After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (Matthew 6:9)

Knowing God as our Father carries with it a definite list of spiritual privileges and benefits. First, it means we need not fear, as pagans do before their false gods or unbelievers do in their agnosticism.

Second, real knowledge of God resolves uncertainties and gives us hope. A good earthly father does what it takes to protect and provide for his children, so our heavenly Father does much more to love and sustain His children (cf. Matthew 7:11; John 10:29; John 14:21).

Third, knowing the Father alleviates loneliness. Family, friends, and even other believers may reject us, but we can be sure that God never will (John 14:21; cf. Psalm 68:5-6).

Fourth, knowing God as Father settles the sense of selfishness. Jesus used the plural possessive pronoun in reference to God because we share His fatherhood with millions of other Christians. Thus we ought to pray for others, not just ourselves.

Fifth, genuine knowledge of the Father means all His heavenly resources are available to us (Ephesians 1:3)

Finally, this comprehension settles the issue of obedience. If Jesus in His incarnation did only His Father’s will (Jojhn 6:38), we as adopted spiritual children must also do only God’s will. This proves our relationship to Him (Matthew 12:50). Yet God in His grace still loves His children who disobey (cf. Luke 15:11-24).

Being our Father reveals God’s willingness to lend His ear, power, and blessings to His children, for their best and His glory.[1]

John MacArthur

___________________________________________________________________________
End notes:

[1] John MacArthur, Daily Readings From the Life of Christ [Chicago: Moody, 2008], May 18.

See also:

FULLER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PROFESSOR TONY JONES WANTS US TO KNOW ABOUT THE BIOLA QUEER UNDERGROUND

SOUTHERN BAPTIST DAVID JEREMIAH PRAISES “VISION GOD” GAVE TO TBN’S PAUL CROUCH

JERRY FALWELL, JR: LIBERTY UNIVERSITY “NO OFFICIAL POSITION” ON CULT OF MORMONISM