YOU ARE A REFLECTION OF GOD
That means, as a father, you have knowledge, plans, thoughts, or perspectives—essentially, your ability to think, reason, and have a specific intention, among other things.
Let’s examine how the Scriptures use the word “Father” as a representation of God. We begin by understanding how the term “Father” is used in the Scriptures to represent God:
God as the Father is the Source of Knowledge, Wisdom, and Understanding
The Bible teaches that God as a Father means He is the source of every thought, intellect, understanding, and wisdom. From the beginning of human history, we learn that everything originates from God. His wisdom, knowledge, and thoughts are infinite and ever-present. He is more than just a physical father (our earthly parents).
Let’s consider an example from the Bible. In Genesis 45:8, we read the words of Joseph:
“So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.”
Pay attention to the phrase “He made me a father to Pharaoh.” Joseph, in his position of leadership, was like a father to Pharaoh because he was the source of counsel, wisdom, and governance in Egypt. In the same way, when we call God our Father, we acknowledge Him as the source of all wisdom and the supreme ruler over our lives.
Again, in Isaiah 40:28, we learn about God’s attribute as the Father:
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.”
This verse shows us that God as the Father is not just the source of creation but also of infinite intelligence that never diminishes or tires. Even our greatest thoughts and plans depend on His limitless wisdom.
In Job 12:13, we read:
“To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His.”
Here, we see that all wisdom comes from God as the Father—He is the one who provides knowledge and guidance for everything. We can compare God’s wisdom as a Father to how a good father plans, teaches, and provides life direction for his children.
The Apostle Paul’s Teaching on God as Father
In 1 Corinthians 8:6, Paul teaches us:
“Yet for us, there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.”
This emphasizes God’s role as the Father, the source of all creation. In this unique position, we acknowledge that our wisdom and thoughts are only a small fraction of the supreme intelligence that comes from our Heavenly Father. Every plan and thought originates from God as the Father, including the redemption of mankind, creation, and the sending of prophets and apostles.
Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 2:16 reminds us:
“For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.”
Knowing God as the Father means recognizing that all wisdom, understanding, and knowledge come from Him—the unlimited source.
There are many other scriptures in the Bible that emphasize this, such as Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 55:8-9, Psalm 147:5, Isaiah 40:28, Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 3:19, Daniel 2:46-48, Esther 10:3, Nehemiah 2:8-9, Genesis 45:8, Isaiah 22:20-22, Daniel 6:2-3, Psalm 105:16-21, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Proverbs 2:6, Job 28:12-13, 23, and Psalm 33:11.
The Meaning of “Father” in Relation to Human Beings
So, do not be confused when you hear the term Father. Just as you have the ability to think, reason, and have wisdom and understanding, God, as the Father, has these attributes without limits. We are created in His image. The difference is that our intellect, words, and spirit are confined within the body and have limits, but God has no limits—His intellect, word, and spirit exist everywhere without restriction.
For example, 2 Timothy 2:9 states:
“For which I suffer to the extent of being bound like a criminal. But the word of God is not bound.”
God as Father (Understanding), Son (Word), and Holy Spirit (Breath/Life)
God has the aspect of Father (Understanding), Son (Word), and Holy Spirit (Breath/Life). Since we are created in His image, the difference is that God has no limits. You have understanding/wisdom, you have words, and you have breath/life. Therefore, acknowledging God as the Father means recognizing Him as:
- The Supreme Ruler and Judge
- The Source of Creation
- Love and Mercy
- The Provider of Needs
- The Protector and Guardian
- The Teacher and Guide
- The One Who Corrects and Helps Growth
- The One Who Forgives and Redeems
- The Giver of Blessings
Just as in our human families, a father provides these roles.
In Ephesians 4:6, we read:
“One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
In John 4:24, Jesus teaches:
“God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in Spirit and in truth.”
And in John 1:1, 14, it is written:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Conclusion and Next Lesson
In the next lesson, we will continue exploring God as the Word and as Breath/Life.
1 John 3:18 reminds us:
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
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