Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (1 John 3:1-3)

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to paraphrase that scripture. Then get a pen and some paper and start writing.

This is what I wrote:

Look at how God love us! He sees us as sons and daughters.  This loves can only come from a Father. One who has given of Himself to His children. Individuals in the world do not know God and are unable to understand our relationship with Him.  Moreover, we are not fully able to comprehend the totality of that relationship ourselves.  However, when we are finally united with Him in heaven we will be conformed into His image.  And that revelation gives us hope- and the confidence to live for Him on a daily basis; as we await his return.

God, Our Father

God is our heavenly Father. Let’s look at some characteristics of a father and then apply those to the Fatherly characteristics of God.

1. He provides for his children

A good father provides for his children and makes sure they have everything that they need.  The emphasis here is on need.  Matthew 6:8b says “for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” 

Jesus admonished His disciples not to be concerned to the point of worry in relations to their needs being met. Essentially, we don’t have to try to persuade God to meet our needs.  He will do that.  However, He wants us to understand that “all things work together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28)."

 The Word gives us a revelation that His grace will see us through all situations.  He is our Father and wants the best for us. What may seem a profound need at the time may eventually be seen as a diversion.

1. Explain the following scripture in relations to God, the Father, meeting our needs.

Philippians 4: 19 –“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.:

1. He lays down rules for their behavior.

God gives us His Word to guide us.  It gives guidelines for daily living.  Every principle that God wants us to know is revealed in His Word.   Psalm 119:105 refers to God’s Word as “a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

1. Explain the following scripture in relations to God’s Word.

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Romans 4:12

1. He participates and is involved in the day-to-day lives of his

Children

When Jesus left the earth, He reminded us that He would always be with us (Matthew 28:20b).  This  can be summarized in the following verse of scripture:

“Where can I go from your [God's] Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:7-13, NIV).

The Holy Spirit is our comforter, our guide, the Spirit of truth, and our intercessor.  He is with us at all times.

1. What do the following scripture say about the presence of God in our lives?

John 14: 15, 16, 23, 26, 27 (NIV) “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

1. He wants the best for them and does everything in his power to make that happen.

The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

God thinks about each of us personally and has individual plans for each of our lives. Importantly, our future is guaranteed by God to be prosperous if we take hold of His Word and live godly lives.

Because we have hope in God, we wait confidently for Him. The principle is that God wants to bless us.

We also have God’s assurance of eternal life (John 3:16).  What a blessed reassurance: a present life that is preserved by goodness and mercy on a daily basis (Psalm 23:6), and hope of eternal life with God in heaven (Romans 2:7)!

1. Are you allowing God’s best in your life?

Additional References

Romans 8:15

Galatians 4:6

James 3:9

2 Corinthians 6:18

Ephesians 5:19-20

James 1:16-18

Matthew 6:6-13