This document discusses the concept of God as Father in the New Testament. It begins by examining passages in Galatians 4:1-7 that portray God redeeming humanity so that believers can receive adoption as sons and cry out "Abba, Father." It then notes that while the Old Testament rarely refers to God as Father, the Gospels and Pauline epistles frequently use this title. The rest of the document explores the meaning and implications of viewing God as Father, including that it emphasizes a redemptive relationship, a rewarding relationship where God meets secret needs, and a responsible relationship where believers imitate God's perfection and shine light in the world.
This document discusses the concept of God as Father in the New Testament. It begins by examining passages in Galatians 4:1-7 that portray God redeeming humanity so that believers can receive adoption as sons and cry out "Abba, Father." It then notes that while the Old Testament rarely refers to God as Father, the Gospels and Pauline epistles frequently use this title. The rest of the document explores the meaning and implications of viewing God as Father, including that it emphasizes a redemptive relationship, a rewarding relationship where God meets secret needs, and a responsible relationship where believers imitate God's perfection and shine light in the world.
This document discusses the concept of God as Father in the New Testament. It begins by examining passages in Galatians 4:1-7 that portray God redeeming humanity so that believers can receive adoption as sons and cry out "Abba, Father." It then notes that while the Old Testament rarely refers to God as Father, the Gospels and Pauline epistles frequently use this title. The rest of the document explores the meaning and implications of viewing God as Father, including that it emphasizes a redemptive relationship, a rewarding relationship where God meets secret needs, and a responsible relationship where believers imitate God's perfection and shine light in the world.
This document discusses the concept of God as Father in the New Testament. It begins by examining passages in Galatians 4:1-7 that portray God redeeming humanity so that believers can receive adoption as sons and cry out "Abba, Father." It then notes that while the Old Testament rarely refers to God as Father, the Gospels and Pauline epistles frequently use this title. The rest of the document explores the meaning and implications of viewing God as Father, including that it emphasizes a redemptive relationship, a rewarding relationship where God meets secret needs, and a responsible relationship where believers imitate God's perfection and shine light in the world.
know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Galatians 4:1-7 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba! Father! 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Father in the New Testament
Used only 15 times in the Old Testament for
God, such as Deut. 32:6; Jer. 31:9; Hos. 11:1
Gospels: Matthew 44 times; Mark 5 times; Luke 17 times; John 122 times. Paul used it over 40 times in his writings
Combination names of God the
Father God the Father, 2 Tim 1:2 God our Father, Eph 1:2, Matthew 6
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 1:3, Matthew 6 Father of Glory, Eph 1:17 Father of mercies, 2 Cor. 1:3 Father of spirits, Heb 12:9 (Num 16:22; 27:16)
Father of lights, James 1:17
The meaning of the name:
Emphasizes the act of creation Emphasizes the act of redemption
Father means God calls us sons not slaves, heirs not hassles, and family not foes. Our Redemption
Our Intimacy Our Responsibility
1. Redemptive Relationship Gal 4:5, To redeem those under law, that we
might receive the full rights of sons.
We are called into a relationship with God as our Father. Fatherhood is understood in terms of divine election and redemption. Salvation brings intimacy with God, Romans 8:15:
Father of all or only the elect?
General Fatherhood
Redemptive Fatherhood
Created by God Made in His image
Our Past: Redeemed
through Christ
General providential blessings to all
Our Present: Brought
into His family
Eph. 3:12-13: the
Father, from whom the whole family on
Our Present: Intimacy
earth derives its
name.
Our Future: Inherit His
kingdom
The Prodigal Son
Luke 15:11-32 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate.
2. Rewarding Relationship Galatians 4:6: Because you are sons, God
sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the
Spirit who calls our, Abba, Father. He rewards unseen faithfulness He meets the secret needs of our hearts
Sermon on the Mount: the Father
Sees what is done in secret, and rewards Hears secret prayers Knows and meets secret needs Forgives secret sins How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to
those who ask him!
3. Responsible Relationship Gal 4:7: So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. God is responsible to bless us. We reveal His character as His children: Be
perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is
perfect (Matt. 5:48). We are to be peacemakers and a redemptive influence in society: In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matt 5:16).
Sistine Chapel Beautiful but
Sad Legacy A distant God
Our Grandfather who
art in heaven A distant Creator A mere touch, not an
intimate breath
The Biblical Declaration
Genesis 2:7: And the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being. Galatians 4:6-7: Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls our, Abba, Father. So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, god has made you also an heir.
