Peculiar Glory of God in Fatherhood 28/08/16

The Larger Catechism The scriptures manifest themselves to be the word of God, by their majesty and purity; by the consent of all the parts, and the scope of the whole, which is to give all glory to God….. Or to put it in another way, the Bible, properly presented and understood, has this divine purpose – to communicate or display the glory of God.

1. Fatherhood Originated The concept of Fatherhood originated in God; Fatherhood began: in heaven; in eternity. The existence of Fatherhood implies the existence of a relationship.

The Perfect Relationship 1John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. John 3:34-35 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. Matthew 3:16-17 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

2. Fatherhood Imputed Genesis 1:27-28 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

Out of this God’s eternal decree comes – Our unique physical makeup – male and female Our unique union – marriage covenant Our unique “community” – Fatherhood Family Church of the Living God

God’s decree for His eternal purpose: Multiplication God ordained relationship Pure and righteous seeds Governance Good works giving God the glory (Matthew 5:16) 3. Rulership Through selfless servanthood (Luke 22:26)

The Lost of Fatherhood John 8:41-44 You are doing the works your father did." They said to him, "We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God." Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

3. Fatherhood Restored Galatians 4:4-7 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Romans 8:15-17 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Conclusion We are celebrating: Concerted affection – Whole hearted gratefulness and love to Christ who reconciled us to our heavenly Father. Corporate Identity – Without family (natural and spiritual) no fatherhood. Common destiny – an ongoing journey with an end that all will receive the rewards.