The Bible tells us, “Every man must be swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath” (James 1:19). A second unique feature about Jesus' use of Abba as a designation for God involves the intimacy of the term. More recently, however, it has been pointed out that Abba was a term not only that small children used to address their fathers; it was also a term that older children and adults used. This is why Paul refers to "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" ( Rom 15:6 ; 2 Cor 1:3 ; 11:31 ). On three separate occasions, the Bible records these words of the Father to His Son: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 17:5). A Christian father will apply God’s practical wisdom to their everyday life and guide their children in the same way. 42-44. We know from history that the father was to be diligent in instructing children in the ways and words of the Lord for their own spiritual development and well-being. The Bible tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Yet to avoid the metaphor of father as a description and designation for God is to lose sight of the fact that Jesus chose this as his metaphor to address God and that he taught this as the metaphor by which his disciples should address God. This criticism should be taken seriously in that God is not a "man" ( Num 23:19 ). There God is specifically called the Father of the nation of Israel ( Deut 32:6 ; Isa 63:16 ; [twice] 64:8 ; Jeremiah 3:4 Jeremiah 3:19 ; 31:9 ; Mal 1:6 ; 2:10 ) or the Father of certain individuals ( 2 Sam 7:14 ; 1 Chron 17:13 ; 22:10 ; 28:6 ; Psalm 68:5 ; 89:26 ) only fifteen times. There is no evidence in pre-Christian Jewish literature that Jews addressed God as "Abba. " But when they know their father listens calmly, they believe they are respected and that there is a genuine interest in what is being said. This metaphor for God may have been avoided in the Old Testament due to its frequent use in the ancient Near East where it was used in various fertility religions and carried heavy sexual overtones. However, there are a few principles that can help. A second unique feature about Jesus' use of Abba as a designation for God involves the intimacy of the term. It is charged by some that this leads to a false view that God is a male. The uniqueness of Jesus' teaching on this subject is evident for several reasons. This was not justa way Jesus taught his disciples to address God; it was the way. There is no evidence in pre-Christian Jewish literature that Jews addressed God as "Abba. " Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. This is why the Greek-speaking Gentile churches in Galatia and Rome continued to address God as Abba. Deuteronomy 6:5-6 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. J. Barr, JTS39 (1988): 28-47; R. Hamerton-Kelly, God the Father; J. Jeremias, The Prayers of Jesus; J. Scott Lidgett, The Fatherhood of God; W. Elwell, TAB, pp. It appears on his lips some sixty-five times in the Synoptic Gospels and over one hundred times in John. For usage information, please read the Baker Book House Copyright Statement. There God is specifically called the Father of the nation of Israel ( Deut 32:6 ; Isa 63:16 ; [twice] 64:8 ; Jeremiah 3:4 Jeremiah 3:19 ; 31:9 ; Mal 1:6 ; 2:10 ) or the Father of certain individuals ( 2 Sam 7:14 ; 1 Chron 17:13 ; 22:10 ; 28:6 ; Psalm 68:5 ; 89:26 ) only fifteen times. For one, the rarity of this designation for God is striking. For usage information, please read the Baker Book House Copyright Statement. At one time it was thought that since children used this term to address their fathers the nearest equivalent would be the English term "Daddy." It occurs in blessings ( Rom 1:7 ; 1 Cor 1:3 ), doxologies ( Rom 15:6 ), thanksgivings ( 2 Cor 1:3 ; 1 Thess 1:2-3 ), prayers ( Col 1:12 ), exhortations ( Eph 5:20 ), and creeds ( 1 Cor 8:6 ; Eph 4:6 ). He is a Spirit ( John 4:24 ) without sexual parts. This portrayal, however, is surprisingly rare in the Old Testament. There its use is also rare: Apocrypha ( Wis 2:16; 14:3; Tob 13:4; Sir 23:1, 4; 51:10); Pseudepigrapha ( Jub 1:24, 28; 19:29; 3 Macc 5:7; 6:4, 8; T. Levi 18:6; T. Judah 24:2); and Dead Sea Scrolls (1 QH 9:35f.). They used this foreign title for God because Jesus had used it and taught his followers to do so. The uniqueness of Jesus' teaching on this subject is evident for several reasons. Salem Media Group. They used this foreign title for God because Jesus had used it and taught his followers to do so. The pages of the New Testament give us an incredible glimpse of the marvelous relationship between God the Father and Christ the Son. It is also seen in Matthew 5:16, 45, 48; 6:1, 4, 6; 7:21; 10:32-33, where Jesus refers to "your" (singular and plural) and "my" father but never "our" father. The avoidance of this description for God can still be found in the intertestamental literature. At one time it was thought that since children used this term to address their fathers the nearest equivalent would be the English term "Daddy." The description of God as "father" is under attack today in certain circles. This is why Paul refers to "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" ( Rom 15:6 ; 2 Cor 1:3 ; 11:31 ). Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” To “train” indicates that the first teaching that a father and mother give a child. This is clearly seen in John 20:17 in the distinction between "my" God and "your" God. More recently, however, it has been pointed out that Abba was a term not only that small children used to address their fathers; it was also a term that older children and adults used. Sign up for Beliefnet's Love and Family newsletter. A Christian father not only meets the physical needs of his family, but also the emotional needs of his family as well. When God is referred as a father, this is simply the use of a metaphor in which he is likened to a kind and loving father. Successful Christian fathers have found that he and his family benefits when he follows the wisdom found in the Bible. This metaphor for God may have been avoided in the Old Testament due to its frequent use in the ancient Near East where it was used in various fertility religions and carried heavy sexual overtones. He is a Spirit ( John 4:24 ) without sexual parts. The beautiful thing is we have the assurance that “nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). Introduction Deuteronomy 6:4-10 has been called the Magna Carta of the home which would guarantee the happiness and well being of the family in the purpose of God. The description of God as "father" is under attack today in certain circles. “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). When a man enters into a covenant relationship with his bride, he commits to the responsibilities of loving, honoring and cherishing her. They were to pray, "Father, hallowed by your name" ( Luke 11:2 ). The teaching of the Fatherhood of God takes a decided turn with Jesus, for "Father" was his favorite term for addressing God. Fatherhood of God Throughout the Bible we find God portrayed as a Father. A Christian father should be a good communicator, not only communicating biblical principles to their children, but also being a careful listener. He was by nature the Son; they were "sons" through adoption. This portrayal, however, is surprisingly rare in the Old Testament. For this reason, it’s important that fathers teach their children both by their example and their words. It should be pointed out that although Jesus addressed God as "Father" and taught his disciples to do the same, he never referred to God as "our Father." It also loses sight of the continuity established by the use of this metaphor with those who have called God "Father" over the centuries. Because of Jesus' use of this metaphor, it is not surprising that the rest of the New Testament also emphasizes the Fatherhood of God. It occurs in blessings ( Rom 1:7 ; 1 Cor 1:3 ), doxologies ( Rom 15:6 ), thanksgivings ( 2 Cor 1:3 ; 1 Thess 1:2-3 ), prayers ( Col 1:12 ), exhortations ( Eph 5:20 ), and creeds ( 1 Cor 8:6 ; Eph 4:6 ). As a result it is best to understand Abba as the equivalent of "Father" rather than "Daddy.". Fatherhood of God. They Make Time for Their Family. (At times the father imagery is present although the term "Father" is not used [ Exod 4:22-23 ; Deut 1:31 ; 8:5 ; 14:1 ; Psalm 103:13 ; Jer 3:22 ; 31:20 ; Hosea 11:1-4 ; Mal 3:17 ]). Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. The avoidance of this description for God can still be found in the intertestamental literature. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. Instead of being a reaction waiting to happen, they have the ability to listen calmly without being judgmental. 42-44. It should be pointed out that although Jesus addressed God as "Father" and taught his disciples to do the same, he never referred to God as "our Father." But while it is an important passage for the home, this passage must not be used outside of its overall context and purpose or it loses its real impact for the home. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.” Fathers who are in a committed relationship with God can guide their children in the greatest relationship they will ever have – an intimate relationship with their heavenly Father. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. He provides the needs of his family. Ephesians 6:4 is a summary of instructions to fathers. Compiled & Edited by BibleStudyTools Staff, Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. His "Sonship" was different from that of his followers. The family turns to him as a support in all areas of need and he provides as best he can. 5 Ways to Distinguish Between God’s Voice and Satan’s Voice, Please also opt me in for Exclusive Offers from Beliefnet’s Partners, From time to time you will also receive Special Offers from our partners. A third unique feature of Jesus' teaching concerning the Fatherhood of God is that the frequency of this metaphor is out of all proportion to what we find elsewhere in the Old Testament and other Jewish literature. A Christian father’s first and greatest responsibility is to acquaint his children with God through Scripture. The teaching of the Fatherhood of God takes a decided turn with Jesus, for "Father" was his favorite term for addressing God. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. ( Matt 6:9 is not an exception, for here Jesus is teaching his disciples how they [plural] should pray. ) Bibliography. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated.

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