WE CALL HIM FATHER
March 18, 2001 PM
Sermon Outline
1 Pet 1:17
INTRO: As I continue to read and study in this first letter of Peter, I am more and more impressed that Peter wanted disciples to know they should live within the boundaries of Christian behavior. Being a Christian is a special choice we make; a special privilege we enjoy; a special life we live. Now, all of that says to me, at least, that we need to do some serious thinking about living this new life. It is important to preach and teach the how of conversion. But it is equally as important that we seriously consider the how of this new life! One of the grand things about the new life is our new way of addressing God ...
I. WE MAY NOW CALL HIM FATHER (1:17a)
A. Contrast the unfriendly gods of the pagan world
1. cold, ugly, lifeless forms ... cant move/speak (see Jer 10:5)
2. representatives of these deities demand inordinate sacrifice (keep people in poverty), self inflicted pain (to demonstrate devotion)
3. there is certainly no lovely fatherhood idea
B. Contrast, too, that many cannot call Him Father
1. simply, this is a privilege ones child has
2. two figures are used in New Testament to emphasize the beginning of Father- child relationship
3. new birth - 1 Pet 1:3; adoption - Eph 1:5 ... both figures speak of change in relationship (cf. Col 1:13)
C. But we may, and do, call Him our Father
1. Mt 6:9 and Rom 8:15
2. this was a truly new concept for Jew and Gentile
3. and it is a relationship which I believe needs to be stressed!
II. BUT WE CANNOT EXPECT HIM TO BE BLIND (1:17b)
A. His love, as a Father, is not indulgent and soft
1. God - who is Father - is God who is Judge
2. ideas that because God is loving He wont condemn sin in His children are not Biblical ideas!
3. (Imagine the feeling of father who must judge his child!)
B. His love is not partial to some over others
1. without respect of persons (Acts 10:34,35) ... the gospel message is universally applicable and available
2. as God judges, His is totally fair (see 1 Sam 16:7)
3. by contrast: Jas 2:1-4
C. His love expects His children to be faithful
1. judgeth according to every mans work (also 1:14)
2. Mt 7:21-23 there is more to being His child than assuming the name!
3. note that work here is singular not an occasional work or effort ... but mans life seen as a whole!
D. His love is always cognizant of us
1. He could not judge if He didnt have constant vision
2. judgeth ... form of the word describes something that is present and continuing
3. what could have a negative tone, then, takes on a positive flavor for the child of God in that God is always aware of goings and comings
III. THUS, A WHOLESOME FEAR (1:17c)
A. The fear of reverence and awe
1. Gods children are not terrified 1 Jno 4:18
2. but since He is both Father and Judge, it is totally acceptable and right for us to see this as not a casual relationship (Comment on the hi, Dad prayers of some)
B. Fear of displeasing God ... of causing Him pain
1. here is a lovely aspect of the word fear so caught up in this relationship that ones whole interest is in pleasing the Father ... measuring up to His expectations
2. or, the fear of falling into sin (Mt 26:41)
CLOSE: Well, other folks may have their own modes of addressing Him. But we call God our Father. And since we do, we need to strive to grow more like Him day by day. Are you Gods child?
Cecil A. Hutson
18 March 2001