Sermon Discussion Questions | Garden Ridge Church

Welcome!--Lesson 3--Abba Father

Discussion Questions:

1. Are there times you have wondered whether it was ok for you to enter the presence of

God? How does the term “Abba” speak to this?

2. Why do you think Paul is the only apostle to encourage us to use the term Abba in

reference to God? How might his background, conversion and ministry to the Gentiles

motivate him to teach the significance of this title for God?

3. Describe the sacredness of love God has sought as husband and Father. Has your love

relationship with Him been this intimate, personal, sacred and unique? What would help it

to grow this way?

4. Why is it important that “Abba! Father!” is a cry from the inside? How does this

emphasize the importance of transformation, rebirth and the process of sanctification?

5. What responsibilities and expectations come with living in an “Abba! Father!”

relationship?

Discussion Questions:

1. How have you seen things of this world influence you, and even change you like Smeagol

was changed into Gollum? How do these things make you feel unpresentable to God?

2. How do the words of God help you remember who you are and retain the image of God?

What struggles do you have remembering to rely upon the words of God when you face

temptation or the whispers of doubt from Satan?

3. What is the difference in being born again and being adopted? Why does God insist on

us going through both processes?

4. Why is it significant that adoption creates family? What responsibilities do you have if you

have been adopted into the family of God?

5. From last week’s message of the Father’s joy and celebration at our return to Him, to the

desire God has to adopt us and change our nature through new birth, what does this say

to you about how much He wants a relationship with you? How does this help you

worship Him and deal with the difficulties we face in a fallen world?

Discussion Questions:

1. What kinds of walks of shame have you had to experience? Are these things still holding

you back from enjoying the celebration of the Father?

2. In what ways have you experienced the celebration like the father had when his son

returned home? Does Garden Ridge do a good job of celebrating the treasure people

are and what they mean to the Kingdom? How could we do better in this?

3. Does your definition of who you are and God’s definition match up? Why or why not?

4. What is wrong with the older brother’s attitude toward his younger brother? In what ways

have you struggled with holding the attitude of the older brother toward your own

failings?

5. What does it mean that you are not complete in your walk with God if you have only been

taken out of your slavery of sin? What do you picture the inheritance and home He is

preparing for you to be like? Do you imagine there will be celebrating, feasting and

dancing? Why or why not?