"Who's Your Daddy" Dr. Kenneth Sullivan Jr. (06/15/2025)
Who's Your Daddy? Discovering the Heart of God the Father
In a world where father figures are often absent, distant, or flawed, it's easy to lose sight of what true fatherhood looks like. But there's a Father who transcends all earthly examples - our Heavenly Father. Today, let's explore what it means to have God as our "Daddy" and how this relationship can transform our lives.
The concept of God as our Father is beautifully illustrated in Romans 8:14-17:
"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
This passage reveals a profound truth: through faith in Christ, we are adopted into God's family. We're not just distant creations, but beloved children with full rights and privileges. The term "Abba" is particularly significant - it's an intimate term, similar to "Daddy" in English. This shows the close, personal relationship God desires with us.
But what does it mean to have God as our Daddy? Let's break it down:
D - Direction
A good father provides direction for his children. He sees their potential, understands their personality, and guides them towards their purpose. Our Heavenly Father does this perfectly. He knew us before we were formed in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5) and has plans to prosper us, not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11). Like an archer aiming arrows, God aims us towards our divine destiny.
A - Affirmation
Children thrive on affirmation, and our Heavenly Father is the ultimate source of it. Psalm 103:13 says, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." God sees our worth, speaks life over us, and advocates for us. His love isn't based on our performance but on His character.
D - Discipline
Hebrews 12:11 tells us, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." God's discipline isn't punishment - it's loving correction aimed at our growth and development. He cares too much to let us destroy ourselves with poor choices.
D - Direct Communication
Our Heavenly Father doesn't beat around the bush. He speaks truth into our lives, even when it's hard to hear. The book of Proverbs is full of a father's direct wisdom to his son about relationships, finances, and life choices. God wants to have these intimate conversations with us, guiding us with His wisdom.
Y - Yours
Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of God as our Father is that He is ours. Even if our earthly father was absent or abusive, God promises in Psalm 27:10, "Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me." We have a Father who chose us, who delights in us, and who will never leave us.
This truth of God as our loving Father can revolutionize our lives. It means we're never truly orphans. We're not abandoned or alone. We have a Dad who is always accessible, infinitely wise, and unconditionally loving.
Consider the story of Annie - a poor orphan who is adopted by the wealthy Daddy Warbucks. Her life is completely transformed. She goes from singing "It's a Hard Knock Life" to "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here." This mirrors our spiritual reality. When we're adopted into God's family, everything changes. We gain access to all the riches of heaven. Our status, our identity, our future - it all shifts when we realize who our true Father is.
But here's a challenging thought - how well do we know our Heavenly Father? Do we approach Him with the intimacy of a beloved child, or do we keep Him at arm's length? Do we trust His direction, accept His discipline, and listen for His voice?
For some, the concept of God as Father might be difficult due to painful experiences with earthly fathers. If that's you, take heart. God isn't limited by human failures. He's the perfect Father - always present, always loving, always working for your good. He can heal those father wounds and show you what true fatherhood looks like.
For others, this message might be a call to step up as earthly fathers. Are we providing direction, affirmation, discipline, and direct communication to our children? Are we present and engaged, pointing them towards their purpose? The way we father can paint a picture of God's love for our children.
As we reflect on God as our Father, let's also remember the incredible privilege of adoption. We weren't born into God's family - we were chosen, sought out, and brought in at great cost. The cross of Christ made our adoption possible. This should fill us with gratitude and a desire to live as true children of God.
In practical terms, how can we cultivate this father-child relationship with God?
1. Spend time in His presence through prayer and worship.
2. Study His Word to learn His heart and ways.
3. Trust His guidance, even when it's difficult.
4. Receive His love and affirmation daily.
5. Submit to His loving discipline.
6. Share your heart openly with Him.
Remember, you have a good, good Father. He's perfect in all of His ways. His love for you is deeper than any ocean, higher than any mountain, and wider than the east is from the west. He sees you, knows you, and delights in you.
So today, no matter where you find yourself, know that you have a Daddy in heaven who loves you beyond measure. Run to Him. Rest in His arms. Let His love heal your heart and transform your life. Because when you truly know who your Daddy is, it changes everything.
In a world where father figures are often absent, distant, or flawed, it's easy to lose sight of what true fatherhood looks like. But there's a Father who transcends all earthly examples - our Heavenly Father. Today, let's explore what it means to have God as our "Daddy" and how this relationship can transform our lives.
The concept of God as our Father is beautifully illustrated in Romans 8:14-17:
"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
This passage reveals a profound truth: through faith in Christ, we are adopted into God's family. We're not just distant creations, but beloved children with full rights and privileges. The term "Abba" is particularly significant - it's an intimate term, similar to "Daddy" in English. This shows the close, personal relationship God desires with us.
But what does it mean to have God as our Daddy? Let's break it down:
D - Direction
A good father provides direction for his children. He sees their potential, understands their personality, and guides them towards their purpose. Our Heavenly Father does this perfectly. He knew us before we were formed in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5) and has plans to prosper us, not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11). Like an archer aiming arrows, God aims us towards our divine destiny.
A - Affirmation
Children thrive on affirmation, and our Heavenly Father is the ultimate source of it. Psalm 103:13 says, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him." God sees our worth, speaks life over us, and advocates for us. His love isn't based on our performance but on His character.
D - Discipline
Hebrews 12:11 tells us, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." God's discipline isn't punishment - it's loving correction aimed at our growth and development. He cares too much to let us destroy ourselves with poor choices.
D - Direct Communication
Our Heavenly Father doesn't beat around the bush. He speaks truth into our lives, even when it's hard to hear. The book of Proverbs is full of a father's direct wisdom to his son about relationships, finances, and life choices. God wants to have these intimate conversations with us, guiding us with His wisdom.
Y - Yours
Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of God as our Father is that He is ours. Even if our earthly father was absent or abusive, God promises in Psalm 27:10, "Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me." We have a Father who chose us, who delights in us, and who will never leave us.
This truth of God as our loving Father can revolutionize our lives. It means we're never truly orphans. We're not abandoned or alone. We have a Dad who is always accessible, infinitely wise, and unconditionally loving.
Consider the story of Annie - a poor orphan who is adopted by the wealthy Daddy Warbucks. Her life is completely transformed. She goes from singing "It's a Hard Knock Life" to "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here." This mirrors our spiritual reality. When we're adopted into God's family, everything changes. We gain access to all the riches of heaven. Our status, our identity, our future - it all shifts when we realize who our true Father is.
But here's a challenging thought - how well do we know our Heavenly Father? Do we approach Him with the intimacy of a beloved child, or do we keep Him at arm's length? Do we trust His direction, accept His discipline, and listen for His voice?
For some, the concept of God as Father might be difficult due to painful experiences with earthly fathers. If that's you, take heart. God isn't limited by human failures. He's the perfect Father - always present, always loving, always working for your good. He can heal those father wounds and show you what true fatherhood looks like.
For others, this message might be a call to step up as earthly fathers. Are we providing direction, affirmation, discipline, and direct communication to our children? Are we present and engaged, pointing them towards their purpose? The way we father can paint a picture of God's love for our children.
As we reflect on God as our Father, let's also remember the incredible privilege of adoption. We weren't born into God's family - we were chosen, sought out, and brought in at great cost. The cross of Christ made our adoption possible. This should fill us with gratitude and a desire to live as true children of God.
In practical terms, how can we cultivate this father-child relationship with God?
1. Spend time in His presence through prayer and worship.
2. Study His Word to learn His heart and ways.
3. Trust His guidance, even when it's difficult.
4. Receive His love and affirmation daily.
5. Submit to His loving discipline.
6. Share your heart openly with Him.
Remember, you have a good, good Father. He's perfect in all of His ways. His love for you is deeper than any ocean, higher than any mountain, and wider than the east is from the west. He sees you, knows you, and delights in you.
So today, no matter where you find yourself, know that you have a Daddy in heaven who loves you beyond measure. Run to Him. Rest in His arms. Let His love heal your heart and transform your life. Because when you truly know who your Daddy is, it changes everything.
Posted in Sermon Recap
No Comments