"Abba: Unveiling the Heart of God's Fatherhood"

Title: "Abba: Unveiling the Heart of God's Fatherhood"

Introduction:

My dear brothers and sisters, today we embark on a journey deep into the heart of God's fatherhood, revealed to us in Ephesians 3:14-17 .

As we delve into this passage, may our understanding of God's love be transformed, and may our hearts be stirred to respond in intimacy, access, and imitation.

Ephesians 3:14–17 NIV

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,

# 1: "Abba," the Intimate Father

Verse: Ephesians 3:14-15

Ephesians 3:14–15 NIV

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

"Kneeling before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name."

1.1. Beyond Paternity to Fatherhood:

Picture with me the Greek and Roman gods, deemed as fathers of the gods and people, mere paternity.

But in Jesus, we find the true meaning of fatherhood— intimacy, love, and care that surpasses all boundaries.

Romans 8:15 Galatians 4:6

Galatians 4:6 NIV

6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”

Romans 8:15 NIV

15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

1.2. Following Jesus' Model:

When Jesus taught us to address God as "Abba," He shattered barriers, revealing God's heart.

Let's explore how this intimate relationship transformed not just His life, but our understanding of God's love.

Reference verses: John 10:30, Matthew 6:9

Matthew 6:9 NIV

9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

John 10:30 NIV

30 I and the Father are one.”

Transition: From intimacy to fearless access

# 2: "Boldly Approaching the Glorious Father"

Verse: Ephesians 3:12

Ephesians 3:12 NIV

12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

"Through faith in Him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence."

2.1. Tearing Down the Veil:

Reference verses: Hebrews 4:16, Hebrews 10:19-22

Hebrews 10:19–22 NIV

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 4:16 NIV

16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

In the Old Testament, access to God was limited.

But through Christ, the curtain was torn, granting us unprecedented access.

Let's delve into the privilege of approaching the glorious Father with fearless confidence.

2.2. Embracing Awe and Access:

Reference verses: Psalm 100:4 Psalm 99:9

Psalm 99:9 NIV

9 Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy.

Psalm 100:4 NIV

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Yet, as we approach, let us not forget the awe of standing in the presence of the Almighty.

Balancing our boldness with reverence, we find the essence of our relationship with the God of glory.

Transition: From access to action

Point 3: "Imitating God's Fatherly Love"

Verse: Ephesians 5:1-2

Ephesians 5:1–2 NIV

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

"Follow God’s example, walking in love, just as Christ loved us."

3.1. Extending God's Love:

Reference verses: Matthew 5:44-45 ; James 2:8

Matthew 5:44–45 NIV

44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

James 2:8 NIV

8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.

God's fatherhood transcends boundaries; it embraces all of humanity. As His children, we're called to mirror His love, showing compassion and respect to one another, regardless of our differences.

3.2. The Responsibility of Fathers:

Human fathers, hear this: You're entrusted with a divine role. Reflect God's love through nurturing, guidance, and provision. Your earthly fatherhood is a reflection of the Heavenly Father's heart.

Reference verses: Proverbs 3:11-12 Colossians 3:21

Proverbs 3:11–12 NIV

11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, 12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

Colossians 3:21 NIV

21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

3.3. Living Gratefully:

Let us live lives overflowing with gratitude, recognizing that all good things come from the Father's hand. As we walk in His love, let our lives resonate with thankfulness for His unwavering care.

Reference verses: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 136:1

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 136:1 NIV

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.

Conclusion: Embracing Our Abba's Love

In conclusion, my dear friends, let's embark on a new chapter in our journey with God.

May we draw closer to the heart of the Father, understanding His love as intimate, His presence as accessible, and His example as worthy of imitation. As we leave today, may the love of our Abba Father guide our steps and fill our hearts with a deeper sense of purpose and belonging.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Abba, we stand in awe of Your unfathomable love. May the truths we've explored today root deeply within us. Strengthen us to live out the intimacy, access, and imitation that Your fatherhood demands. As we journey forward, may Your presence be our constant companion. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.