The Faithful Father
Ephesians 3:16-19 NLT
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
- The Father’s Love… INITIATES
Luke 15:20 NIV
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
Biblical Greek words for ‘Love’:
PHILEO – Love of a Friend
EROS – Physical, sexual side of love
AGAPE – Committed love
John 3:16 NIV
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…
1 John 4:10 NLT
This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
Romans 5:8 NIV
God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
2) The Father’s Love… IMPARTS
Luke 15:20-24 NIV
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate.
Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
“He became what we are, to make us what he is.” – Saint Irenaeus
3) The Father’s Love… RECONCILES
