Embracing God as Our Everlasting Father
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound concept of God as our Everlasting Father, as described in Isaiah 9:6. This name encapsulates two essential elements: "Everlasting" and "Father." While many things in life are fleeting, God remains the only constant, eternal presence. He promises never to leave or forsake us, offering a sense of security and peace that surpasses all understanding. This assurance allows us to relax in His presence, knowing that He is always with us, even to the end of the age.
Jesus introduced a revolutionary concept by referring to God as "Father," a term not commonly used in the Old Testament. This relationship signifies maturity and growth, as God desires us to develop into mature children who can manage His kingdom. Our experiences, both good and bad, are used by God to mature us, shaping our character and preparing us for His purposes.
Furthermore, God is a generous provider who knows our needs and desires to bless us abundantly. He encourages us to seek His kingdom and righteousness, promising that all our needs will be met. This understanding of God as a benevolent Father challenges the misconception that He is distant or harsh. Instead, He is in a good mood, eager to do good for us and through us.
Through Jesus, we gain a clearer understanding of the Father. Jesus, being the express image of God, reveals the Father's nature and character. As joint heirs with Christ, we inherit all things, including our identity and purpose. We are no longer orphans but children of God, called to manifest His love and power in the world.
Finally, we are reminded of the power of our words and actions. Just as God spoke creation into existence, we are called to bring order to chaos and create environments that produce life. As spiritual authorities, we have the power to change atmospheres and speak life into situations. Our identity as God's children empowers us to operate in His authority and imitate His example.
Key Takeaways:
1. God as Everlasting Father: God is the only eternal presence in our lives, offering us security and peace. His promise to never leave or forsake us allows us to relax in His presence, knowing He is always with us, even to the end of the age. [04:09]
2. Maturity and Growth: God desires us to mature as His children, using life's experiences to shape our character. Our growth is essential for managing His kingdom and fulfilling His purposes. [05:33]
3. Generous Provider: God is a benevolent Father who knows our needs and desires to bless us abundantly. By seeking His kingdom and righteousness, we can trust that all our needs will be met. [16:12]
4. Identity and Purpose: Through Jesus, we understand our identity as children of God. We are no longer orphans but joint heirs with Christ, called to manifest His love and power in the world. [24:07]
5. Power of Words and Actions: As God's children, we have the authority to bring order to chaos and create life-giving environments. Our words and actions can change atmospheres and speak life into situations. [32:48]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:52] - Childhood Memories
- [02:09] - Everlasting Elements
- [02:56] - God's Eternal Nature
- [04:09] - Promise of God's Presence
- [05:33] - Concept of God as Father
- [11:35] - Generosity of God
- [12:45] - Righteousness and Provision
- [14:27] - Trusting God's Provision
- [16:12] - Seeking God's Kingdom
- [17:06] - Asking and Receiving
- [18:41] - God's Goodness
- [19:27] - God as Provider
- [20:50] - Knowing the Father
- [22:57] - Inheritance in Christ
- [24:07] - Restored Identity
- [25:53] - Created in God's Image
- [27:16] - Power of God's Word
- [28:24] - Imitating the Father
- [30:32] - Using Our Authority
- [32:48] - Creating Life-Giving Environments
- [34:26] - Authority in Christ
- [38:10] - Personal Testimony
- [40:04] - Assurance of God's Presence
- [41:24] - Prayer for Wisdom
- [42:23] - Invitation to Relationship
- [43:21] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Isaiah 9:6
- Hebrews 13:5
- Matthew 6:25-34
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two elements of God's name mentioned in Isaiah 9:6, and how do they relate to His nature? [00:52]
2. How does Hebrews 13:5 assure us of God's constant presence in our lives? [04:09]
3. According to Matthew 6:25-34, what does Jesus teach about worrying and God's provision? [16:12]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God as an "Everlasting Father" challenge common perceptions of God as distant or harsh? [05:33]
2. In what ways does Jesus' introduction of God as "Father" signify a shift in understanding our relationship with God? [05:33]
3. How does the promise of God's provision in Matthew 6:25-34 encourage believers to prioritize seeking His kingdom and righteousness? [16:12]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a challenging situation. How did this experience shape your understanding of Him as an Everlasting Father? [04:09]
2. Consider your current spiritual maturity. What steps can you take to grow as a mature child of God, capable of managing His kingdom? [05:33]
3. Identify an area in your life where you struggle to trust God's provision. How can you actively seek His kingdom and righteousness in this area? [16:12]
4. How can you better understand your identity as a child of God and a joint heir with Christ? What practical steps can you take to manifest His love and power in your daily life? [24:07]
5. Think of a situation where your words or actions could bring life and order. How can you use your spiritual authority to positively influence this environment? [32:48]
6. Reflect on a recent interaction where you could have imitated God's example more closely. What specific changes can you make to align your actions with His character? [29:10]
7. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God as your Father, especially if past experiences with earthly fathers have been challenging? [38:10]
Devotional
Day 1: God as Our Constant Presence
God is described as our Everlasting Father, emphasizing His eternal nature and unwavering presence in our lives. Unlike the transient things of this world, God remains constant, offering us a sense of security and peace that surpasses all understanding. This assurance allows us to relax in His presence, knowing that He will never leave or forsake us. The promise of His presence is a source of comfort, enabling us to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that He is with us even to the end of the age. [04:09]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to trust in God's constant presence today, and how can you remind yourself of His promise to never leave you?
Day 2: Growing into Maturity
The concept of God as Father signifies a relationship that encourages maturity and growth. God desires us to develop into mature children who can manage His kingdom. Our experiences, both good and bad, are used by God to shape our character and prepare us for His purposes. This process of growth is essential for fulfilling the roles He has planned for us. As we mature, we learn to trust in His wisdom and guidance, understanding that He uses every situation to mold us into His likeness. [05:33]
Hebrews 12:10-11 (ESV): "For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
Reflection: What recent experience has God used to mature you, and how can you embrace His shaping process in your current circumstances?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Provision
God is portrayed as a generous provider who knows our needs and desires to bless us abundantly. He encourages us to seek His kingdom and righteousness, promising that all our needs will be met. This understanding challenges the misconception of God as distant or harsh, revealing Him instead as a benevolent Father eager to do good for us. By trusting in His provision, we can live with confidence, knowing that He is aware of our needs and is faithful to provide for them. [16:12]
Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What is one specific need you have today that you can trust God to provide, and how can you actively seek His kingdom in the process?
Day 4: Embracing Our Identity in Christ
Through Jesus, we gain a clearer understanding of our identity as children of God. We are no longer orphans but joint heirs with Christ, called to manifest His love and power in the world. This restored identity gives us purpose and direction, empowering us to live out our calling as His representatives. As we embrace our identity in Christ, we are equipped to share His love and bring His light to those around us, fulfilling the mission He has entrusted to us. [24:07]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: How can you live out your identity as a child of God today, and what specific action can you take to manifest His love and power in your community?
Day 5: The Creative Power of Our Words
As God's children, we have the authority to bring order to chaos and create life-giving environments through our words and actions. Just as God spoke creation into existence, we are called to speak life into situations and change atmospheres. Our identity as His children empowers us to operate in His authority and imitate His example. By being mindful of the power of our words, we can influence the world around us positively, reflecting His love and truth in all we do. [32:48]
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
Reflection: What is one situation in your life where you can use your words to bring life and order, and how can you intentionally speak positively into that situation today?
Quotes
"The only way anything can last, except Exodus chapter 15 says, the Lord shall reign forever and ever. The only thing that can last forever in our life is God." [00:03:09] (17 seconds)
"Hebrews chapter 13 says, he says, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. How many know that's a great promise? Because I've had people bail on me. I've had people just give up on me." [00:03:43] (16 seconds)
"Be sure of this, even though you're seeing me go, I'm going to be with you. See, I'm sending someone just like me, and I've been with you, but he's going to be in you, and I'm going to be in you, with you, in the form of the Holy Spirit to the end of the age." [00:05:14] (18 seconds)
"Rewards from your father in heaven. Wait a minute, God is just this mean old dude that just is waiting for me to mess up, and Jesus is saying, he wants to reward you. What? He's wanting to reward you." [00:10:52] (16 seconds)
"Through Christ revealing the Father, identity and purpose can be restored. We were orphans. We were lost and undone without God or his Son. We were orphans. But when Jesus came, he died in our place so that we could be adopted back into the family." [00:24:10] (25 seconds)
"Creation is waiting for you to understand and walk into your role as a fully mature child. Creation groaneth waiting for the manifestation of the children of God." [00:28:12] (6 seconds)
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