Why Call God 'Father'?
Month 8: Talking with God — The Praying Family · Why We Believe
Today's Scripture
Read together: Galatians 4:6 & John 1:12
6 And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” — Galatians 4:6
12 But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— — John 1:12
Memory Verse
“So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.”— Matthew 6:9 (BSB)
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: Jeremiah 7–9
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time. (God longs for honest hearts, not empty religion.)The Heart of It
Jesus told us to call God "our Father." But how can we be sure we really have the right to call the holy God of the universe by such a close, family name? The Bible answers clearly. says that to all who received Him, and believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. Being God's child isn't automatic for everyone. It's a gift. He gives it to all who receive Jesus and believe in His name. The cross is how God adopts us into His family. Jesus took our place so we could take a child's place at the Father's table.
And here is the wonderful part for a Spirit-filled family. God doesn't just call us children. He makes us feel like His children. The Bible says that because we are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" (). "Abba" was the warm, trusting word a little Jewish child used for their daddy. The Holy Spirit Himself puts that cry in our hearts. He assures us, deep down, that we truly belong. So when we pray "Our Father," we're not pretending. We're not being presumptuous. We're agreeing with what God's own Spirit is already saying inside us.
Around the Table
When you love Jesus, God becomes your very own Daddy in heaven. You belong to Him!
Let's do it: Say it loud and happy together: "Abba! Father!" That means "Daddy, God!"
Anyone who receives Jesus is given the right to be God's child. It's a free gift. It's not something we earn.
Let's talk: Think of someone you call "sir," and someone you call "Dad." What's the difference?
The Holy Spirit inside believers cries "Abba, Father." That cry gives us assurance, deep down, that we truly belong to God.
Let's go deeper: Your feeling of belonging to God comes from the Spirit, not from your own effort. How does knowing that help you?
💬 Conversation Starter
What does a really good dad do for his kids? Now imagine a perfect Father in heaven who does all of that, and never fails.
🛡️ Defending the Faith
Someone might say, "You can't really know God is your Father. That's just wishful thinking." We can answer kindly. The Bible says our standing as God's children rests on a real event. That event is Jesus' death and resurrection. It also rests on a real gift, the Holy Spirit. His presence brings an inner assurance that changes people's lives (). It's not a wish we invented. It's a relationship God offers and the Spirit confirms. As says, we give this answer "with gentleness and respect." We stay gentle and respectful, never argumentative.
For Dad · Go Deeper
The fatherhood of God is not a sentimental metaphor. It's the doctrinal ground of our adoption () and the basis of Christian assurance. Notice that Paul ties the experience of crying "Abba" to the objective work of the Spirit. Feeling and fact are held together. For your kids, you are their first picture of fatherhood, and they will tend to read God through that lens. That's a sobering privilege. Your tenderness, presence, and faithfulness preach about the Father. Your harshness or absence can blur Him. You won't be perfect, so point them past yourself. Tell them, "I'll fail you sometimes, but your Father in heaven never will."
Draws on: Sinclair Ferguson, Children of the Living God; J.I. Packer, Knowing God ("Sons of God").
Let's Pray Together
"Father, thank You that through Jesus we get to be Your very own children. Thank You for Your Spirit. He tells our hearts that we truly belong to You. Help us live like Your beloved kids today. In Jesus' name, amen."
Through Jesus, I'm not just God's creation. I'm God's child, and His Spirit says so.