Honoring Fathers While there is no apparent lack of men to “father” or conceive children, the “fathering” of the lives that mature from birth is not nearly so prominent. The provision, protection, correction, and instruction of a father who sees his child as an extension of himself to be loved and cared for requires much more than just procreative ability. His greatest influence will be in the example lived before his children. Mere authority and discipline will be futile where there is no character-validated belief in principles touted. It’s so much easier to originate and dictate than impart a nature and identity honed by its own discipline. For those who have chosen this path and devoted themselves selflessly to its great purpose, there is much honor to be given and reward received in precious lives that have been truly lovingly “fathered.” For centuries, there was an understanding of God as a Father, but more in the sense of a founder; the One was able to create us as His children. He was the Lord, Father, an awesome Creator to be feared and served. While there were some references to being His children, no one ever called Him “Father” in regular conversation. His will could be discovered in His law and obeyed for fear of consequences, but to knowing Him intimately, like an earthly father, was not acceptable. That would be putting a claim to identification with Him in conception, but also in everyday life and its necessities. This, though, was the relationship Jesus commonly referred to with His Father. This is also the relationship He has provided for us – so much more than a Lord, Father. He is our Abba, Father, the One who has made us to be a new creation with His very likeness, nature, and presence to ensure our maturity into His image and character. Like Jesus, we get to obey and serve Him from wills that are endeared to Him for His goodness. Honoring Him, by calling Him “Father” we lay claim on all He has done for us in Christ and its provision for now and all of eternity. Notes To Father – beyond conception Give a name, identity, and heritage Provide necessities, protection, comfort, and support Discipline and guidance Instruct by example and demonstration Abba vs Lord Mark 14:36 (NLT) 36 “Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Romans 8:15 (NLT) 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:6 NLT) 6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Not just created - Begotten Begotten to eternal life 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NKJV) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, Provides necessities Matthew 6:25-26 (NLT) 25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? John 17:11 (NLT) 11 Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. Corrects/disciplines Hebrews 12:5-8 (NLT) 5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” 7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Holy Spirit convicts/corrects John 16:8 (NLT) 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. Rewarded with confidence in His presence 1 John 3:21 (NLT) 21 Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. Coming to God in confidence – can emulate what we see Him doing. John 5:19-20 (NLT) 19 So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing. In fact, the Father will show him how to do even greater works than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished. How do we honor fathers/Father? Call them/Him “Father”