My God and My Father

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: I John 3; Lord's Day 9
Psalters: 375, 89, 347, 278
  1. The idea.
    1. The name ?Father? describes God in the closest relationship.
    2. God is eternally Father within the Trinity, without beginning and without ending.
    3. The second evidence of begetting is the Triune God begetting the Mediator.
      1. This brings outside of God what (Fatherhood) is within Himself.
      2. This is also eternal, for it is a part of God?s eternal counsel to beget a Son outside of Himself (Psalm 2:7).
    4. Of whom is God Father? Who are God?s children?
  2. The reality is that we are children of God and He is our Father.
    1. How then does God become the spiritual Father of His adopted children?
      1. First, He predestinated us unto the adoption (Eph. 1:5).
      2. Then, God sent His Son that we might receive the adoption of sons (Gal. 4:4,5; II Peter 1:4).
      3. Then God?s Son gave His Spirit to testify with our spirits that we are God?s children (Rom. 8:15,16).
      4. Our adoption is fully realized when we are glorified in heaven (Romans 8:23).
    2. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed on us that we should be called the children of God (I John 3:1)!!
      1. God?s Fatherhood of me is an extension of His Fatherhood of Christ.
      2. The greatness of this love is because ...
  3. There are implications which arise from this relationship.
    1. Our Father provides us with all things necessary for our body and soul (Matt. 6:32; Phil. 4:19).
    2. I can rely on my Father in every circumstances of life.
      1. As children we can trust Him completely; we can rely on Him so entirely that we have no doubt.
      2. As children we must honor Father when He chastens His beloved children (Heb. 12:6-10).
      3. The faith which rests in God sees our heavenly Father as both able and willing to work all for our good.
    3. As earthly fathers, let us learn.