The Model Father - June 18th, 2023
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· 3 viewsGod truly is the most wonderful Father of all! The fact that He would love the unworthy, save them by His grace and adopt them into His family proves this. Add to this the fact that He looks out for His children and takes care of them in spectacular fashion. I am glad that He is my Father today!
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29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Introduction:
Introduction:
Well, here it is Father’s Day again. It is another of the holidays created by the greeting card companies to increase our guilt and their income. I am always amazed at how we treat Father’s Day. On Mother’s Day we often hear sermons exalting the role of the mother in the family. Mothers are encouraged, praised and lifted up as the most important person in the home. And, we should thank the Lord for godly mothers.
Then there’s Father’s Day. Dad comes to church and hears a sermon on how he does not measure up as a father. He is told about some biblical father and the perfect life he lived, and dad leaves feeling like a failure who will never measure up as a dad. Well dad, I have two pieces of news for you today. First, you are a special person too! You are just as important in the home as mom and I thank the Lord for every one of you. Second, you do not have to listen to a sermon on this Father’s Day telling you how you could do a better job as a father.
Today, I want to preach about The Model Father. I want to preach about the One Jesus referred to as “My Father” in the Gospels. But, when Jesus taught His disciples about the Father, He did not just call Him “My Father.” He also called God “Our Father.” Thus, Jesus clearly shows us that those who believe on Jesus share the same relationship with God in Heaven then He Himself shares. But, if you do the research, you will find that it gets even better than that! Jesus calls God “your Father” twenty-one times in the Gospels as well!
I am interested in the matter of God being called our Father. I would like to examine these verses together today. As we do I would like to point some aspects of our connection to our Heavenly Father. I want to encourage you today and help you to rejoice in your relationship with God. If you are not saved, I would like to help you to come to know Jesus as your personal Savior as well. I want to preach on the subject: The Model Father.
I. A MODEL OF LASTING ADOPTION (Luke 12:30, 32)
I. A MODEL OF LASTING ADOPTION (Luke 12:30, 32)
30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
(Ill. Jesus calls God “your Father.” As I said, Jesus used that designation for God twenty-one times in the Gospels. That title and the two verses where it is used in our text give us some precious insights into our relationship to “our Father.”)
A. A Personal Relationship
A. A Personal Relationship
This is a remarkable thing when you stop to consider what a person is before God saved them by His grace. According to the Bible, the lost sinner is God’s enemy, Rom. 8:7.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
He or she is also a slave to the world, the flesh and the devil, Eph. 2:1–3.
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
In fact, the lost sinner is doomed and condemned to an eternity in Hell, John 3:18, 36; Eph. 2:3.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
The sad fact is this: every person in the entire world who has not been saved is in this horrible, lost condition, Gal. 3:22; Rom. 3:10–23.
22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. 19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
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!
You see, the Jews had no concept of God as a “Father.” They saw Him as Jehovah, the transcendent God. They could never have thought of God in such humble of terms. So, when Jesus arrived calling God “Father”, it was a totally new concept and it even angered many of them. The Old Testament mentions God in the sense of God the Father 9 times in 8 verses. For example, Isaiah records:
16 Doubtless thou art our father,
Though Abraham be ignorant of us,
And Israel acknowledge us not:
Thou, O Lord, art our father, our redeemer;
Thy name is from everlasting.
8 But now, O Lord, thou art our father;
We are the clay, and thou our potter;
And we all are the work of thy hand.
(Ill. the Jews had dozens of names for God. What they needed at any given time usually dictated the name that they used to call on God. For instance:
1. If they had a need in their life, they would call on “Jehovah-jireh”, Gen. 22:14, which means, “The Lord will provide.”
14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.
2. If they were sick, they would call on “Jehovah-rapha”, Exodus 15:26, which means “The Lord our healer.”
26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.
3. If they were anxious, they would call on “Jehovah-shalom”, Judges 6:24, which means “The Lord our peace.”
24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites.
4. If they need leadership, they would call on “Jehovah-rohi”, Psalm 23:1, which means “The Lord our Shepherd.”
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
5. If they were lonely, or afraid, they might call on “Jehovah-shammah”, Eze. 48:35, which means “The Lord is there.”
35 It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord is there.
There are literally dozens more, but you get the picture. When these people needed to get a hold of God, they referred to Him by these various names. However, for those who are in Jesus, there is a different name that we can use to speak to God. This name was revealed to the Disciples in Luke 11:1–4 in what is known as “The Lord’s Prayer”, but is more correctly “The Disciple’s Prayer.”
1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say,
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Here, the disciples, who have witnessed the amazing prayer life of Jesus and who want the same access to God want to know how to pray. I can imagine them waiting to hear which name He would give them to use in their prayers. Imagine their surprise when Jesus spoke the word “Father.”
pater (πατήρ, 3962), from a root signifying “a nourisher, protector, upholder” (Lat., pater, Eng., “father,” are akin), is used (a) of the nearest ancestor, e.g., Matt. 2:22;
22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
(b) of a more remote ancestor, the progenitor of the people, a “forefather,” e.g., Matt. 3:9; 23:30; 1 Cor. 10:1; the patriarchs, 2 Pet. 3:4;
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
(c) one advanced in the knowledge of Christ, 1 John 2:13;
13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
(d) metaphorically, of the originator of a family or company of persons animated by the same spirit as himself, as of Abraham, Rom. 4:11, 12, 16, 17, 18, or of Satan, John 8:38, 41, 44;
11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
(e) of one who, as a preacher of the gospel and a teacher, stands in a “father’s” place, caring for his spiritual children, 1 Cor. 4:15 (not the same as a mere title of honor, which the Lord prohibited, Matt. 23:9);
15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
(f) of the members of the Sanhedrin, as of those who exercised religious authority over others, Acts 7:2; 22:1;
2 And he said,
Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,
1 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.
(g) of God in relation to those who have been born anew (John 1:12, 13),
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
and so are believers, Eph. 2:18; 4:6 (cf. 2 Cor. 6:18),
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
and imitators of their “Father,” Matt. 5:45, 48; 6:1, 4, 6, 8, 9, etc.
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Christ never associated Himself with them by using the personal pronoun “our”; He always used the singular, “My Father,” His relationship being unoriginated and essential, whereas theirs is by grace and regeneration, e.g., Matt. 11:27; 25:34; John 20:17; Rev. 2:27; 3:5, 21;
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
so the apostles spoke of God as the “Father” of the Lord Jesus Christ, e.g., Rom. 15:6; 2 Cor. 1:3; 11:31; Eph. 1:3; Heb. 1:5; 1 Pet. 1:3; Rev. 1:6;
6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
(h) of God, as the “Father” of lights, i.e., the Source or Giver of whatsoever provides illumination, physical and spiritual, Jas. 1:17;
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
of mercies, 2 Cor. 1:3;
3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
of glory, Eph. 1:17;
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
(i) of God, as Creator, Heb. 12:9 (cf. Zech. 12:1).
9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
1 The burden of the word of the Lord for Israel, saith the Lord,
Which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth,
And formeth the spirit of man within him.
Note: Whereas the everlasting power and divinity of God are manifest in creation, His “Fatherhood” in spiritual relationship through faith is the subject of NT revelation, and waited for the presence on earth of the Son, Matt. 11:27; John 17:25.
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
The spiritual relationship is not universal, John 8:42, 44 (cf. John 8:12 and Gal. 3:26).
42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
[W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 228–229.]
(When I think of what I was when He found me and what He did when He me; I stand amazed in the presence of such love, power and grace.)
The title “your Father” speaks of a very personal relationship. When an unbeliever comes to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that person is “born again.” At that instant, that person in brought into a very personal relationship with the God of the universe. In fact, the newly redeemed sinner is actually “adopted” into the family of God, Rom. 8:15.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The word “adoption” literally means “to place as a son.” That person instantly becomes a child of God in heaven, 1 John 3:1–2!
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
You see, in adoption a son is brought into a family and is given the same rights as a child who is born into that family. Hallelujah!
B. A Permanent Relationship
B. A Permanent Relationship
When God adopted us into His family, He did not do it for just a while. He did it for all eternity! You see, adoption, as it was practiced in biblical times, could not be undone. A man had the right to disown his natural children; but an adopted child was a child for life. He or she could never be disowned by the father. This is the same guarantee that we have today, John 10:28; John 6:37–40; 1 Pet. 1:5. What God does when He saves a soul is a forever work!
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
II. A MODEL OF LOVING AUTHORITY (Luke 12:30-32)
II. A MODEL OF LOVING AUTHORITY (Luke 12:30-32)
30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
(Ill. Just as a human father has certain responsibilities to the children that are born to him; God has taken on many responsibilities in relation to His children. These verses tell us about a few of those responsibilities.)
A. A Father Who Is Aware (Luke 12:30)
A. A Father Who Is Aware (Luke 12:30)
30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
The Bible says that He “knoweth that ye have need of these things.” The verb “have need” is in a tense that means our needs are “many and they are constant.” That sounds like my life how about you? We are a needy people!
Even though we all have needs and we all have them all the time; God is well aware of every single one of them! You see, the word “knoweth” means “to be aware of something.” The tense of this verb means that “He is always aware of everything that affects His children.” Sometimes we human parents just do not know what the needs of our children are. We may not always know, but our Heavenly Father always knows. What a blessed truth!
Nothing happens in your life or mine that goes unnoticed by our Father, Luke 12:24, 26–28.
24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
I will go even farther and say that nothing happens in your life or mine that is not part of his plan for us, Rom. 8:28.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Thank God, He is aware of everything that is going on, and that is going wrong, in our lives, Job 23:10; Psa. 139:1–12!
10 But he knoweth the way that I take:
When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
1 O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising,
Thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down,
And art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue,
But, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before,
And laid thine hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit?
Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there:
If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me,
And thy right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me;
Even the night shall be light about me.
12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee;
But the night shineth as the day:
The darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
(Ill. Too often our focus is on the physical and the material; but we also have needs in the emotional, mental and spiritual realms of life. Regardless of what the need is, He knows all about it.)
B. A Father Who Is Able (Luke 12:31)
B. A Father Who Is Able (Luke 12:31)
31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
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. Verse 32, for instance, tells us that it is “The Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” The word “kingdom” refers to “all that pertains to His rule.” It speaks of “the power of the ruling One.” Like a wealthy, benevolent king, God has the wherewithal to meet every need that arises in the lives of each of His children. Therefore, when He says “all these things shall be added unto you”, verse 31; He has the ability to back up that promise.
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! He is able, Eph. 3:20; Matt. 28:18; Jer. 32:17, 27; Rom. 4:21! (Ill. That ought to make a Bible-believing Baptist have a Holy Ghost fit!)
We human parents may not always be able to meet the needs of our children; but God will never fail. He is eternally able to perfectly care for His children!
III. A MODEL OF LOYAL & LONG AVAILABILITY (Luke 12:29, 31-32)
III. A MODEL OF LOYAL & LONG AVAILABILITY (Luke 12:29, 31-32)
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! He must be available. Praise God, He is! Notice verse 32. We are told that it is the “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. He is available to each of His children, Matt. 11:28; Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:20. He is as close to us as a simple prayer of faith!
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
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!
(Ill. He perfectly executes all the His responsibilities all the time. Praise His Name!)
(Ill. While we can count on God doing His part perfectly; there are times when we fall short on our end of this thing. Well, we have a role too.)
A. He Is Worthy - Fully Trust Him (Luke 12:29, 32)
A. He Is Worthy - Fully Trust Him (Luke 12:29, 32)
29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Notice what the Bible says in verse 29. We are commanded “neither be ye of doubtful mind.” This phrase means “to be agitated or harassed with cares.” It is a term that was used to describe a ship that was being tossed about upon a stormy sea. Here, it is used a metaphor for worry. Jesus is saying, “Child of God, do not allow your mind to be tossed up and down by the waves of worry, doubt and fear.”
In verses 32, we are told to “fear not.” That phrase means “to be out to flight, to be seized with fear.” This may not mean much to you, but that command is in the “middle voice.” It could be read this way, “Do not allow yourself to be seized with fear.”
Jesus is challenging us to learn to trust the Lord; regardless of what circumstances may look like. There are times when it may appear that there is no solution; never count God out! Learn to look away to Him and to trust in His power in ever single circumstance, Mark 11:22–23; Mark 9:23; Psa. 62:8.
22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
8 Trust in him at all times; ye people,
Pour out your heart before him:
God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Always remember that we serve a God Who is Sovereign. That is, He is in absolute control, even when things look impossible, they are not, if God is in control of them! Trust in the Lord and He will never allow you to be put to shame, Rom. 10:11!
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
B. He Is Faithful - Faithfully Follow Him (Luke 12:31)
B. He Is Faithful - Faithfully Follow Him (Luke 12:31)
31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
If we will experience the awesome power of God in our lives day by day; we must learn to be faithful to the Lord. In other words, He must come first! The word “seek” in verse 31 means “to crave something.” We are to crave, or desire the things of God ahead of all other things in our lives. When we put Him first; God will put us first! However, when our desires are misplaced; we miss out on the Lord’s best for our lives. When we pursue the spiritual, God will always see to the material! When He is first, you never have to worry about the rest.
Now, don’t misunderstand me, God remains faithful even when we fail Him and ignore Him, 2 Tim. 2:13.
13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
But, even though He may go on being our Father; we miss out His best when we fail to put the Lord first in our lives. Let me encourage you to examine your life and your priorities today. If God, His Word, time with Him, His house, etc, are not the priorities of your life; then please take whatever steps are necessary to get that straightened out. Remember, when you put Him first on your priority list, He will place you ate the very top of His.
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
God truly is the most wonderful Father of all! The fact that He would love the unworthy, save them by His grace and adopt them into His family proves this. Add to this the fact that He looks out for His children and takes care of them in spectacular fashion. I am glad that He is my Father today!
How about you? Can you honestly say, “Preacher, I am saved by the grace of God? I know that He is my Father and I am His child.” If you can’t say that, then I want to invite you to come to Him right now and call on Him. If you will, He will save you!
If you are saved, can you honestly say that God and His business are the first priorities of your life? If not, I invite you to come to Him today and so that He can help you get all your priorities in their proper order.
If you are a child of God who has needs in your life and you need help; there is not better place to bring those needs than to the Father Himself. In invite you to come before Him and get the help you need right now.
If you know the Father and know how wonderful He is, I invite you to bow at His feet and tell Him just how you feel about Him. I have a sneaking suspicion that He might like that!
Whatever the needs may be, this altar is open.
[Adapted from: Alan Carr, “The Most Wonderful Father of Them All (Luke 12:29–32),” in The Sermon Notebook: New Testament (Lenoir, NC: Alan Carr, 2015), 1320–1325.]