Review

We have a desire to do everything God has called us to do, and to fulfill our destiny in Him. Jesus said we would do greater things than He did (John 14, Mark 16). Jesus promised us everything we need to fulfill our destiny (2 Pet 1:3a). The way we receive what we need from God is by knowing Him (2 Pet 1:3b), and by knowing Him we become strong so we can do mighty exploits.

If we don't know Him because we have misunderstood Him, we won't be strong, and we can't fulfill our destiny. Wrong views of God include:

• Absentee God
• Perfectionist God
• Drill Sargent God
• Spinach God

Introduction

In the Previous class we talked about ways we can misunderstand God. Today we will focus on who He really is. 2 Peter 1:3b says that by knowing God, we can receive what we need for life and Godliness. Daniel 11:32 implies that by knowing God, we become strong and do mighty exploits. It is paramount that we understand the nature and character of God if we hope to receive from Him all that we need for life and godliness, and thereby are empowered to fulfill our destiny. The aspects of God's nature that we are going to explore in this class are God as our father, bridegroom, and friend.

God Our Father

For me, one of the most soothing and yet powerful images of fatherhood is the opening credits of the 1960's "The Andy Griffith Show" where Andy and Opie go fishing. There is something about the picture of them together as father and son that is particularly touching. Perhaps it is Opie having such a fun time throwing rocks. Maybe it is the sense of peace and serenity in the father. Whatever it is, it is heartwarming to me. It causes me to think of the deep, kind and sincere love of a father. There are other images from our modern culture the evoke these same feelings of benevolence, kindness, and gentleness. Marcus Welby M.D., the T.V. show of the grey haired doctor springs unbidden into the mind. Other concepts of a kind, loving father might be found in the idea of the grandfather that always has a pocket full of candy for the neighborhood youngsters. These are some of the things that for me personally, depict a kind, loving father. What makes it real for you?

(Incidentally, you can download the Andy Griffith video clip from http://www.sitcomsonline.com/videoclips/theandygriffithshow.mpg. Ah, the marvels of the Internet!)

Qualities Of A Father

When asked to think of all of the positive qualities of a father, what comes to mind? If you were to describe the 'perfect' father, what characteristics would you include? Take a moment a list a few here, or on a sheet of paper. Keep them handy, because I may ask for them soon...

Perhaps some commonly appreciated aspects of a father include: love, strength, protection, and provision. Now add as many of your own as you can.

Sons And Daughters

As children of God, we are to reap of the wonderful attributes of God's characteristics. When scripture says "God is love" (1Jn. 4:8) it means that "we" are loved. We are also to be adopted, chosen, secure, sustained (Deut 1:31), affirmed, approved, encouraged, protected, provided for, unconditionally accepted, equipped, and enabled. When we understand who God is, we can then receive what we need (2 Peter 1:3). We may also find that by understanding that God is a wonderfully kind, loving father, that we trust Him more.

Correcting The Misunderstanding

In lesson one, we talked about how we might misunderstand God. We gave examples of some common misconceptions. They are reviewed below.

1. Absentee God. God won't be there for us when we need Him. In times of distress, heartache or trouble, He is no where to be found. When the finances dry up, He doesn't provide, nor does He explain why He doesn't.
2. Perfectionist God. His standards are impossibly high and we can never live up to them. No matter how much we try, it seems we always fall short. With this failure comes feelings of guilt, discouragement, and frustration. We feel God is critical of us for our failure and that nothing we do can please Him.
3. Drill Sargent God. He doesn't care anything about us. He has His own agenda, and He wants to break our will so we will do what He wants.
4. Spinach God. The reputation of spinach is that it is good for you, but you won't like it. Spinach God says that serving God will be good for us, but we won't like it. God will call us to sacrifice everything, take up the cross and follow Him. He will suck every bit of joy and pleasure out of our life. He will take us through hell to get us to heaven.

Laying An Axe To The Root

Let's allow scripture to drive out these wrong concepts. As you read the following verses, categorized by the misconceptions that they correct, let them minister deeply to your heart. Remember, it is the Word of God that changes us: John 17:17 "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (NKJ) Begin your change now.

ABSENTEE GOD

Deut 4:7

What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to Him? (NIV)

Ps 145:18

The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. (NIV)

Deut 4:29

But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul. (NIV)

Rev 22:17

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let Him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. (NIV)

Rev 3:20

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me. (NIV)

Heb 4:15-16

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just As we are-- yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)

James 4:8a

Come near to God and He will come near to you...(NIV)

Gen 28:15

"Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you." (NKJ)

Deut 31:6

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." (NKJ)

Deut 31:8

"And the LORD, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." (NKJ)

Ps 9:10

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. (KJV)

Ps 89:33

but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray My faithfulness. (NIV)

Ps 94:14

For the LORD will not reject His people; He will never forsake His inheritance. (NIV)

Isa 49:14-16

But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me." "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. (NIV)

PERFECTIONIST GOD

Eph 2:4-7

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-- it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Rom 5:7-11

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. (NKJ)

Rom 5:20-21

Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (NKJ)

DRILL SERGEANT

Deut 7:13

"And He will love you and bless you and multiply you; He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your land, your grain and your new wine and your oil, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flock, in the land of which He swore to your fathers to give you. (NKJ)

Deut 10:18

"He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. (NKJ)

Ps 42:8

By day the LORD directs His love, at night His song is with me-- a prayer to the God of my life. (NIV)

Ps 63:3

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. (NIV)

Ps 103:13

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him; (NIV)

Ps 146:8

the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. (NIV)

Isa 43:4

Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you; therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life. (NKJ)

Jer 31:3

The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. (NKJ)

John 17:23

"I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them As You have loved Me. (NKJ)

Titus 3:4

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (KJV)

I Jn 4:19

We love Him, because He first loved us. (KJV)

SPINACH GOD

Rom 2:4b

...knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance (NKJ)

Ps 9:9

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. (KJV)

Ps 27:5

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock. (KJV)

Ps 34:19

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. (KJV)

Ps 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (KJV)

Lam 3:33

For He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men. (NIV)

God Is A Wonderful Father To Us!

Did you find the above scriptures encouraging? Did the Lord minister to you from His word? I bet you did because the Word of God is often refreshing and life to our spirits.

There is much I could say about God as a wonderful Father to us. But wouldn't it be better to let the Holy Spirit minister it right into our spirits through His word. The Bible has much to say on God as our Father, and of His great love and care for us, doesn't it? Let's allow what God says about how He sees Himself as our Father to sink into our spirits...

Isa 63:16

Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting. (KJV)

John 11:52

And not for that nation only, but that also He should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. (KJV)

2 Cor 6:18

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (KJV)

Gal 4:6-7

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (KJV)

John 17:21-26

That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent Me. I have given them the glory that you gave Me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent Me and have loved them even as you have loved Me. "Father, I want those you have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given Me because you loved Me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent Me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for Me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." (NIV)

Ps 36:7-10

How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart. (NIV)

Ps 17:7-8

Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings (NIV)

God Is Our Bridegroom

In Revelation 21:9 we find that Jesus is the bridegroom, and the church is His bride. This is another aspect of our relationship with the Lord. Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary states "In the New Testament, the analogy is continued: Christ is the Bridegroom , and the church is His bride . The apostle Paul counsels husbands and wives to imitate the spiritual closeness and love which Christ has for His bride, the church ." (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) (Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers).

We can learn about God's nature, and how He feels about us, by exploring the bride and groom relationship. To what extent should a husband love his wife? Eph 5:28-29a "So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it" ... Eph 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her." (NKJ) This is the same way the Jesus loves us, the church. And Eph 5:33 "Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." (NKJ)

This is how Jesus loves us, the church. Eph 5:29 "For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church." (NKJ) And Eph 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her." (NKJ)

The Lord also chose Solomon to express in intimate and delicate terms the depth of a husbands love for his wife, and by extension how strongly He, the Lord, feels about His bride.

Song 7:1-6

1. How beautiful are your feet in sandals, O prince's daughter! The curves of your thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a skillful workman.
2. Your navel is a rounded goblet; it lacks no blended beverage. Your waist is a heap of wheat set about with lilies.
3. Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle.
4. Your neck is like an ivory tower, your eyes like the pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bath Rabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon which looks toward Damascus.
5. Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel, and the hair of your head is like purple; a king is held captive by your tresses.
6. How fair and how pleasant you are, O love, with your delights! (NKJ)

Of course, this isn't in the language of our modern day society. The Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary says "...The symbols and images that the groom uses to describe the beauty of his Shulamite bride may seem strange to modern readers. He portrays her hair as "a flock of goats, going down from Mount Gilead" <4:1>. Her neck, he says, is like "the tower of David, built for an armory, on which hang a thousand bucklers" <4:4>. Such compliments today would certainly not be flattering to most women!

"In his use of these symbols, the groom is reflecting the cultural patterns of the ancient world. To those who lived in Solomon's time, the rippling effect of a flock of goats moving down a hillside was, indeed, a thing of beauty. And a stately tower atop a city wall reflected an aura of stability and nobility. The Shulamite woman would have been very pleased at such creative compliments from her poetic groom." (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) (Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers).

In our words, we might compare such love with the storybook images we grew up with. Cinderella, Prince Charming, the knight in shining armor, and the like. Whatever the culture, or manner of expression; the bride and groom relationship includes devotion, commitment, and love.

Qualities Of A Bridegroom

What is it that a bride wants in her groom? What is it that is important to her? Men, you might need help with this from a woman in your life. In a college class I taught several years ago, the students offered the following qualities and thoughts: covenant, passion, adoration, intimacy, bride has first place in grooms heart; before father and mother (leave and cleave). Groom finds his hearts desire in his bride, she is the woman of his dreams. He will be good to her. Treat her like a queen. Shower her with affection, attention, romance. Always thinking about her and how he might bless her. Always doing little things to let her know how everyday is special because of her and she is in his thoughts always. Going all out for special occasions so she will know that what's important to her is important to him. If your a woman, this list probably struck a responsive chord in you. If your a man, act on this :)

How Does Christ The Bridegroom Feel About You?

We are the object of Christ's affections. He is as taken with us as a man who is swept off his feet by his bride. Where does the bible say that?! Isa 62:5 For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall your sons marry you; AND AS THE BRIDEGROOM REJOICES OVER THE BRIDE, SO SHALL YOUR GOD REJOICE OVER YOU. (NKJ)

This same word rejoice (7797 suws (soos); or siys (sece); a primitive root; to be bright, i.e. cheerful.) is found in Jeremiah, where God says "I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul" (Jer 32:41 NIV).

Wow! To borrow a modern slang, God is crazy about us! This verse means that God is so happy about us (bright and cheerful), that He rejoices over us. Further, He is committed to bringing us into our promise land with His whole heart and whole soul. All the resources of heaven are behind us, because God is wild about us!

God Is Our Friend

Think about your closest and dearest friend. No matter how long it has been since you've spoken, there is something special and dear about them. Many people have experienced friendship so deep, that it is lifelong. When I think of the very few that I feel this close to, it rekindles warmth in my heart. You might want to take a minute or two to think about a friend before reading on.

Incredibly, Jesus says He is our friend. He said of His disciples "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15 NKJ). God felt the same way about Abraham: James 2:23 "And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God." (NKJ) Christ loved His disciples, for He took them into a covenant of friendship with Himself, v. 14, 15. "If you approve yourselves by your obedience my disciples indeed, you are my friends, and shall be treated as friends." Note, The followers of Christ are the friends of Christ, and He is graciously pleased to call and account them so. Those that do the duty of His servants are admitted and advanced to the dignity of His friends. David had one servant in his court, and Solomon one in his, that was in a particular manner the king's friend (2 Sam. 15:37; 1 Kin. 4:5); but this honor have all Christ's servants" (from Matthew Henry's Commentary, John 15:9-17 PP11).

Perhaps the most well known example of the power of friendship is that of Jonathan and David.

1 Sam 18:1

And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. (KJV)

1 Sam 20:4

Then said Jonathan unto David, Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee. (KJV)

1 Sam 20:41-42

After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together-- but David wept the most. Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.'" Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town. (NIV)

2 Sam 1:26

I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women. (NIV)

David "...had reason to say that Jonathan's love to him was wonderful; surely never was the like, for a man to love one who he knew was to take the crown over his head, and to be so faithful to his rival: this far surpassed the highest degree of conjugal affection and constancy...nothing is more delightful in this world than a true friend, that is wise and good, that kindly receives and returns our affection, and is faithful to us in all our true interests. (from Matthew Henry's Commentary 2 Samuel 1:17-27 PP13)

Jesus Loves Us As His Friend

Apply now the love that David had for Jonathan, to the love that Jesus has for you. The depth of commitment, the lack of ulterior motives, the purity of love.

How Does God Truly Feel About Us?

He loves us as a father does his children, as a groom does his bride, and as a friend.

Perhaps we will experience radical transformation of the heart when we truly comprehend what Paul felt when he said to the Romans "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" (Rom 8:35), and vs. 38 "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (NKJ)

When we are empowered by a revelation of God's love for us, we can:

• first, receive what we need from God by knowing Him (2 Pet 1:3b)
• then by having received, we become strong so we can do mighty exploits (Dan 11:32)
• and finally, we will do greater things than Jesus did (John 14, Mark 16).