40:31
APOSTLE JOSHUA SELMAN SERMON | THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD
Divine Encounter 🕊️
Overview
This sermon focuses on the profound revelation of God as 'Abba Father,' emphasizing that this understanding unlocks unprecedented dimensions of blessings, favor, and goodness. It contrasts the traditional view of God as a distant creator with the intimate relationship of a father who is a source, sustainer, and defender. The teaching highlights that God's fatherhood is proven by His willingness to give, exemplified by His sacrifice of His Son. Embracing this fatherhood brings rest, confidence, and a guarantee of divine provision and protection, transforming how believers approach God and navigate life's challenges.
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Chapters
- Every good and perfect gift originates from God, specifically from 'the Father of lights.'
- This emphasizes that good things do not come from chance or other sources, but directly from God.
- Jesus's coming corrected flawed perceptions of God, presenting Him as the ultimate standard and image of the Father.
Understanding that all good things come from God as Father helps believers to rightly attribute blessings and to approach God with confidence, knowing He is the ultimate source of all provision.
The Bible states in James 1:17 that 'every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.'
- The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, and Jesus introduced the concept of praying to 'Our Father.'
- The term 'Abba' signifies a deep, intimate relationship, meaning source, sustainer, and defender.
- Approaching God with the consciousness of His fatherhood, not just His power, is the first key to experiencing His blessings and favor.
Recognizing God as 'Abba Father' shifts the believer's perspective from a servant to a child, unlocking a deeper level of intimacy and access to divine resources.
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He instructed them to begin with 'Our Father,' signifying a relational approach rather than a purely reverential one.
- Jesus used the analogy of earthly fathers to illustrate God's greater willingness to give good gifts to His children.
- Even flawed human fathers, despite their imperfections, know how to give good gifts; therefore, the Heavenly Father's giving is far superior.
- God's ultimate act of giving His Son, Jesus, demonstrates His profound willingness to give all things to those who believe.
This highlights God's abundant generosity and His eagerness to provide for His children, assuring believers that they can ask, seek, and knock with the expectation of receiving.
The parable in Luke 11:11-13 contrasts human fathers giving good gifts (bread, fish, egg) with the Heavenly Father giving the Holy Spirit, implying an even greater generosity.
- The story of the prodigal son illustrates God's relentless love and pursuit, meeting the son on his way back.
- God's love is an everlasting love, drawing individuals with loving-kindness, not based on their performance.
- This fatherly love is characterized by jealousy, commitment, and a desire for the child's well-being.
This teaches that God's love is unconditional and proactive; He actively seeks us and is committed to our restoration and flourishing, regardless of past mistakes.
Even while the prodigal son was still far off, his father ran to meet him, showing God's eagerness to reconcile and restore His children.
- The consciousness of God's fatherhood removes fear and instills absolute confidence, as believers know they are not orphans.
- God's fatherhood means He is a provider, sustainer, and defender of what He gives, protecting His children's interests.
- This revelation empowers believers to approach challenges with the assurance that their Father is committed to their success and well-being.
Embracing God as 'Abba' provides deep security and rest, transforming how one faces daily life, financial struggles, and destiny-related concerns.
Instead of worrying about bills or limitations, a believer with this revelation can confidently declare, 'I know because I am not an orphan,' trusting their Father's provision and defense.
- The fatherhood of God is a key kingdom secret for the manifestation of good things, distinguishing believers from others.
- God's fatherhood means He is committed to His children's interests, ensuring their representation and success.
- This understanding allows believers to expect favor and lifting daily, knowing their Father orchestrates their circumstances.
This perspective shifts the focus from human effort or connections to divine enablement, ensuring that blessings and opportunities come through God's direct intervention and provision.
When a child is seen with expensive possessions, it reflects the father's provision; similarly, a believer's blessings reflect the benevolence and excellence of their Heavenly Father.
- While God is the Creator, His fatherhood represents a deeper, more intimate relationship established through Jesus Christ.
- This fatherhood is not merely a title but a functional reality where God actively intervenes and defends His children.
- Believers are called to embrace this revelation, moving beyond generic descriptions of God to the personal identity of 'Abba, my Father.'
Understanding God as Father, not just Creator, unlocks a unique dimension of divine commitment and active participation in the believer's life, leading to extraordinary outcomes.
When facing adversaries or challenges, a believer can appeal to their Father, who is committed to defending their interests, just as a human father would protect his child.
Key takeaways
- God's fatherhood is the ultimate source of all good and perfect gifts.
- The term 'Abba Father' signifies an intimate, relational connection, not just a distant creator.
- God is more willing to give good gifts to His children than they are to receive them.
- God's love is everlasting and proactive; He pursues reconciliation and actively defends His children's interests.
- The revelation of God's fatherhood brings confidence, rest, and security, eliminating the fear of being an orphan.
- Believers should approach God with the consciousness of His fatherhood to unlock unprecedented dimensions of blessings and favor.
- Divine provision and protection are guaranteed not by human connections, but by the authority and commitment of 'Abba Father.'
Key terms
Abba FatherFatherhood of GodFather of LightsGood and Perfect GiftSourceSustainerDefenderEverlasting LoveKingdom Secret
Test your understanding
- How does understanding God as 'Abba Father' change the way a believer approaches prayer compared to viewing God solely as Creator?
- What does the Bible mean when it states that 'every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,' and how does this relate to God's fatherhood?
- Explain the significance of God being not only a giver but also a sustainer and defender of His children.
- How does the revelation of God's fatherhood provide rest and confidence in the face of life's challenges and limitations?
- What are the practical implications of embracing God as 'Abba Father' in daily life and decision-making?