Our Heavenly Father

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:3-13

I. Facts about the use of Father

A. Bible usage

B. The Old Testament rarely refers to God as Father.

C. Its first use is in Deuteronomy 32:6; a reference to God as the Father who bought and established the nation of Israel. The prophets use the term to describe the Father who guides and directs Israel who ignore His will like rebellious children.

D. The more prevalent usage is in the New Testament

E. Jesus uses the term Father extensively. The apostles, following the example of Jesus, often use this name.

F. Jesus encourages us to call on God as our Father.

II. Background information on the word father

A. In the Old Testament patriarchal system, the father was the ruler over the entire family

B. He would have the authority over an extended family and, when he died, his oldest son would take that role.

C. He would discipline and train his children, often arrange their marriages, provide materially for his family and servants, protect them from enemies, and be the spiritual leader of the family.

D. Abraham is an example of this type of father

E. Abraham sent his servant to Mesopotamia to find a bride for Isaac. Abraham raised an army from his household to rescue his nephew Lot who had been captured by Chedolaomer and his army. Of course, Abraham, and other Jewish fathers, made mistakes in the oversight of their families, but there was an ideal to which they could strive.

F. “A husband and father was considered by most families as a compassionate leader, though a few men saw themselves as ruling despots to whom everyone must bow.” Today’s Handbook of Bible Times and Customs, p. 26.

G. The Bible portrayal of God as our Father is neither the well intentioned father who falters in execution nor an abusive neglectful father. His perfect fatherhood should be the example for all earthly fathers.

III. Characteristics of the ideal father embodied in God

A. Guide the family

B. Spiritual leadership

C. Ephesians 6:4

D. Training implies that we teach them how to live and show them how to please God by our example. Training is a process of education, reinforcing of good behaviors, and disciplining bad behaviors.

E. God provides spiritual leadership through His word and the example of Jesus.

F. The word teaches us how to live

G. 2 Peter 1:3: “as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,”2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

H. Jesus is our example of how to be like our Father

I. John 14:7-11 – When we see Jesus, we see what the Father.1 John 2:6 “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

J. Proper discipline

K. God has given us His law to guide us.

L. Earthly fathers establish guidelines which they expect the children to follow.

M. Sometimes our children do not like our rules or decisions. We often emphasize that we are not trying to take away their fun or make rules for the sake of making rules, but that the rules are for their own good. God has given us commands that are for our good. Hebrews 12:3-13 – God proves His love for us by disciplining us Proper discipline directs children toward proper behavior. God also rewards good behavior, Matthew 25:34: “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world’.”

N. Forgiving

O. When Jesus wanted to teach us of God’s forgiveness, he used the forgiveness of a loving father Luke 15:11-24 (Summarize) The Father is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance, Matthew 18:10. God wants us to do what is right, as a good Father He wants to help us do what is right, but we have to make the decision to serve Him and obey His commandments.

P. Provide for the needs of the family

Q. Physical nourishment

R. Earthly fathers must provide for the physical needs of their family or God will punish them, 1 Tim 5:8.

S. Our heavenly Father knows our needs and will care for us

T. Matthew 6:8 – “For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” Matthew 6:28-34 Just as earthly fathers will not always get everything their children want, He will not always give us what we want, but He will give us what we need.

U. Spiritual nourishment

V. John 6 – God feeds us with the bread of life James 1:17 – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

W. Protection from enemies

X. Psalm 23 – He sets a table before me in the presence of my enemies John 10:27-29 – No one can snatch us from the Father’s hands James 4:7 – “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you”

IV. Our relationship to our Father

A. By His grace we are his children

B. 1 John 3:1 – What a great privilege to be God’s children We are called the household of faith, Galatians 6:10. Jesus encouraged disciples to call on Jesus as Father when He gave the model prayer, Matthew 6.

C. We call out “Abba, Father”

D. Usage

E. Jesus used the name in the garden when He asked if the cup could pass from Him, Mark 14:36. Romans 8:15 – “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father’.” Galatians 4:6 – “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father’!”

F. Meaning

G. Some have suggested comes from the infant or young child learning to address their father, like a baby learning to say “daddy” but I think the context, while conveying the closeness we should have to God, reveals more than this.

H. Children, not servants

I. “Servants were not permitted to use the appellation (name) in addressing the head of the house.” – ISBEGalatians 4:7 – You are no longer a slave but a son therefore you are permitted to address God by this name. Abba = Aramaic and Father = Greek which would illustrate the Jews and the Greeks can call God Father, not just the Jews

J. We enjoy a close relationship with God but with clear lines of respect and authority

K. Ephesians 6:1 – God expects children to honor their parents Jesus respected his parent’s authority, Luke 2:51

L. We should never be casual, or irreverent, in our relationship with our earthly or heavenly Fathers.

M. Jesus respected His Heavenly Father though they are both God. God wants us to have a close, loving relationship with Him but to remember our place as His children.