Sermon notes

Introduction

Happy Father’s Day to all the men in our church family, whether biological fathers or father figures. We are grateful for the many Christian men who contribute so much to the life and ministry of the church and who provide godly examples for younger generations to follow.

On this day, we also recognise that not everyone has experienced a positive relationship with their earthly father. Some have faced difficult circumstances, while others may have grown up without a father present for reasons beyond their control.

Today is a message of hope, love, and assurance. Even if your relationship with your earthly father has been challenging, God, through His Word, gives us clarity about what He thinks of His children and how much they mean to Him.

Train up a child in the way he should go, but be sure you go that way yourself.” — Charles Spurgeon

The Situation: Remember Who You Are (Identity) – v17

“This is My beloved Son…”

• The first recorded words of God the Father in the New Testament are words of identity.
• “My Son” speaks of relationship, and “Beloved” speaks of affection.

1 John 3:1
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…”

Application

Without security in our identity, we can become disillusioned in life. We may begin to doubt our value and feel disconnected, anxious, and empty. On this Father’s Day, be encouraged: in Christ, we have clarity and identity. We know where we stand, and we know who we are in Christ.

The Problem: What Does My Father Think About Me? (Affirmation) – v17

“…I am well pleased.”

• Psychologists suggest that words of affirmation are foundational in building a child’s self-esteem, resilience, and sense of worth.
• Even as adults, we often have a deep desire to be accepted, appreciated, and thought well of by those we love and admire.

God the Father’s voice is recorded three times in the New Testament, and on each occasion, He is speaking about His Son, Jesus:

1. “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt 3:17)
2. “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” (Matt 17:5)
3. “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” (John 12:28)

Application

Are you living for approval or from approval?

Unfortunately, not everyone has experienced positive words of affirmation from their earthly parents or family members. This can leave wounds, create insecurity, and affect a person’s sense of worth and value.

The Father’s words about Jesus reveal how God thinks about His children. Through Christ, we are reminded that we are beloved, accepted, and valued. The Father’s language is one of love, pleasure, and glory.

The Celebration: What Is My Father Like? (Love) – v17

NIV:
“And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.’”

• It is impossible to speak about God without speaking about His love.
• God’s love for His children is unmatched, immeasurable, and indescribable.

Reflect on these words from the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus concerning the love of God:

Ephesians 3:17–19

“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

Application

No earthly parent is perfect. No earthly father is perfect. Yet we are made complete in God’s love because His love is pure, undiluted, and unconditional.

May you have peace in your heart knowing that, despite your faults, failures, and fears, God loves you deeply. His love remains constant, and His affection for His children never changes.

Questions

1. When you hear the words “father” or “fatherhood,” what thoughts or emotions come to mind?
2. What is one piece of encouragement or advice from a father, father figure, or mentor that has stayed with you throughout your life?
3. What are some common places people look for their identity apart from God?
4. How can knowing that you are God’s child change the way you view yourself?
5. Have there been seasons in your life when you struggled with your identity or sense of worth? How does God’s Word speak into that struggle?

• Ephesians 1:4-5
• Romans 8:14-17
• 2 Corinthians 5:17

6. How can a deeper understanding of God’s love help us face anxiety, insecurity, or disappointment?

• Romans 5:8
• Zephaniah 3:17
• Jeremiah 31:3
• John 15:9