Addressing God as Father

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: I John 3; Lord's Day 46
Psalters: 376, 42, 278, 434
  1. The majestic and perfectly Holy Triune God established a most intimate relationship: Father/child.
    1. This is a right which God gives only to some (John 1:12): “us” and not the children of the devil (1,10).
      1. That it is “bestowed” means that it is given and granted of one’s own accord, to supply or furnish.
      2. It is bestowed by Him who is already “Father.”
    2. The fact of fatherhood implies three things.
    3. God is our Father because:
      1. He chose us to be His children before He created the world (Eph. 1:5).
      2. He redeems us by the death of His own Son earning forgiveness and righteousness (I John 2:1).
      3. He has adopts us in Christ (Gal. 4:5).
      4. He regenerates (born again) us by the Spirit of His Son (Gal. 4:6), who continually dwells in each elect child.
    4. He is “OUR Father.”
  2. That our Father is “in heaven” has implications.  Reverence, perfect – thus worthy of trust
    1. “In heaven” indicates our Father’s indescribable and infinite glory and majesty, rather than His location.
    2. “In heaven” speaks to His perfection as a Father.
  3. He is thus worthy of our complete trust, and we can have all confidence in His care and provision. Even boldness.
    1. First, we may have confidence and assurance that His way is the right way.
    2. Second, we can and must speak to Him directly, without anyone else mediating.
    3. Because God is our Father we may and ought to love Him – not a relationship of fear and bondage, but of love and respect.