Specifically, the God of which mankind knows little.
Does the reader believe that they know all there is to know of God? Then pick up a writing utensil, and a bit of paper, and write out your description of God, the God whom you know. See if you can describe Him in one word, or two, is it ten, or twenty; do more words speak of greater understanding or a lack of understanding. After you have written down your description of God, walk away from it until tomorrow. On the next day pick up your description and read it again, are you satisfied, did you explain all the various aspects of God, would you add more to it at this time? Have you considered that it is possible that God is quite beyond our ability to explain? What do the people of God know about God and the things of God? And how much more is there to know of God?
- Our Father.
- Some background.
- Children do not always appreciate their parents.
- The Father cares for His children.
- Of the household of God.
- Think not to say within yourselves, we have Abraham to our Father.
- The house of David. 2 Samuel 7:1-29 And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies; 2 That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. 3 And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee. 4 And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying, 5 Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in? 6 Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle. 7 In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar? 8 Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: 9 And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth. 10 Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, 11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house. 12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: 15 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. 16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. 17 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David. 18 Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? 19 And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD? 20 And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant. 21 For thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them. 22 Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 23 And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods? 24 For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a people unto thee for ever: and thou, LORD, art become their God. 25 And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as thou hast said. 26 And let thy name be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God over Israel: and let the house of thy servant David be established before thee. 27 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee. 28 And now, O Lord GOD, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant: 29 Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.
- The Father of all of us.
- Call no man Father.
Matt. 6:9-13 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Father: there is something special to this word, and the way it used here, and in many other places in the scriptures.
Our Father: Jesus, the Son of man; is reminding the disciples of something that they share together, a special relationship. The choice of words is important. For example, ...
There are a few different ways that Jesus could have phrased this. Jesus could have said God, Lord our God (N.T. has 1188 references with the word God), Creator (N.T. x2), Almighty, Lord God Almighty, God Almighty, Almighty God.
Why did Jesus say, Our Father?
Exod. 4:21-23 21 And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go. 22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: 23 And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.
Remember that the words used by Jesus is deliberate, to answer a question, teach us to pray. The choice of words by Jesus Christ is for a reason, to remind the people of God of, and teach them about a special relationship that they share together; they are all the children of God. Our Father, an aspect of the Almighty God that is not spoken of very often, it denotes a special relationship between the people of God, and God; our Father.
God claims His children, among all of the people upon the earth, Israel is the children of God, the firstborn son who will live with the Father, and inherit from the Father.
Many times in the Old Testament the use of the familial relationship occurs when Israel is in trouble. When in trouble, is this the only time that God has children, or that the children have a Father? Most likely it is the only time that the children seek their Father.
Mal. 1:6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?
God the Father speaks strongly against the priest and leaders of God’s people. In the referenced verse the priests are being rebuked. The doers of the law are being rebuked by what is written in the law.
Exod. 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
What was written in the law was written for the people of God to teach them how to interact with God, although this might not be obvious at first.
Isa. 1:2-3 2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. 3 The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.
... I have nourished and brought up children ...
What does this mean to the people that are raised in this evil world? Consider those that have been raised in homes where pure wickedness ruled, and unimaginable evil done (unimaginable to a righteous people), where children who see this all the time might begin to think it is normal. Can children begin to think that evil is normal? Yes, look at the world in which we live today, generations of unrighteousness, millennia of wickedness (how did human sacrifice ever become acceptable, and is abortion just a continuation of human sacrifice).
{Let me clarify why we start here again. The author has struggled to express this burden on his heart. Two times in the last couple of years an effort has been made to express this burden, and two times the effort has fallen short. After prayerful consideration it is believed that the Lord has clarified for the author His intent, something beyond what the author understood previously}.
Satan has/is destroying something that ideally would be a reminder of mankind’s relationship with God. If marriage is to be a picture of the bride and Christ, then is not the family relationship also a picture of something else? C.f. Ephesians 5:22-32; 1Timothy 3:1-13.
This is an unrecognized, (at least on the part of the author), success of satan, taking God out of society by destroying the family. By attacking the family Satan has undermined the foundation of society, tearing apart the bonds that hold families and society together, such as love, which is shown in honor, respect, longsuffering, patience, forgiveness, etc. American culture no longer has respected parents or elders, people who are respected for their experience and wisdom. The loss of respected parents and elders is sad (none perfect), common sense that has guided people for centuries is thrown out the window in the name of knowledge (which is believed to only come from a college), which is the knowledge of the world that has abandoned the knowledge of God. And the knowledge of the world falls short in so many ways, there is more than one way to relieve sore muscles, or get rid of a headache, etc. The answer of the world is to take another pill.
Today, instead of parents and elders, it is strangers, peers, wealth, or celebrity that is respected; and they are trying very hard to make government respected. Where in that list is the respect for the parent or elder?
The evil work of satan that rules in the world today has created homes that are not centered around God, and homes where God is not known or taught at all, therefore the love of God is not present nor the things that accompany the love of God. These are homes where ungodliness is common, yelling, fighting, alcohol and drugs, police called to the home, with no love shown. The house is dirty, and food is scarce, adults lay about in a stupor, and children get yelled at when they need help. What do these people think when they read of the love of the Father in heaven? It is the hope of the author that they rejoice in the love of the Father, that they seek after God to find the love that they have not known.
Did you think your childhood was bad? Self-pity is self-defeating.
To take God out of society, satan destroyed the family, amazing (ask yourself who is raising the children). The dissolution of the family is the dissolution of societal cohesion. Lawlessness becomes normal (excused by lawless/unrighteous family members and society), so a police state is needed in the name of order, the dictatorial government is now in complete control which will then take all steps necessary to replace God, and to replace the family, with government. The government assumes they can provide for the individual, never understanding what the family provided; and certainly never understanding what God provides.
{The author never understood before why the certain types of government were so anti-God; but it now makes sense. If God is the focus of mankind then the government is not needed}.
... I have nourished and brought up children ... Continued.
The book of Isaiah begins with words of God’s love for His children. Raising children is more than just bringing them into the world; they need to grow (nourished). The Hebrew word for nourished means grow, to make great, powerful; God the Father from the start caused His children to grow both materially and Spiritually. God has nourished up, or raised up children, and Israel became a mighty nation, elevated in any standard of the world, and elevated in the eyes of God.
The maturation of children is just not about physical growth; children also need to mature intellectually, and spiritually; the hope is that all these items come together at the same time. God made every effort for His children to mature physically, providing water, food, and raiment along the way; while giving them the lessons needed to mature intellectually and spiritually. The word of God and lessons of faith.
Deut. 1:28-33 28 Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. 29 Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them. 30 The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes; 31 And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place. 32 Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God, 33 Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.
In Deuteronomy we find the love of God, as a Father; who carries his son on a long journey when the child grows weak and tired. As such the love of the Father is illustrated as He bares the burden of the children. The desires of the Father are placed secondary to the needs of the children.
No matter how you carry that child, in your arms or over your back, the weight will begin to wear quickly. This is where patience comes into the discussion since patience is the ability to bear up under the load. How much patience has the Father shown with His children collectively and individually?
The hopes of the parents about their children are high, is it any different with regard to God the Father and His children? God’s expectation for His children is that they will rule over nations of people.
Bear his son = 05375 nasa' {naw-saw'} or nacah ) Ps 4 : 6 [7]) {naw-saw'} Meaning: 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive.
Israel also plays the part of the spoiled, unthankful, child well. They hungered and God fed them, they thirsted and God provided drink; then they pouted (complained) about that which God had provided. In the Bible it is called murmuring, murmuring leads to rebellion, and rebellion leads to the wrath of God. The law teaches that the child that curses his mother or father should be put to death (Exodus 21:17), and the children of God died at the hand of God, because God was not held in honor in the eyes of His children Israel.
Honor and fear are two different things, honor, respect and love walk together; fear can serve a purpose, but it is not the foundation of a lasting relationship.
Isaiah and Deuteronomy give us the picture of the family of God, something that will be discussed soon.
Sadly, while the two above referenced passages show the loving God, the underlying cause for the passages is the disobedience of God’s children. It is God who is trying to remind His children of the relationship they share, and all that He has done for them; things they might have taken for granted.
Isa. 64:6-12 6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. 7 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. 8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. 9 Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people. 10 Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. 11 Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned up with fire: and all our pleasant things are laid waste. 12 Wilt thou refrain thyself for these things, O LORD? wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore?
Is God only our Father when we are in trouble? Why cannot God be our Father at all times? Can we, as the children of God, allow Him to mold us according to His will and our best interest? Or, are the people of God to stubborn and to hardhearted to listen to and to follow after God. The penalty for being stubborn children is harsh, but it is real event that happened to the people of God.
Ephesians 5:1-2 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
God wants His children to walk in Love, and the children of God have an example to follow in our brother Jesus Christ, who did the will of our Father out of a heart full of love for the Father, and for us-His brothers and sisters.
Our Father, a special and beautiful relationship with the loving Father who cares for His children and hopes they will eventually grow up.
Eph. 2:11-22 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Beautiful passage, ‘Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and of the family of God’. It is fun to consider, family means that we are related to God, God is our kindred, and we are of one Spirit; Spirit because blood is not applicable, God is a spirit.
Household = 3609 oikeios {oy-ki'-os} Meaning: 1) belonging to a house or family, domestic, intimate 1a) belonging to one's household, related by blood, kindred 1b) belonging to the household of God 1c) belonging, devoted to, adherents of a thing Origin: from 3624; TDNT - 5:134,674; adj Usage: AV - of the household 2, of (one's) own house 1; 3
Too often the earthly takes the place of the heavenly in the eyes and mind of mankind. It is great if we have a family on the earth, especially one that walks in the paths of righteousness. But the earthly does not compare with the heavenly, and the earthly should not be more important than the heavenly. No matter what mankind has on the earth, it has no eternal value. Through Jesus Christ all can be part of the heavenly family. A family that includes, first of all a loving Father, then brothers, sisters, and mothers.
Speaking of the family of God, it is also called the household, or family, of faith.
Galatians 6:1-10 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden. 6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
How wonderful is this? The family of God, and the love shared within that family is seen from the first verse. This might be a different look at this passage for the reader/hearer, the passage will be considered through the idea of ‘brethren’ from the first verse and the household of faith from the tenth verse; a context that does tie the passage together.
Verse 1: Begins with brother (adelphos 80), and speaks of the forgiving nature of love, and the desire to see the beloved family member restored; being reminded of our own faults and failures, and the margin that we at times walk.
Verse 2: Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
The ideal of the love of the family is again illustrated. Carry another’s troubles. This would be a selfless act correct? The family member overtaken in a fault can be helped, and the burdens that overcome them can be shared by others.
Burden = 922 baros {bar'-os} Meaning: 1) heaviness, weight, burden, trouble Origin: probably from the same as 939 (through the notion of going down; cf 899); TDNT - 1:553,95; n n Usage: AV - burden 4, burdensome + 1722 1, weight 1; 6.
Verse 3: For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Are we better than others? Is the individual greater than the family? Do not forget, considering thyself (verse 1); if you think that you never have any weakness, you are deceiving yourself, your day will come.
Verse 4: But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
Prove = 1381 dokimazo {dok-im-ad'-zo} Meaning: 1) to test, examine, prove, scrutinise (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals 2) to recognise as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy Origin: from 1384; TDNT - 2:255,181; v, Usage: AV - prove 10, try 4, approve 3, discern 2, allow 2, like 1, examine 1; 23; 5720 Tense - Present (See 5774) Voice - Active (See 5784) Mood - Imperative (See 5794) Count - 592
Therefore, examine yourselves and you can have rejoicing in yourselves and not another. The ‘another’ is that troubled family member of the first three verses. The need is to quit focusing on the flaws of others and look inward instead. The true danger is within us, not in others.
2 Cor. 13:5-6 5 Examine (3955) yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove (1381) your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
1 Cor. 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
1 Cor. 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
The troubles of the family members should not end our rejoicing, or be the cause of rejoicing.
There should be joy in our relationship with God, if our family members struggle, we cannot force them to service. Do not allow them to take away our joy of a loving relationship with the Father. Remove the beam out of your own eye, rejoice in the Father, and help your family members with their burdens, if possible.
Verse 5: For every man shall bear his own burden (5413).
Every man shall bear his own burden. Interesting, the second verse says to bear one another’s burdens. Hmm. First thing to notice is that the burden of the second verse is not the same as the burden of the 5th verse.
Burden = 5413 phortion {for-tee'-on} Meaning: 1) a burden, load 1a) of the freight or lading of a ship 2) metaph. 2a) of burdensome rites 2b) of the obligations Christ lays upon his followers, and styles a "burden" by way of the contrast to the precepts of the Pharisees, the observance of which was most oppressive 2c) faults of the conscience which oppress the soul Origin: diminutive of 5414; TDNT - 9:84,1252; n n Usage: AV - burden 5; 5
Liddell-Scott, Greek Lexicon (Abridged) [LS] a load, burden, Ar., Xen. 2. a ship's freight or lading, Lycurg.: in pl. wares, merchandise, Hes., Hdt., Att. 3. of a child in the womb, Xen. 4. metaph., to take a heavy burden upon one, Dem. (Dim. only in form.)
The fifth verse has a burden that is comparable to the lading of a ship. A cargo ship does nothing but carry cargo, it is the purpose of this ship, and the allowable weight of the cargo is predetermined; then, carefully, the weight is evenly distributed over the ship. This is done so that the ship does not capsize when it comes to turbulent seas, often caused by storms, that can push the ship to its limits.
In the second verse, the word burden, is speaking of heaviness, weight. Is this additional weight to that which is already on board? The predetermined maximum load? This creates an interesting picture of the family of God, each carrying their load as God has determined (verse 5), but then something else happens (verse 2); is it possible that the extra weight might cause the ship to sink? Yes, the extra weight could cause the ship to sink in calm seas, but doom is almost certain when the seas become boisterous, and the storms come.
The family of God is needed to help carry the excess burdens, bear ye one another’s burdens.
Verse 6: Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Let the one being taught communicate with the teacher. Interesting.
Communicate = 2841 koinoneo {koy-no-neh'-o} Meaning: 1) to come into communion or fellowship with, to become a sharer, be made a partner 2) to enter into fellowship, join one's self to an associate, make one's self a sharer or partner Origin: from 2844; TDNT - 3:797,447; v Usage: AV - be partaker 5, communicate 2, distribute 1; 8 5720 Tense - Present (See 5774) Voice - Active (See 5784) Mood - Imperative (See 5794) Count - 592
We will not address all of this verse at this time, but notice the relationship that is contained in the word ‘communicate’. Much more is being said than just speak to each other, much that has to do with the love of family. Or in this case the love of the family of God.
In this verse the teacher is specifically mentioned, and sharing the work, or partnering with the teacher, who is also a part of the family. While there are recognized teachers in the assembly, teaching is the job of all the assembly. Teaching the word of God begins at home, and is then carried out by every person in the family (assembly). All of the family needs to be of one mind and one accord in teaching the things of God. Bad mouthing other family members, mocking, ridiculing, destroys the teaching of heavenly/spiritual things; sad what is remembered by the young after all of the effort that is put into teaching.
It is as a family that has a farm and the work of the farm becomes the work of all for the necessity of survival. The family become partners in the labor for the benefit of all; communication becomes necessary to simplify the shared work of all.
Verse 7-8: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
The individual verses the family. Is the individual going to sow for the benefit of the family or for the benefit of self? For the benefit of the family is for the benefit of the Father, and will bring glory to the Father.
These verses are such an interesting statement. The shared work, or partnership, of the family is still being considered (see verse 6). Family members should not be deceived, if one is not doing their part in the shared work, God will not be mocked, but will judge them accordingly.
It is interesting how the shared burden of the family can be a blessing, or just a worsening burden as other family members do not do their part. The spiritual family needs the sharers, partner’s (verse 6, 2841, communicate), so that the work of God can flourish. Each member of the family picking up their burden, and each helping in the shared burden; in this case the work of God is blessed. Do not be deceived about this. Any teaching that keeps the people of God from assembling together does not understand the will of God, or the words of Christ.
It is when the family members look to their own needs instead of the needs of others that the shared labor of the Spiritual family becomes burdensome.
Verse 9: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
First the seed is sown (verses 7-8), and that spiritual seed that is sown seems to be well doing. And the family of faith should not grow weary of doing good. Weary = spiritless, exhausted.
The verse also teaches us that there will be a harvest, a fruit that is the result of the seed sown; which is well doing. Each will reap (harvest) what they have sown, as such each proves his own work (verse 4), while helping other family members in need (verses 1-2 & 9-10).
Verse 10: As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
As we have the opportunity, sow the seed of well doing, doing good unto all; but more so, to them that are of the household of faith, that is, the family of faith. James taught that we are not to be respecter of persons, but those that are of the family of God are special, so few and far between. Be thankful for the family of faith, and for our Father.
The family is present in verses one and ten, and the family relationships are present throughout.
When Jesus began the prayer with, Our Father, it was for our benefit as the people of God. A reminder of the relationship between God and His people. We are a part of the family of God.
Matt. 3:7-9 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: 9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
The confusing of the heavenly with earthly. Abraham did have a relationship with God, and the nation of Israel descends from Abraham, but that does not mean those speaking have a relationship with God, that God is their Father.
This is not what Jesus meant when he began to pray saying, Our Father.
It is also important to note that the people saying this are admitting they have no current relationship with God. Do they think, as they seek to flee the wrath to come, that Abraham’s relationship with God will deliver them?
Abraham is also considered the father of a different group of people, those that live in faith. This group of people is not known as Jew or gentile, they are simply the people of God through faith.
The same principle is applicable today. Do you have a relationship with the Father; right now, at this time? Family history, membership in a church, and past statements, are not the same as a daily relationship with God.
There is a generic reference where all things are the offspring of God.
Acts 17:22-30 22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. 23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Offspring is genos, and means ‘race’. This passage is not addressing the familial relationship.
As such, this use falls far short of what Jesus is saying when he began the prayer with, Our Father. Do all of us all have a personal relationship with God the Father? Or is it a distant relationship that is only remembered in times of trouble? Maybe there is no relationship with the Father at all?
This is a wonderful example of the household of God in the promises made to David.
Take a moment to consider this chapter, actually take more than a moment to consider this, it is a blessed passage in many ways, humility, blessing, promises. When this passage is considered a person needs to look beyond the physical aspects of this chapter and see the spiritual, or heavenly things that are being discussed.
Verses: 1-7: 2 Samuel 7:1-7 And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies; 2 That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. 3 And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee. 4 And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying, 5 Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in? 6 Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle. 7 In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar?
David sits in his house, a beautiful building made of a highly prized wood and is ill at ease with the many blessings that God has given to him. Then David thinks of the tabernacle wherein is placed all the vessels for serving God, which is considered God’s dwelling place, and in the mind of David it does not seem right, proper, just, that the creator of all things should dwell in a tent; a structure made from animal skins and fabrics.
This is a great look at this servant of Jehovah who is thinking of Jehovah, and the glory of Jehovah. Should not Jehovah be seen as glorious? Should not Jehovah dwell in the most beautiful magnificent building ever constructed?
David sits in his house, a building that is built for a king, to show the greatness of the king, but he is not enjoying his new found stature because in his heart he is thinking of Jehovah. David knows that true greatness is Jehovah, David knows that Jehovah is merciful, and forgiving; saving and protecting His people. David knows Jehovah should have the glory, the glorious building because Jehovah is worthy, and he (David) is not.
David rightly thinks, I will build a house, or building that is worthy of the glory of Jehovah.
Jehovah answers David through Nathan the prophet, Will you build me a house to dwell in? I have not dwelt in any house since bring Israel out of Egypt but have gone about in a tent and a tabernacle.
Verses 8-11: Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: 9 And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth. 10 Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime, 11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.
It is interesting to consider but David thinking of Jehovah appears to be impetus for Jehovah’s statements about David, and the nation of Israel. Amazing to consider how Jehovah reacts to His people.
Jehovah tells David through Nathan the prophet; I will make a place for my people and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more. Which is a fascinating statement considering that at this time Israel is dwelling in the promised land and has been for many generations; is Jehovah speaking of a future time? Is there another land besides the promised land, maybe something associated with heavenly things rather than the earthly things?
Jehovah also says through Nathan the prophet, the Lord telleth thee that He will make thee a house. Hmm, David has a nice house, it, and David’s humility, are the cause of this discussion in the first place, or is Jehovah speaking of a different house? What house is Jehovah speaking of?
Note, as just stated, that Jehovah is touched by David’s desire to build a house worthy of His glory. So, Jehovah responds to David through Nathan the prophet and makes promise, He will make thee a house, the difference is that David was speaking of a physical building but Jehovah is speaking not of a physical building, but family, household, that which dwells in the house. God is speaking of the true glory of a house, it is the family that dwells in it.
Verses 11-17: And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house. 12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: 15 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. 16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. 17 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.
Jehovah says He will make David a house. What kind of house? The Sixteenth verse tells us that it is a house that will be established forever, a kingdom that shall be established forever, and David’s throne shall be established forever.
Why? Just because? No. Keep in mind what we are shown of the heart of David in the first seven verse of this chapter and consider what it is that Jehovah wants from His people. Remember that love fulfills the law (Romans 13:8-10). David is moved by love for Jehovah in his desire to build a house for Jehovah, David is also moved by the glory of Jehovah and his own unworthiness in contrast to Jehovah.
Think about what Jehovah has promised to David, a family that will never end. How many future generations, how great a number this must become. An incredible blessing that most of the people living in USA might not understand because they do not know the value of a Godly family; remember that satan attempts to destroy the family to forward evil and wickedness. Jehovah has promised David an eternal family. Not a glorious building, a family. What might family mean to the reader?
Verses 18-29: Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? 19 And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD? 20 And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant. 21 For thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them. 22 Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 23 And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods? 24 For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a people unto thee for ever: and thou, LORD, art become their God. 25 And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as thou hast said. 26 And let thy name be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God over Israel: and let the house of thy servant David be established before thee. 27 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee. 28 And now, O Lord GOD, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant: 29 Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.
Verse 18: Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?
David is an incredible servant of God. The humility of David is seen in these verses, “Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house that thou hast brought me hitherto?” Davis understands what Jehovah has promised and it an amazing thing to have Jehovah say of one’s family.
“Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house that thou hast brought me hitherto?” This is also how the people of God should feel about salvation, about their relationship with the Father; who are we to have such blessings, to know love, and the joy and peace that goes along with it?
Verses 19-20: And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD? 20 And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant.
‘... and is this the manner of man’? This is a fascinating statement on the part of David, after all what is the custom (manner) of mankind? Will, or do, the people of this world make long term plans for the other people of the world? Long term plans that cannot be changed by different administrations, or by natural disaster. Do the people of this world make plans to sacrifice their only child that others might live? Mankind can dream but it is only the Lord God that can make short and long term plans that actually happen. (Lord God = Adonay Yehovih?)
The Lord God has made plans for David because He knows David, ‘... for thou ... knowest thy servant’. For those that are interested learning about David, some of the heart of David can be seen in this chapter from the very first part. Also, a person can learn about David by reading from the words that are written for our learning (Romans 15:4), much is written about David from his youth to death, and in these things is seen the ideal servant, even in His sin where it can be learned that ideal servants are not free from the lusts of the flesh, or the need for self-control, that ideal servants can sin, that there is a penalty for sin, and that Jehovah is a forgiving God.
What we call eternity, David calls, ... a great while to come. David also notes that this is a small thing for the Lord God to do.
Verses 21-22: For thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them. 22 Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
David is addressing the Lord God that he knows, the one to whom it is a small thing to makes promises for a great while to come.
David understands something of the Lord God whom He serves.
YLT 2 Samuel 7:21 Because of Thy word, and according to Thy heart, Thou hast done all this greatness, to cause Thy servant to know it.
God has spoken through his word to David, and has spoken to all of His people forever. To His people God has made promises that are hard for the people of the world to understand, because their minds are limited because they only see through the eyes of the flesh. But David’s eyes are opened to see spiritual, or heavenly, things. David believes the words spoken by God because David can see them fulfilled.
The Lord God has done great things, and made them known to His servant David, because he made a promise to do these things and because it is what the Lord God wants to do, His heart. What might be in our hearts?
Verses 23-24: And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods? 24 For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be a people unto thee for ever: and thou, LORD, art become their God.
When this passage is read does the reader make application to self? No, no, this is Old Testament talk, it is about Israel, it mentions Egypt, the nations and their gods; this has nothing to do with the people of God today. ... Are you sure? Just as a mental exercise, but consider these verses as if they apply to the people of God today remembering, ...
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
What could be learned from 2 Samuel 7:23-24? It could be learned that God has a people and that they are a people of Faith (read about Abraham as the progenitor of Israel), AKA a people that trust in God and hear His words and follow after Him. It could be learned that God remembered His promise and paid the ransom (redeemed) for His people and in the process proved that He was the almighty God. It could also be learned that the Lord God did great and terrible things before His people that they might know Him, and serve Him in the land of promise instead of other gods. It could be learned that the Almighty God has planned to spend eternity (a great while to come) with His people.
Verse 25-29: And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as thou hast said. 26 And let thy name be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God over Israel: and let the house of thy servant David be established before thee. 27 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee. 28 And now, O Lord GOD, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant: 29 Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.
Interesting, like a psalm of praise to the Lord God, the Lord of hosts who is the God over his people. Let the house of thy servant (your name here) be established before thee, that is, let the house of thy servant be established in thy presence (06440), forever. Please do as thou hast said.
Please build my house (not a building), which means, establish my children, and children’s children, in thy presence with thy blessing let my house be blessed forever.
Matthew 12:46-50 46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.Strange as it might seem in this day and age, but the family is an important thing to Jehovah, from the structure of a loving family God builds His family, and the little local assembly that Jesus built is an expression of this.
Luke 11:1-4 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Our Father, in other words; the Father of all of us, does not mean the Father all living. Generically God is progenitor of all mankind. However, God has a unique relationship with His people, where He is the Father, and they are His sons and daughters.
Luke 11:1-4 is written to the people of God, about the people of God, in answer to a question from a disciple; one of the people of God.
Matthew 5:1-2 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, (reference for Matthew 6:9 Lord’s prayer).
In both instances it is made clear, Jesus is speaking to His disciples. Therefore, when Jesus says, Our father, or, the Father of us all; Jesus is speaking to the disciples that are gathered around him, the local New Testament Church, which is the family of God.
Matt. 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
From time to time the author has been puzzled by this verse. Which is itself puzzling. If we read this verse within the context in which it is written things are clear; hence, why the confusion (devils work?)? The verse is not referring to our father on earth, of whose seed we were conceived.
Matthew 23:1-12 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Father is in the same category as Rabbi, and Master. Terms that are used by men that want to be elevated above others, even their peers.
Verse 2: sit in Moses’ seat,...
Is this referring to being judges among the people, or being knowledgeable of the Law and teachers of the people? Actually, it is all the above; in order to judge according to the law a person has to know the law, and these same people were default teachers of the law.
Verse 3-4: Be respectful and do as they say (maintains societal cohesion), but do not do as they do, … they are hypocrites. They say one thing and do another, just as many of the people of God today.
Verse 5: But all their works they do for to be seen of me...
This is the root of the problem. Money and popularity are two evil influences on the world, and many will do anything to achieve this end. The desire to be accepted and popular, does this fall into the category of pride?
Verse 6-7: And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
Hey, look at me, I am an important person, you know who I am, or you will know who I am. Call me Rabbi, I am a great person, call me Rabbi.
Rabbi = 4461 rhabbi {hrab-bee'} Meaning: 1) my great one, my honourable sir 2) Rabbi, a title used by the Jews to address their teachers (and also honour them when not addressing them) Origin: of Hebrew origin 07227 with pronominal suffix; TDNT - 6:961,982; n m Usage: AV - Master (Christ) 9, Rabbi (Christ) 5, rabbi 3; 17
It is worth noting that there is nothing wrong with calling a teacher, teacher. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with calling a Rabbi, Rabbi, in the sense of being a teacher. The problem in this situation lay in the hearts of those to whom the term Rabbi meant something other than teacher; those referred to in verse 5 who desire to be seen of men, to be praised by mankind, who desire to be great among men. The same principle is applicable today, be warned; pride goes before a fall.
Verse 8: But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
Rabbi, a word that means ‘great one’, was what the teachers of the law were called. And the word master = teacher. 2519 guide, master, teacher. The problem is still in the hearts of mankind, as noted in verse 6-7, Jesus Christ is the teacher, and the rest of us are just students in different stages of growth.
A possible translation for this verse is, be not called teacher, you have but one teacher and that is Jesus Christ, and you all are his brethren. Or no disciple should place himself over other disciples. No one should attempt to take the place of Jesus Christ.
Verse 9: And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Call no man father upon the earth is not referring to our father on the earth of whose seed we come, it is speaking of the heavenly/spiritual father.
Considering the context, it seems that the scribes and the Pharisees want to elevate themselves comparable to God, because of their status sitting in Moses’ seat. Calling them Father, is quite a step beyond Rabbi, and Master; there is only one Father?
This passage speaks of a heavenly, or Spiritual Father, not an earthly Father. Do not be like the scribes and the Pharisees, keep God in His place and mankind in theirs, do not confuse the earthly with the heavenly.
Verse 10: Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
Christ is the Master; and no man comes anywhere close.
Verse 11-12: But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
A description of Jesus, read the story of Jesus. Who humbled Himself and gave His life on the cross for the needs of others; and whom God has magnified?
