There Is One God and Father of All (Ephesians 4:4-6)
Introduction:
1. In addition to 1 body, 1 Spirit, 1 hope, 1 Lord, 1 faith, and 1 baptism, "there is one God and Father of all." 2. Since today is Father's Day, perhaps this is a good time to consider some information that the Bible reveals about the one God and Father.
Discussion:
I. 3 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "ONE GOD" ARE REVEALED IN EPHESIANS 4:6
A. First, He is the Father "of all," including Jews and Gentiles (Romans 3:29-30). B. Second, He is "above all." 1. The Father is in heaven. a. (Matthew 6:9) "Our Father which art in heaven." b. (Matthew 23:9) "And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven." 2. (Isaiah 40:22) God sits "upon the circle of the earth." C. Third, He is "through all, and in you all." 1. A similar statement is found in 1 Corinthians 8:6. 2. God is through all and in all because He created everything (Genesis 1). 3. God created man "in His own image" (Genesis 1:27).
II. HOW DO WE BECOME GOD'S CHILDREN TODAY?
A. This question is answered in Galatians 3:26-28. B. We read about the example of Lydia in Acts 16:13-15.
III. GOD'S CHILDREN HAVE ACCESS TO SPECIAL BLESSINGS
A. David touched on 12 blessings in Psalm 23, including: 1. "contentment" (vs.1b) 2. "providence" (vs.2a) 3. "peace" (vs.2b) 4. "restoration" (vs.3a) 5. "direction" (vs.3b) 6. "courage" (vs.4a) 7. "companionship" (vs.4b) 8. "comfort" (vs.4c) 9. "favor" (vs.5a) 10. "abundance" (vs.5b) 11. "assurance" (vs.6a) 12. "immortality" (vs.6b). B. In Matthew 7:7-11, Jesus showed how God answers the prayers of His children. C. According to Ephesians 1:3, God gives "all spiritual blessings" to His children.
IV. GOD'S CHILDREN ALSO HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES
A. God requires His children to be "peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9). B. God requires His children to "walk in love" (Ephesians 5:1-2). C. God requires His children to profit from His discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11).
Conclusion:
1. We have covered a small amount of the information revealed in the Bible concerning the "one God and Father of all." 2. The information we covered should help us to know Him better. 3. Have you become His child?
