7-Minute Bible Study: Understanding and Embracing God as Our Father
This study brings together the richness of both Bible studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the privilege of calling God our Father and the life-transforming implications of this truth.
1. Opening Prayer (30 Seconds)
Take a moment to quiet your heart and thank God for the privilege of being His child. Ask Him to deepen your understanding of His role as your heavenly Father and to help you trust in His care, authority, and love.
2. Scripture Reading (1 Minute)
- Matthew 6:26 – “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
- Romans 8:15 – “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!'”
3. Discussion Points (4 Minutes)
A. Two Ways We Are God’s Children (1.5 Minutes)
- By Creation:
God is the Creator and sustainer of all life. As His creation, we are His offspring (Acts 17:28). He knows every detail of our being, values us deeply, and provides for us. Just as He cares for the birds, how much more does He care for us! - By Adoption:
Through Christ, we are not only God’s creation but also His adopted children. Adoption means we are brought into a personal, intimate relationship with Him as Father (Galatians 4:4-7). This relationship gives us the right to call Him “Abba,” a term of deep intimacy and trust.
Reflection Question:
How does understanding that you are both created by God and adopted through Christ deepen your trust in His love and care?
B. The Perfect Balance: Authority and Affection (1.5 Minutes)
- Authority with Affection:
God’s authority is not harsh or burdensome. Unlike human authority that can provoke rebellion, His authority is wrapped in love and kindness. When we recognize God as our Father, our obedience becomes joyful, not forced. We follow His commands because we trust His heart. - Service with Love:
As Spurgeon says, we are not slaves serving under a taskmaster’s whip, but beloved children walking in the joyful path of our Father’s will. When we serve God out of love rather than obligation, obedience becomes an act of worship.
Reflection Question:
How does seeing God as a loving Father change the way you approach obedience in your daily life?
C. The Father’s Heart (1 Minute)
Spurgeon reminds us of the sweetness and depth of the word “Father.” This name reflects His:
- Protection:Like a father instinctively defends his children, God fights for us and shields us from harm (Exodus 14:14).
- Provision:He meets our every need, feeding us, clothing us, and caring for us daily (Philippians 4:19).
- Personal Care:God’s love is not distant or general; it is intimate and specific. He knows each of us individually and loves us personally (Psalm 139:1-4).
Reflection Question:
Which aspect of God’s fatherhood—protection, provision, or personal care—do you need most in your life right now?
4. Personal Reflection (1 Minute)
Take a moment to meditate on the word “Father.” As Spurgeon beautifully states, it holds:
- All we need
- All we could ever hope for
- The promise of eternal care
Whisper the word “Father” in prayer, and let it fill your heart with the assurance of His love, security, and provision.
5. Closing Prayer (30 Seconds)
“Abba, Father, thank You for the privilege of calling You my Father. Help me to honor You with my life, trust in Your care, and rest in Your perfect love. Teach me to obey You joyfully and to serve You as a beloved child. I surrender my fears and worries to You, knowing that You are a good and faithful Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Optional Further Study (For Deeper Exploration)
- John 1:12-13 – What it means to become children of God.
- Galatians 4:4-7 – The transformation from slaves to sons.
- 1 John 3:1 – The lavish love of the Father.
Application Challenge for the Week
This week, begin every prayer by addressing God as “Father” or “Abba.” Pause to reflect on what this relationship means before continuing your prayer. Write down moments when you sense His protection, provision, or personal care, and thank Him for being your perfect Father.