GraceBaprist.ws - God as our Father

Home Page

Grace Baptist Church
Save file: MP3 - WMA - View related sermons Click here

Fatherhood: 1 John 3:1

Introductory thoughts:

This message emphasizes the fatherhood of God so that we might both better understand our status as sons & daughters of God (1 Jn 3:1); but as well that we who are fathers may also learn from His fatherhood for our own work.
The notion of God as our Father is a uniquely Christian ideal. It is the unique theme of the New Testament that God should adopt as His own children those who receive Him (John 1:12-13). This should banish all illusions that everyone is a child of God, as is somewhat popularly stated in political and ecumenical contexts. Furthermore, it should heighten our ideal of God as Father – for with our adoption comes all the privileges and inheritance due rightful children.
Many of us only expect as much from God our Father as we ever received from our own. Which leads many to think God as only a disciplinarian, or only a far-removed authoritarian; or just a ‘friend.’ God would have us expect so much more of His fatherhood (Mt. 7:11)! Some reject the metaphor of God as "father" because they never knew a good one – but this is akin to rejecting fruit for having bitten into a wax imitation.
Similarly, all of us who are fathers should strive not only to emulate our own fathers– however godly they were for us as children – but should strive to imitate our Father in heaven in His perfect devotion, discipline, and delight toward His children.

Devotes himself to his children for their salvation (Jn 3:16; 1 Jn 3:1; Ro 8:15f, 31f)

The ultimate example of God’s Fatherhood is displayed in His faithfulness to His Son (Heb. 1:2, 5, 8-9, 13)
In adopting us as sons & daughters, God loves us with the same love with which He has loved the Son from eternity past (John 16:27). His love is shown in the greatness of the gift of His Son for our redemption (Col. 1:13-14)
APPLICATION

What a daunting example, it should move us far beyond "bringing home the bacon" to unceasing prayer & holy example & earnest wholehearted exhortation
We should long more to please the Father, and boldly approach him w/reverence (Packer, p203); who has so committed Himself to our glory (i.e., not just rescue from condemnation, but deliverance to a life of holiness and joy).

Disciplines his children lovingly for their good (Heb 12:5-10)

Really arises out of His devotion to our good. See how it's not arbitrary or born out of anger
May seem unpleasant; but one who fathers w/o discipline hates his child (cuz he leaves him in the foolishness of his youth). Be willing (but not trite or puffed up) to be the "bad guy" for a moment.
Proves and comes from love!
APPLICATION

Do we see the trials and sufferings of this life borne in part out of God’s discipline? Do we see God’s "frowns" in their proper context?

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

- "God Moves In A Mysterious Way", William Cowper

Loving discipline is not the act of an overbearing parent, but one who desires their child not to go in the way they would.

"First, then, if you would train your children rightly, train them in the way they should go, and not in the way that they would." J.C. Ryle, Duties of Parents

Do we as fathers (and mothers) consistently apply loving discipline to our children? To do otherwise is to treat our children as illegitimate, because we do not care if they should continue in the path of sin and rebellion. Do we communicate to our children clearly and patiently (as our own Father in heaven does to us) our purposes in discipline, even though they may not fully understand?

Delights in his children (Lk 15:20-24; Titus 3:4-5)

He freely gives us what we need (Mt 7:8)
He rejoices in us! (Zeph 3:17)
As children of God, the great wonder is that God should not only save us, but that He should save us joyfully! God is glad in saving sinners (see Piper, Seeing and Savoring)! Do we perceive the gladness of God in His children; or merely imagine Him saving us with a stern face (Lk 15:10)?
There is no shortage of expressions of God's great love for His children; no a begrudging foot-dragging murmured "I love you."
APPLICATION

Do we delight in our children? Or merely expect stuff of them? Do they know that we delight in them? Is it something conveyed in our actions, or are we content with "I got home from work, now let me read my paper or watch the television."
As men, we are typically less inclined toward displays of emotion and affection – traditionally a sign of weakness in our culture. Yet our Father in heaven expresses himself unashamedly as a lover of His children in the most tender ways and with the most unabashed expressions!
Do we live as those in whom God delights, or live merely in fear of offending one who has mercifully (but reluctantly) saved us? Do we see the "mercy of God as paramount over His justice?"

Home Page |
Sermons provided by www.GraceBaptist.ws