435. 2CO 6:18. GOD THE FATHER OF HIS PEOPLE

2Co_6:18. God The Father Of His People

"Will be a Father unto you."’972Co_6:18.

Jehovah is the author or fountain of all things. All creatures derived their existence from him, and "for his pleasure and glory they were created. He is the father of the Saviour. The father of angels. The father of the whole human family. But our text refers to him as the spiritual father of his people. As the father of our natural being, we are brought under his government, become the subjects of his providential care, and are amenable to his righteous laws. But in our unrenewed state he cannot behold us with delight. The carnal mind is enmity to him, our wills and hearts and lives are opposed to his will and equitable authority, and by disobedience we yield ourselves to Satan, so as to become the children of the father of lies. It is when we return to God by genuine repentance and faith in his word and Son, that he says, "I will be a Father unto you." As a Father,

I. He is the Author of their spiritual Being.

He by his Holy Spirit quickens those who were dead in trespasses and sins. He imparts the principle of spiritual existence, and raises from the death of sin, to newness of spiritual life. And as father, he not only gives life, but he imparts his own nature. His spiritual children are made to partake of the divine nature, 2Pe_1:4. Hence it is said they are "born again of the incorruptible seed of the word of God, which abideth forever," 1Pe_1:23. "Born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God," Joh_1:13. So as God imparts his own nature to his spiritual children, so he also impresses his own image and likeness. Thus the new man is said to be "renewed in knowledge, after the image of him that created him," Col_3:10. See also Eph_4:23, Eph_4:24. In connection with the divine nature and image, the children of God also possess his Spirit. Of such it is said, "The Spirit of God dwelleth in you." Thus God said, "I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you," &c., Eze_11:19. As father,

II. God supplies all the Need if his Children,

In this respect, infants are not more helpless and dependent than the children of God. They are without strength and without resources. All their springs art in God. As an affectionate father, he does not allow them to lack any good thing. He supplies "all their need." He spreads before them a table in he wilderness. He gives them the bread and the water of life. His grace is freely bestowed to help them in every time of need. They have food to eat, of which the world knows nothing. His promises are like milk, and honey, and manna, as well as containing strong meat for the more mature and strong of his household. He also clothes them with the best robe, the garments of joy and salvation. He provides also for all their sicknesses, removes all their infirmities, and heals all their diseases. His supplies to his children are rich and abundant, varied and ever new, free and gratuitous, overflowing, satisfying, and everlasting. His mercies never fail, and his paternal care abideth forever and ever. As father,

III. He provides them with a suitable Home and Habitation.

In some respects God himself is the habitation or dwelling-place of his saints. But he has provided for his spiritual family, the tabernacle of his church on earth. Here they dwell in the bonds of fraternal love, united in the fellowship of the saints, having God their father with them, to do them good. The church is the dwelling-place, the home of God’s children. Here they have the shelter, the repose, the solace of home. Here they have the interchange of thought, and feeling, and conversation, of kindred spirits. Here is the social board, the family table, &c. Then the Lord has prepared for their future residence and dwelling, the temple of his glory above. In the wilderness, the tabernacle, as a moveable tent, is most suited to them as sojourners, &c. The church beneath is their residence during their minority. But when of full age, they are received to their father’s residence on high. That house, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. This is the saints’ everlasting home, where the united family of God shall be forever with the Lord. See Heb_11:16. As father,

IV. He secures the Instruction of his Children.

For the soul to be without knowledge is not good. Knowledge is one of the distinguishing traits in the children of God. They are children of the light and of the day. They have the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus their Lord. The heaven to which they are destined and journeying, is the region of mind, the world of cloudless day. For the education of his children, he spreads before them his marvellous works. He has written for them the volume of life, the scriptures of eternal truth. He has appointed for them teachers,’97pastors, to feed them with knowledge and understanding. In addition to these, he sends into their hearts his Holy Spirit, to lead them into all truth, to guide them by his counsel, that afterwards they may be received to glory. As father,

V. He guards and protects his Children.

As spiritual, they are exposed to innumerable perils and enemies. The world hateth them. Satan seeks to destroy them. They are encompassed with adversaries. Without God’s gracious help and protection, they would necessarily perish. God however is their shield and defence. He is their fortress and high tower. He is round them as the walls were round about Jerusalem. He secures them from all evil, and keeps them night and day. Holding them in his hand, "they shall never perish," &c. "Kept by the power of God," &c. As father,

VI. He gives them a Glorious and everlasting Portion.

None can tell the reward and the riches of the inheritance which God has laid up for them that love him. Now, they have the unsearchable riches of grace; and hereafter, the unfading glories and riches of eternity. He gives each of his children a kingdom, a throne, a crown, and bliss, and joy for evermore.

Application

1. Learn the happiness and blessedness of those who are the children of God. What honor, what joy, what security, they possess! Consider,

2. The high claims which God has upon his children. How they should reverence and fear him. Love and delight in him. Follow and obey him.

3. The misery of the children of the wicked one. Dark, wretched, enslaved miserable and perishing.

4. Urge upon such to turn unto God, and to seek his pardoning mercy, that they may live.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS