THE GOD OF THE BIBLE
(A Jesus Disciple Resource)

LESSON THREE
LOVING FATHER

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Lesson Three. In this lesson we’ll learn how God is not only our Generous Creator and a Relational Companion, He is also a Loving Father. Before we begin, let’s open in prayer.

[Open in prayer]

As we read a passage of Scripture in Matthew 7, let’s consider this question:

  • What evidences do we see in this passage that God is a Loving Father?

Scripture Reading: Read Matthew 7:7-11.


DISCUSSION
Okay, our first discussion question is:

1. What evidences do we see in this passage that God is a Loving Father? 

[Discuss Question #1]

Okay, let’s move on to a second discussion question:

2. Just how much does Father God love us?
Before we discuss this question, let me share a few thoughts. God is everyone’s Creator, but He is not everyone’s Father. Some people mistakenly say, “Well, we’re all children of God,” but the Bible makes it clear that this is not the case. You see, when Adam sinned, sin separated him—and all of mankind—from a relationship with God. Romans 3:23 says:

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (NLT)

The good news is that God loved us so much that He made a great sacrifice to offer us a restored relationship with Him. Listen to what Jesus said in John 3:16-17:

“God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life. 17 God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him.” (NCV)

Most people, however, do not believe that Jesus is the Savior enough to put their faith in Him and actually follow Him. But for those who do, God completely forgives them of their sins, gives them a change of heart, and makes them a part of His own family. Listen to 1 John 3:1:

“See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know Him.” (NLT)

And Romans 8:32 says:

“God did not keep back his own Son, but He gave Him for us. If God did this, won’t He freely give us everything else?” (CEV)

[Discuss Question #2]

3. How does God become your Father?

Before we discuss this question, let me share a few more thoughts. What happens if you don’t believe that Jesus is the Savior and follow Him? Well, listen to what Jesus told some religious leaders who didn’t believe that He was Savior of the world:

“Jesus said to them, “If God really were your Father, you would love Me, because I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on My own authority, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to listen to My message. 44 You are the children of your father, the devil, and you want to follow your father’s desires. From the very beginning he was a murderer and has never been on the side of truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he is only doing what is natural to him, because he is a liar and the father of all lies.” John 8:42–44 (GNB)

So people who don’t accept the truth about Jesus are choosing to believe lies. The devil is famous for convincing people that God is not real and that His Word—the Bible—is not true, but it is. For God to become your Father, you must receive the forgiveness of sins that Jesus paid for on the cross, turn from your sins, and allow God to truly change your heart. Listen to what Jesus proclaimed in Mark 1:14-15:

“… Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God. 15 “The right time has come,” He said, “and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!” (GNB)

And listen to what Father God said in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18:

“Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. 18 And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (NLT)

[Discuss Question #3]

Now let me ask one final question:

4. Who should you teach this to?

[Discuss Question #4]

As we close in prayer, I want to invite you to open your hearts to the abundant love of Father God. Tell Him you believe that Jesus died in your place and that you want to be forgiven from your sins. Ask Him to help you turn away from your sins and to follow Jesus. As I pray, pray right along with me. Father God is listening.

[Close in prayer]

CONCLUSION

Now don’t miss our next lesson. We’ll be studying something that many people don’t understand; how a Generous Creator, Relational Companion and Loving Father is also a Righteous Judge.