Our Father – God as Father – Father’s Day Sermon

In a Bible Teachings delivered at Founded in Truth Fellowship, likely by Matthew Vander Els, the focus is on understanding God through the metaphor of a father, particularly in the context of Father’s Day. The message explores the deep and intimate relationship that God desires to have with humanity, drawing parallels to the role and characteristics of an earthly father while highlighting the perfect and unfailing nature of the heavenly Father. The teaching aims to provide comfort and healing to those who may have had negative experiences with earthly fathers and to encourage a more personal connection with God as their loving Father.

The sermon begins with lighthearted dad jokes before transitioning into the topic of Father’s Day and its origins. The speaker notes that the idea of honoring fathers arose after Mother’s Day was established, initiated by Sonora Dodd Smart in the early 20th century to honor her own father. This historical context sets the stage for a deeper exploration of fatherhood, both earthly and divine.

Drawing a contrast with a previous message about God as Mother, the speaker emphasizes the biblical metaphors that depict God as a father. It is acknowledged that the concept of “father” can evoke a wide range of emotions and images, from feelings of security and encouragement to those of absence and pain due to varied personal experiences. The core of the message is to present the “unmolested, unperverted, whole definition of what a father is” by examining God’s character as revealed in the scriptures. The hope is that this exploration will bring peace and initiate healing in the hearts of those listening.

The speaker shares a personal story of unexpectedly becoming a father through adoption, highlighting the immediate and profound shift in priorities and emotions that came with fatherhood. This experience provides a relatable human analogy for understanding God’s paternal love and care. The responsibilities of a father – to protect, bless, and love – are discussed in the context of this newfound experience. This personal reflection leads to the idea that the title of “father,” though held by imperfect humans, is used in the Bible as a way to connect with God.

The teaching emphasizes that Jesus, or Yeshua, encourages us to address God intimately as “our Father.” This was a significant shift from the prevailing first-century Judean concept of God as a distant and holy King, whose name was almost too sacred to utter. Jesus’ use of “Abba,” an intimate Aramaic term for father, signifies a close and personal relationship with God. The speaker believes that Jesus emphasized this intimate relationship not only to reflect his own role as the Son of God but to highlight God’s desire for us to experience Him first and foremost as a loving Father.

Metaphors in the Bible describing God as a strong tower, a shepherd, a warrior, a consuming fire, and a mother are mentioned to illustrate the multifaceted nature of God. The metaphor of Father is presented as a particularly intimate way to perceive God’s attributes. The responsibilities of earthly fathers – strength, leadership, and service – are discussed, with Jesus’ act of washing his disciples’ feet as the ultimate model of servant leadership. Men are called to use their strength to serve their families and others, reflecting God’s own character.

The sermon delves into specific biblical passages that portray God as a Father. Psalms 68:5 and 10:1 refer to God as the “father of the fatherless and the protector of the widows” and the “helper of the fatherless”. In a society that often neglected the vulnerable, God’s role as a provider, comforter, and security for orphans and widows is highlighted. This demonstrates God’s mission to care for those whom society overlooks. Isaiah 64:8 speaks of God as the one who trains and molds us, while Deuteronomy 1:31 uses the intimate image of a father carrying his son to depict God’s care. The story of a boy trusting his father while clinging to a post underwater further illustrates the deep trust we should have in our heavenly Father.

Discipline is also presented as an aspect of God’s fatherly love, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:5. Just as earthly parents discipline their children out of love and for their future well-being, God’s discipline is intended for our protection and growth. The verse Jeremiah 29:11, often misinterpreted as a personal promise of immediate relief from hardship, is explained in its historical context of God speaking to the exiled people of Judah in Babylon. While God does have plans for our welfare, this verse primarily addresses the long-term hope and future restoration of Judah after their discipline. God’s discipline, like a father’s, is ultimately for our good, leading to a new covenant and the opportunity for all to know His love and forgiveness.

Psalm 18:30 describes God’s way as perfect and Him as a shield to those who trust in Him. Psalm 68:1-6, 10 vividly portrays God’s power and majesty, juxtaposed with His core passion as “a father to the orphans, a protector to the widows” who gives the desolate a home. This emphasizes that even amidst His power, God’s heart is for the vulnerable and the lonely.

Application for Everyday Life

• Cultivate an Intimate Relationship with God: Recognize and relate to God not just as a distant King but as a loving and approachable Father, using intimate terms like “Abba,” “Dad,” or “Father” in prayer.
• Trust in God’s Fatherly Care: Even in difficult times, remember that God, as a perfect Father, wants what is best for you and is present to carry you through challenges.
• Embrace God’s Discipline as Love: Understand that when you face correction or hardship, it can be an expression of God’s love and a means for your growth and future well-being.
• Extend Compassion to the Vulnerable: Reflect God’s fatherly care for the fatherless and widows by actively seeking to help and support those in need in your community.
• Practice Servant Leadership: In your roles as parents, spouses, and leaders, follow the example of Jesus by using your strength and influence to serve others with humility.
• Seek Healing for Past Hurts: If you have negative experiences with your earthly father, allow the love of your heavenly Father to heal those wounds and redefine your understanding of fatherly love.
• Live as Adopted Children of God: Embrace your identity as a beloved child in God’s family, knowing that you are forgiven, accepted, and an heir to His blessings.
• Offer Forgiveness and Extend Mercy: Reflect the Father’s merciful nature by offering forgiveness to others and extending grace in your relationships.
• Find Security and Peace in God: Trust in God as your protector and source of security, allowing His peace to guide you through life’s uncertainties.
• Model God’s Love in Your Own Fatherhood (if applicable): Strive to be a father who protects, provides, guides, and loves unconditionally, reflecting the character of your heavenly Father.

Resources

• The Bible