Introduction
Good and godly fathers are a blessing. This helps us understand how He relates to us and how we relate to Him.
1 – The Father begets – He is the origin of all
Over everything that exists. Acts 17; Eph 3:14-15; only the believer can call God the Father in the most intimate way. The Father over His saved children. By faith in the son Jesus Christ that we become children of God.
John 1:12 (NKJV) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
1 Peter 1:3-4 (NKJV) 3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
The greatest of all relationships to be in relationship to God. The greater need is that our children become children of God. Bring them to Jesus, to the Word of God.
2 – The Father forgives
Gods continual forgiveness. Our sin grieves Him. When we sin it hinders our relationship with the heavenly Father. 1 John 1:9, Mat 6:14
We still battle with sin every day and every hour. Sin can weight us down.
1 John 1:9 (NKJV) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Be quick to forgive our children. Recognize we are sinners and need forgiveness ourselves so be quick to forgive.
1 John 3:1 (NKJV) Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
1 John 4:9 (NKJV) In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
Ephesians 1:8-9 (NKJV) 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,
3 – The Father Trains His children
In righteousness. We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works. He admonishes us to fear Him and to wean us off the world.
Hebrews 12:4-5 (NKJV) 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
Hebrews 12:6-9 (NKJV) 6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected [us,] and we paid [them] respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?
Training, discipline, correction; our Father does these things because He loves us.
Hebrews 12:11-12 (NKJV) 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,
Earthly fathers we too must discipline and train our children. Teach them the Word of God
4 – The Father Provides
Ask, seek, and knock. Mat 7:9. We are to ask daily for our daily bread. He will provide. Let us learn to be content with what we have. Fathers on earth are to be providers. Not wives / mothers. Wives help. But the principle role of the husband is to provide:
1 Timothy 5:8 (NKJV) But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
The Father protects – God never abandons His children. John 14:21
John 14:18 (NKJV) “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
Believe and hold onto the promises of the son. The heavenly Father deserves honor, glory, & praise.