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Romans Commentary Chapters 1-8  /  Romans 8:14-18 Our Adoption as Children of God  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 8
Ambrosiaster warns, “If our behavior does not correspond to our voice, when we cry, Abba Father, we insult God”; what specific behaviors or patterns in your life risk making your prayers dishonest, and what repentance would make the address “Abba” truthful rather than presumption?
Another way to ask: What habits in your life could make it dishonest to pray “Abba, Father”? What kind of repentance would make those words true instead of just assuming God’s approval?

Direct Answer The transcript’s main warning is that calling God “Father” while living in unrighteousness or refusing repentance makes the prayer hypocritical. Repentance that returns to keeping God’s commandments—and to love expressed in righteous living—makes “Abba” a truthful cry of a child rather than presumption.

Support from Transcript:

  • Ambrosiaster: “If our behavior does not correspond to our voice… we insult God by calling Him Father.”
  • Origen/Ambrosiaster’s test from 1 John: those who do not “do righteousness” and do not “love his brother” are not God’s children.
  • The transcript says unrepentant violation indicates a heart problem: violating commands “without repentance… is a sure indication that he no longer loves God.”
  • Yet there is a path back: “if he repents, he can be assured of God’s forgiveness.”
  • Love is shown in obedience: “If we love God, we keep His commandments,” not merely claim closeness in prayer.
Discussion Follow-ups Which is more likely in your life: using “Abba” to comfort yourself while resisting change, or using it to run toward obedience because you want to please your Father?

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