom. We're called to make disciples of all nations, demonstrating our love for God by obeying His commands.
• John 14:15-17 - Jesus promises that if we love Him, He will abide in us and ask nothing from us. However, this passage also highlights the importance of obedience, as we're called to follow Christ's commands and demonstrate our love for Him through action.
• Ephesians 3:14-19 - Paul's prayer for the Ephesian believers emphasizes the need for spiritual growth and maturity. He prays that they would comprehend the magnitude of God's love, which enables us to live a life surrendered to His kingdom.

Key Takeaways

• We must recognize the transformative power of the Holy Spirit's presence within us, enabling us to cry out to God as Abba, Father. This inner dynamic drives our desire to serve the kingdom and live a life surrendered to righteousness.
• When we're filled with the Spirit, we become increasingly aware of our need to resist sin and live according to God's commands. We must respond to this prompting by taking action in serving the kingdom.
• The Spirit's presence within us empowers us to obey Jesus' commands and demonstrate our love for Him through action. We're called to make disciples of all nations, reflecting God's love to a world in need.
• We must seek spiritual growth and maturity, comprehending the magnitude of God's love and allowing it to transform our lives. This requires surrendering to the Spirit's prompting and responding with obedience to His commands.

This Week's Challenge

Take 10 minutes each day this week to read one verse from the Bible, and spend time in prayer, listening for the Spirit's guidance. Ask God to help you comprehend His love and transform your life according to His kingdom purposes. Consider sharing with a friend or family member what you're learning and how it's impacting your daily choices.

Reflection Questions

• Reflect on a time when you felt the Spirit's presence within you, driving your desire to serve God's kingdom. How did this experience shape your understanding of your relationship with God?
• Consider the ways in which you've relied on external motivators rather than the Spirit's prompting. What steps can you take this week to cultivate a deeper dependence on the Holy Spirit's guidance?
• How does the concept of being "slaves to righteousness" resonate with you? What areas of your life need transformation, and how will you respond to the Spirit's prompting in these areas?