A Look at “A Look at “God the God the FatherFather””Lk 12:29-32

Introduction (from Introduction (from The Model The Model FatherFather by John Kapteyn) by John Kapteyn) I found an article called Father which shows how we

might perceive our father at different stages in our lives - sometimes as perfect and sometimes as very imperfect. This is what we might say about our father at different ages.◦ at 4 years - "My daddy can do anything"◦ at 7 years - "My daddy knows a lot, a whole lot"◦ at 8 years - "My father doesn't quite know everything"◦ at 12 years - "Oh well, of course Father doesn't know

everything"◦ at 14 years - "Father, oh he is so old-fashioned"◦ at 21 - "Oh that man is out of date. What did you

expect?"◦ at 25 - "He knows a little bit about it but not much"◦ at 30 - "I must find out what Dad thinks about it"◦ at 50 - "What would Dad have thought about it?"◦ at 60 - "I wish I could talk it over with Dad once more"

Introduction (from Introduction (from The Model The Model FatherFather by John Kapteyn) by John Kapteyn)Our fathers are not perfect although

they may not be as imperfect as we think. The truth may lie somewhere between these two extremes.

Being a father is an important yet difficult task.◦The authority and role of fathers is being

lost. We may even feel somewhat pushed to the side.

◦We may question our role in a changing world.

◦We need a role model to look to as an example of what a father should be the models before us are far from ideal.

Introduction (from Introduction (from The Model The Model FatherFather by John Kapteyn) by John Kapteyn)Tool Time Tim is an insecure father who is

portrayed as a bumbling fool and other We have come a long way from Father Knows

Best today we rather say Father Knows Worst.We may laugh at these fathers, but there is a

real danger here those who watch these shows, including children, loose respect for the fathers and the role of fatherhood as well.

The good news is that we have a perfect model of what a father should be. A model that calls us to respect our fathers and a model that those of us who are fathers can seek to follow.

Introduction (from Introduction (from The Model The Model FatherFather by John Kapteyn) by John Kapteyn)The one perfect father is the one

who is the father of us all - our heavenly Father - God Himself. God is perfect and while we are not, we are called to be holy as He is holy.

We are to seek to be the type of Father that He is. In fact as earthly fathers we have a role not only bring up our children as God calls us to.

This morning I would like to look at this perfect Father

Terms used for God by the Jews in the Terms used for God by the Jews in the New Testament (from The Sermon New Testament (from The Sermon Notebook: The Most Wonderful of them Notebook: The Most Wonderful of them all)all) If they had a need in their life, they would

call on "Jehovah-jireh", Gen. 22:14, which means, "The Lord will provide."

If they were anxious, they would call on "Jehovah-shalom", Judges 6:24, which means "The Lord our peace."

If they were lonely, or afraid, they might call on "Jehovah-shammah", Eze. 48:35, which means "The Lord is there."

If they need leadership, they would call on "Jehovah-rohi", Psalm 23:1, which means "The Lord our Shepherd."

If they were sick, they would call on "Jehovah-rapha", Exodus 15:26, which means "The Lord our healer."

Jesus teaches us that we can address Jesus teaches us that we can address God in a more personal manner, We can God in a more personal manner, We can address Him as Fatheraddress Him as FatherJesus referred to God as “My Father”

fifty-three times in the gospelsJesus referred to God as “Our Father”

twenty-one times in the gospelsJesus referred to God as “Your Father”

twenty-one times in the gospelsThis seems to be a much more

personal term than the Jews were using as seen above

A closer look at this A closer look at this “relationship” as mentioned in “relationship” as mentioned in vs 30 & 32 vs 30 & 32 of our of our texttextIt is a personal relationship

◦The term Father is defined in the following ways “a man who exercises paternal care over

other persons; paternal protector or provider” (dictionary.com)

“Any male acting in a paternal capacity related: paternal” (World English Dictionary)

“God, especially when considered as the first part of the Christian Trinity” (Collins English Dictionary)

A closer look at this A closer look at this “relationship” as mentioned in “relationship” as mentioned in vs 30 & 32 vs 30 & 32 of our textof our text◦ Rom 8:15 teaches us that when follow God’s

commands (baptism) we are “adopted” into His family “Adoption is the taking and treating a stranger as one's own

child. It is applied to Christians because God treats them as his children; he receives them into this relation, though they were by nature strangers and enemies. It implies, That we by nature had no claim on him; That therefore, the act is one of mere kindness - of pure, sovereign love; That we are now under his protection and care; and, That we are bound to manifest toward him the spirit of children, and yield to him obedience.” (Barnes’ Notes)

“But ye have received the Spirit of adoption - Ye are brought into the family of God by adoption; and the agent that brought you into this family is the Holy Spirit; and this very Spirit continues to witness to you the grace in which ye stand, by enabling you to call God your Father, with the utmost filial confidence and affection.” (Clarke’s Commentary)

◦ 1 John 3:1-2 also reminds us that we are God’s children

A closer look at this “relationship” A closer look at this “relationship” as mentioned in as mentioned in vs 30 & 32 vs 30 & 32 of of

our textour text It is a profound relationship◦ It is a remarkable thing to think about and consider what a person is prior to

this adoption by the Father◦ The lost sinner is God’s enemy

Rom 8:7; James 4:4 “Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world - "Whoever" he may be,

whether in the church or out of it. The fact of being a member of the church makes no difference in this respect, for it is as easy to be a friend of the world in the church as out of it. The phrase "whosoever will" (βουληθη boulethe) implies "purpose, intention, design." It supposes that the heart is set on it; or that there is a deliberate purpose to seek the friendship of the world. It refers to that strong desire which often exists, even among professing Christians, to secure the friendship of the world; to copy its fashions and vanities; to enjoy its pleasures; and to share its pastimes and its friendships. Wherever there is a manifested purpose to find our chosen friends and associates there rather than among Christians; wherever there is a greater desire to enjoy the smiles and approbation of the world than there is to enjoy the approbation of God and the blessings of a good conscience; and wherever there is more conscious pain because we have failed to win the applause of the world, or have offended its votaries, and have sunk ourselves in its estimation, than there is because we have neglected our duty to our Saviour, and have lost the enjoyment of religion, there is the clearest proof that the heart wills or desires to be the "friend of the world." Is the enemy of God - This is a most solemn declaration, and one of fearful import in its bearing on many who are members of the church. It settles the point that anyone, no matter what his professions, who is characteristically a friend of the world, cannot be a true Christian.” (Barnes’ Notes)

“The friendship of the world is enmity with God. Since the prince of this world is opposed to Christ and the spirit of the world is also opposed, one cannot love the ways of the world and love God also. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Mt 6:24). (People’s New Testament)

A closer look at this A closer look at this “relationship” as mentioned in “relationship” as mentioned in vs 30 & 32 vs 30 & 32 of our textof our text◦The lost sinner is actually

doomed/condemned to an eternity in Hell Jn 3:18, 36

◦“When you stop to consider the truth that a lost, hell-bound, hell-deserving sinner could even be saved by the grace of God; it is a profound and amazing thing! But, when you consider that same sinner also becomes a child of God, well, that is amazing beyond words!” (from The Sermon Notebook: The Most Wonderful Father of them all)

A closer look at this A closer look at this “relationship” as mentioned in “relationship” as mentioned in vs 30 & 32 vs 30 & 32 of our textof our textIt is a permanent relationship (if

we follow the rules)◦When God adopted us into His family

it wasn’t for just a short while; He did it for eternity Jn 6:37; 1 Pet 1:3-5

Just as a human father can take on certain Just as a human father can take on certain responsibilities in relation to his children, God has responsibilities in relation to his children, God has taken on certain responsibilities for His children (taken on certain responsibilities for His children (Lk Lk 12:30-3212:30-32))The responsibility of awareness (v 30) ◦“The Father knows you need these

things”◦Sometimes we as human parents just

don’t know what it is that our child needs…While we may not know, God the Father always knows and can provide

◦God is aware of everything that is going on in our lives, whether going right or wrong Job 23:10; Ps 1:6; Ps 139:1-12

Just as a human father can take on certain Just as a human father can take on certain responsibilities in relation to his children, God has responsibilities in relation to his children, God has taken on certain responsibilities for His children (taken on certain responsibilities for His children (Lk Lk 12:30-3212:30-32))The responsibility of ability (v 31)

◦ It isn’t enough for the Lord just to know about what His children need; He must possess the ability to meet those needs, or His knowledge does us no good.

◦According to this passage, God does have the power to take care of us as well as to know about us.

◦“All these things shall be added to you” “He has control over all things, and He can give

you what you need. He will give you what he deems best for you.” (Barnes’ Notes)

Just as a human father can take on certain Just as a human father can take on certain responsibilities in relation to his children, God has responsibilities in relation to his children, God has taken on certain responsibilities for His children (taken on certain responsibilities for His children (Lk Lk 12:30-3212:30-32))◦ “Many people live in doubt of God’s great ability to

care for His people; but I would like to remind you that if God can speak this universe into existence, He can take care of you. If He can keep Noah safe through that flood; feed Elijah with the ravens; put meal in the barrel, oil in the cruse and life in the boy for the widow; keep the three Hebrew boys safe in the furnace; secure Daniel in the lion’s den; feed Israel manna and quail in the wilderness for forty years; slay Goliath for David; take care of those disciples in that storm; part the Red Sea for Moses; raise Lazarus from the dead; walk on the water; feed the five thousand, and countless other things too numerous to mentions; I think He is able to take care of you!” (from The Sermon Notebook: The Most Wonderful Father of them all) Jer 32:17, 27; Eph 3:20; Rom 4:20-21

◦ As human parents we may at time fail but it is a blessing to know that God the Father will never fail

Just as a human father can take on certain Just as a human father can take on certain responsibilities in relation to his children, God has responsibilities in relation to his children, God has taken on certain responsibilities for His children (taken on certain responsibilities for His children (Lk Lk 12:30-3212:30-32))

The responsibility of availability (v 32)◦ God’s awareness of our needs and His power to help us is

a wonderful truth; but if He is a God Who is far removed from His children, then His power does us no good!

◦ “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” The words “good pleasure” means “to choose, to determine, to

be ready, to be well pleased with to do that which seems good.” God has determined to be ready to do that which is good for His

children. This implies that He has made Himself available to us. Josh 1:9; Ps 139:7-10; Mt 28:20; 1 cor 3:16; Heb 13:5; Jam 4:8

◦ “There are times when we human parents are not as available as we should be to our children. Sometimes we are busy. Sometimes we are estranged from them. Sometimes one problem or the other gets in the way. But, the same is not true with God! He is always near and He is always available, day or night!” (from The Sermon Notebook: The Most Wonderful Father of them all)

Conclusion (from Conclusion (from The Perfect The Perfect FatherFather by Carl Kolb) by Carl Kolb)God gives us a blueprint for fatherhood,

because He is the perfect father. He loves us, He gives to us, He expects us to follow Him, and He prepares a future for us. These are things we can do for our children.

Not as a tyrant, but as a gentle, loving, caring father. If your father is gone, if you didn’t have the relationship with your father that you would have wanted, you can take comfort in the fact that God is your father, and He is exactly the kind of father you want. He loves you, and He will help you experience fulfillment in this life and for all eternity, if you will put your faith in Him.