Our Father Who Art in Heaven
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
4/15/2018 PM
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Text:
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I John 3;
Lord's Day 46
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Psalters: |
375, 326, 280, 434 |
Sacrament of Baptism |
- The majestic and perfectly Holy Triune God established a most intimate relationship: Father/child.
- This is a right which God gives only to some (John 1:12): “us” and not the children of the devil (1,10).
- That it is “bestowed” means that it is given, granted and furnished of God’s own accord.
- Note that it is bestowed by Him who is already “Father” – both within the Trinity and in relationship to His only begotten Son.
- The fact of fatherhood.
- First, there is an affinity or likeness. God does this when we are re-created in the image of His Son.
- Second, there is a relation of rights. God gives us the right to His love and to His inheritance.
- Third, fathers play a great role in forming the characters of children.
- God realizes this blessed relationship in five steps.
- He is “OUR Father.”
- That our Father is “in heaven” implies reverence for such a high and holy Majesty.
- “In heaven” indicates our Father’s indescribable and infinite glory and majesty, and not His location.
- The majesty of a king is seen everywhere in His kingdom, but especially in his palace.
- We need to be reminded of His majesty because we naturally think of Him to be like us.
- And “in heaven” speaks to His perfection as a Father.
- Whereas we learn about fatherhood from our earthly fathers (Ps. 103:13), we may not conceive of Him that way.
- We learn to look beyond them to the real Father.
- He is thus worthy of our complete trust, and we can have all confidence in His care and provision. Even boldness.
- First, we may have confidence and assurance that His way is the right way.
- The little child believes that God is and that He is willing to help and save (Luke 18:17).
- We can trust Him to care for and protect us (Matt. 7:9-11).
- Second, we can and must speak to Him directly, without anyone else mediating.
- Because God is our Father we may and ought to love Him.