Weekly Devotions:
 

God as Father  
June 19, 2006
(click here to download as a Microsoft Word document)
 

Scripture gives us many examples of fathers throughout its pages. Unfortunately, most are bad examples. Noah, the man chosen by God to survive worldwide judgment had a son who made fun of him and mocked him. Samuel, a great man of God and one of the godly leaders of the Old Testament, had sons who the Bible says “did not walk in his ways” and “turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.” Even the great King David, the most powerful king of the Old Testament, had sons who rebelled against him and tried to kill him. A good role model of a father is hard to find in the pages of the Bible.

But God has not left us in the dark, for He has chosen to reveal Himself to His people as Father. There are only a few instances in the Old Testament where God is described in this way, but with the coming of the Lord Jesus and the writing of the New Testament the image of God as Father is given prominence. 

Take some time this week to think deeply on what it means to know God as Father. Spend some time studying these passages that will give you a greater understanding of and appreciation for our relationship with God. 

·        According to John 1:12-13 and Galatians 3:26 how does a person become a child of God and enter into the family of God?

·        Read Romans 8:12-17 and Galatians 4:1-7 and notice how these passages speak of our being “adopted” into the family of God. Adoption is an act of God’s free grace where He brings those who were outside of His family into His family, granting them all of the rights and privileges that come with being a son or daughter of God.

·        Notice that the concept of adoption in these passages is closely tied with our new familial intimacy with God. The term “abba” (Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:6) is an Aramaic word that would best be translated as “daddy” or “papa.” This word carries with it the idea of intimacy, affection, and endearment and stresses a person’s new relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Think about what it means for a Christian to have this kind of intimacy with God.

·        Also note in these passages that the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the child of God confirms this new relationship (Romans 8:16).

·        Read Matthew 6:25-34 and 7:9-11 and think about God’s thorough care of His children. Because of His providential care of us should we worry about the things of this world? Instead, where does Jesus say our focus is to be (6:33)? What does Matthew 7:9-11 teach us about God’s care of His children?

·        Read Hebrews 12:3-11 and consider God’s loving discipline of His children. Why does God discipline or chasten His children (12:6)? What is the outcome of God’s loving discipline (12:10-11)? If we do not receive loving discipline what does that tell us about our relationship to God (12:7-8)?

No one has experienced a perfect earthly father. All of our fathers have fallen short in many ways and at many times. But in our relationship with God as Father through faith in Jesus Christ we come to know a Father who is always perfectly loving, faithful, kind, caring, and providing. Take time this week to spend with your heavenly Father thanking Him for His love and care and for adopting you into His family.

 

Devotions Archive:

NorthRidge Fellowship Exists to Glorify God
May 28, 2006

20 Days in Acts
May 1, 2006

13 Days in the Gospel of John
April 17, 2006

1st Corinthians 15
By John Piper ©Desiring God
April 9, 2006

Love One Another (Part1)
March 12, 2006

Love One Another (Part 2)
March 19, 2006

Love One Another (Part 3)
March 26, 2006

Preparing for Sunday Morning Worship
April 2, 2006

 

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