The Everlasting Father
Names of the Christ Child • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 5 viewsThe Everlasting Father depicting Christ as a caring father-like figure versus God the Father in the Trinity. Everlasting Father in the context previews the role of Christ as a Father to his people in the coming kingdom. For this reason God's people know his rule will continue, Jesus will care for them, and they can be calm knowing that their enemies are and will be beaten.
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
We are on the last name in our Names of the Christ child series: the everlasting father. If you have given thought to this name of Christ you are probably bothered by this title. We believe in the distinction between God the Father and God the Son as persons in the Godhead. Is this verse a cause for me to change my theology of who God is? Does this verse teach that God the Son and God the father are not different members in the trinity and that Trinitarian doctrine has been wrong? Let me settle your worries with the short answer. No, it does not. As we go through this message, I will show you that although this is a one only occurrence in the Bible it does not debunk the teaching of the Trinity which could be stated as Spurgeon does in his Catechism:How many persons are there in the Godhead?
A. There are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one God, the same in essence, equal in power and glory (1 Jn. 5:7; Matt. 28:19).
How is calling Jesus the Eternal Father biblically sound. How would you answer someone who tries to use this to teach modalism, the belief that God is one person instead of three persons and that what you believe about God is simply God fulfilling three different roles of Father, Son, and Spirit.
Our text states: Isaiah 9:6–7 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, To order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice From henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
D. Jesus fulfills a fatherly role in relation to His rule over his people.
P. Jesus as fatherly over his people ought to be honored and worshipped. John 5:23 “That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.”
T. If I am to understand Jesus with the name of eternal father I must understand it in the context of his role over the people, not as the Father in the Godhead. Christ’s fatherly role in relation to His people is seen in that it continues eternally. He shows a care for His people. He brings calm and peace to His people in his rule that will never be overthrown. He will defeat all resistance to that rule and thus provide a kingdom of everlasting peace and tranquility.
1. Continues His Rule Eternally.
1. Continues His Rule Eternally.
Explain
The Everlasting Father of His people is the one prophesied in Micah 5:2 “But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, Though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Christ has no beginning as Co-eternal with God the Father. This role differs from God the Father in that Christ is given rule over his people.
We find this in the Great Commission, “all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth, go ye therefore...” Matthew 28:18-19
Our text is in obvious support of this assertion for look at Isaiah 9:7 “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, To order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice From henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
The Son of Man is given eternal rule by the Ancient of Days, God the Father, in Daniel 7:13–14. This title the Son of man is one Christ uses of himself 84 times.
“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
which coincides well with 1 Corinthians 15:27–28 “For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.” Christ will have all the power and dominion over his enemies and it will be a literal and visible rule on this earth as he dwells with mankind.
Argue
He is not God the Father. The Word of God is clear on its distinctions between God the Son and God the Father. For this reason many people have difficulty with this verse. However, I have come across a satisfactory explanation for this verse that preserves well the distinction of Father and Son and provides a scripturally sound explanation for why this title is used. I am going to share that with you now, because it is important you understand this and are not confused by this name of the Christ child.
Three Biblical examples that reference the role of Father apart from a father-son relationship.
Joseph as a Father to Pharaoh.Genesis 45:8 “So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.” Joseph provided a plan to provide for the time of seven year famine and guided Pharaoh’s house and the nation.
Job is described himself as a father of the fatherless. Job 29:16 “I was a father to the poor: And the cause which I knew not I searched out.”
Eliakim is described under the prophetic ministry of Isaiah as a father to the people of Jerusalem and Judah. Isaiah 22:20–21 “And it shall come to pass in that day, That I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah: And I will clothe him with thy robe, And strengthen him with thy girdle, And I will commit thy government into his hand: And he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, And to the house of Judah.”
Would not it make sense then that this name can be applied to Christ, not as teaching that God the Father and Son are the same person and there is no such thing as a Trinity, but that God is a Trinity. The name here refers to a relationship between Christ and his people and anticipates his VISIBLE rule over the world.
There are some that say that all the rule Christ will ever do is happening right now. He is ruling right now. This is the view of Amillennialism which teaches there is no literal millennium. The problem is that all of a sudden we have changed the standard for how prophecy is fulfilled. Throughout the Bible we see hundreds of prophecies fulfilled literally and now the prophecies concerning his second coming are taken as non-literal and interpreted only in a non-literal/but spiritual sense because we can’t wrap our brains around how he can do it. That is bad and inconsistent theology. Acts 1:11 “Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Jesus will visibly come again to earth and Revelation 19-20 tells of that fearsome return and His Just rule and punishment of evil doers.
Further secular evidence from the same century this book is written affirms this interpretation. ANE kings commonly used the term father of themselves. For example, Azitawadda of Adana (c. 800 BC) and Kilamuwa of Samal (c. 850-800BC) claimed such fatherhood to their peoples.
Christ’s rule unlike an earthly king’s rule will be eternal as promised to David by God. 1 Samuel 7:12-13.
Illustrate Just as a line with an arrow goes on infinitely the rule of Christ will never end. He in a sense is to rule in every Christian’s life now, but there is coming a day when he will be with us visibly on earth ruling and reigning from Jerusalem. Revelation 5:10 “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”
Application
The fact Jesus reigns continually forever is a cause for
eternal comfort because the believer will rule and reign with Him. 2 Timothy 2:12 “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” Psalm 149:9 “To execute upon them the judgment written: This honour have all his saints. Praise ye the Lord.”
allegiance and obedience to our eternal father, who rules over us as King of kings and Lord of lords. Revelation 17:14 “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” All opposition will be beaten.
Rejoicing in his eternal Salvation. The salvation of Jesus is not like property taxes that if left unpaid leaves you having your house foreclosed.
John 6:37 “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (Strongest negation possible in the Greek)
1 Peter 1:5 “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
2. The Everlasting Father cares for His People.
2. The Everlasting Father cares for His People.
Explain
When we look biblically at the responsibility a Father is to exercise in his family’s behalf I find there are at least three qualities for a good dad: Pity, Provision, and Protection.
Pity: Psalm 103:13 “Like as a father pitieth his children, So the Lord pitieth them that fear him.”
We see this pity of Jesus as he looked at Jerusalem on his travels to the last Passover of his earthly ministry. Matthew 23:37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!”
We see the pity of Jesus when he bids the tired and weary to come to him. Matthew 11:28–30 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Jesus in the role of eternal fatherly ruler over his people is one of compassion. It is not based on how much money you have, your education, or your ethnicity.
Provision:
Genesis 22:8 “And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.”
Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Jesus is the one that is the means for our needs supplied.
1 Timothy 5:8 “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” A strong admonishment for men to care for their family financially and a strong indicator that a good father provides for His family.
Christ has provided us with eternal salvation and the promises to live a pleasing Christian life.
Protection:
There are a variety of words that describe God’s protection: salvation; refuge 18x; shield 18x; deliverer 6x; tower 5x.
He shielded our Father in the faith, Abraham: Genesis 15:1 “After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”
He shields his people Israel: Deuteronomy 33:29 “Happy art thou, O Israel: Who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord, The shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! And thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; And thou shalt tread upon their high places.”
He shielded his servant David. 2 Samuel 22:3 “The God of my rock; in him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, My saviour; thou savest me from violence.”
He shields all who trust Him. Psalm 91:4 “He shall cover thee with his feathers, And under his wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”
If we will have God’s protection in our life we must trust Him and His truth.
Argue
Will Jesus as the Father of his people tire of me and change his mind?
Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
Titus 1:2 “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”
John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
No one cares about me.
1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
Matthew 11:28–30 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Psalm 23 is all about Jesus as the shepherd. We need not fear.
If God calls an a father who does not provide for his family an infidel, how will he not care for you.
If Jesus cares as a Father, why do I have so much hurt in my life?
Doctors perform surgeries, but the initial pain after surgery can often be greater than the pain before surgery as the body heals. God likewise will do surgery spiritually in our lives, but also brings healing while he does so. Psalm 147:3 “He healeth the broken in heart, And bindeth up their wounds.”
The physical pains of child birth are great, but are forgotten when the baby is born. John 16:21 “A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.”
Loss of a loved one. Proverbs 18:24 “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: And there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Lean into and depend on Jesus in your loss.
Illustrate
Did not Jesus allow himself to be broken, so that He might be our Savior. 1 Corinthians 11:24 “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.”
Did not Christ’s stripes bring us healing? Isaiah 53:5 “But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; And with his stripes we are healed.”
My Grace is Sufficient #28 Praises I&II
God’s love for his children is sure, His mercy will ever endure, tho trials beset us, He’ll never forget us, His strong hand will keep us secure.
When sorrow come in like a flood, and nothing seems meant for my good; the tears flow like rivers, and nothing delivers my soul, till I trust as I should.
When sickness and pain come my way, and weakness seems destined to stay; my frail strength is waning, and my heart complaining, Then God brings sweet peace as I pray.
5 The sins that besets me is strong. Temptations and trials are long; But God’s grace is faithful, He never forsakes, Those who trust him are sheltered from wrong.
Chorus: My grace is sufficient for you, Forever My promise is true, Tho trials confound you and troubles surround you, My Spirit will make your heart new; My strength is made perfect in weakness, My grace will supply all your need, For all things together work good if you love Me, My grace is sufficient for you.
Apply
We anticipate the day when Christ will literally reign upon the earth.
We know as the tender and good shepherd he cares for us now. Psalm 23.
Trust him to pity you, protect, and provide.
Am I walking in Godly fear with God? For God will chasten (Heb 12:6) and he will judge (2 Cor. 5:10)
3. The Everlasting Father calms His people’s worries by His Strength.
3. The Everlasting Father calms His people’s worries by His Strength.
Explain
Isaiah 9:7 “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, To order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice From henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”
unending peace, meaning every possible usurper will utterly fail.
The throne of David once again contextually brings out the role a King played as father to his subjects.
The judgment and justice forever secures peace.
Without judgment and justice bad people engage without recourse for what they do.
With judgment and justice the Kings subjects can calmly know that their King will take care of anyone who is doing wrong. Romans 12:19 “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
As Christians we will suffer wrong now.
We will experience Christ’s vindication when he comes to earth as King.
He is the one who has power over all. The Apostle Paul stated concerning Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 6:15–16“Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” Most Kings of Isaiah day would brag as if they were God and of the peace they brought to their people, but there is now hyperbole in the claims of Jesus Christ being as an everlasting father in his continuing rule, care, and calm he gives his people.
He is in control. Remember the great resolve of Jesus as he laid his life down for us. He restrained himself from calling 12 Legions of angels to deliver him from the cross. (Matt 26:53)
He is the victor. He has defeated the Devil and death and will one day also reign upon the earth forever and ever.
Colossians 2:14–15 “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
Jeremiah 23:5 “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.”
Daniel 7:13–14 “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
Argue
Just think of it; the Son of God, Jesus, the one through whom all things were made, the Word that is in the bosom of the Father, the Word that was God from the beginning, the eternal absolute Son enjoying all the full prerogatives of deity from everlasting to everlasting—lying helpless as a baby in a manger. And all that you and I might be saved and reconciled to God.
Fellowship with God, 155
David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Welsh Preacher and Writer)
Our dad’s growing up play a huge role in how we understand who God is. So if I you had a Dad who became angry and violent you may have a harder time understanding how God has the tender care for you. It is very important in those situations to let God’s Word paint your picture of God rather than your experience. Even if your experience seems to scream what is contrary to what God’s Word says about how you have experienced fatherly experience, or if you have lost your a dear Father, God wants you to come know Jesus as guide and friend. He is to all who love and obey His commandments.
We have a problem in our human nature that cringes over anyone telling us what to do. We want to be our own boss. We want to act and say the things we want to say. We want to believe what we want to believe. Our experience becomes dearer to us in some situations than what God has revealed of himself through the Bible. If for example you had an abusive, angry father we need to let God’s Word define the fatherhood of God for us rather than our experience.
The Love of Jesus moved him to come down to earth and die for you.
The Life of Jesus was a life of service and selfless-sacrifice. It wasn’t about being served or being respected. In fact, Jesus was despised. Yet, His life is set up for us as Christians as one to emulate. Sometimes as a Dad I know it is tempting for me to act as the boss which is my God given role, but if I am not very careful it can become lording over my family instead of serving my family. Jesus as the everlasting father is pictured as the father of his people who is a leader for His people.
As dads it is vitally important that exercise the love and care Christ had for the church. Why? An inaccurate picture of who Jesus is may drive your kids from God. Whereas a good Dad brings his children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Illustrate
Dixie and Jane have gotten to the point now that they are scared to go down the basement by themselves, especially when it is dark. However, if Dad or Mom is with them they don’t even think of being scared. Perhaps when you were young, you could relate. I know I was scared of the bad guy popping out of one of the room in my parents old basement as I’d race as fast as my legs could carry me up the stairs.
Christ our everlasting father is the one who is over his people. He cares about us as our ruler in a fatherly way. It brings peace and calm to know God the Son is the Sovereign now who will come and rule soon.
Like a good Savior Christ is there. State Farm
Your in good hands - Jesus - All state.
Apply
A product of trusting this Eternal Father is a lasting peace.
Have you found your peace through Everlasting Father, Jesus Christ. He will brings once rebellious sinners to peaceful relationship once again with God through faith and repentance.
Be calm and rest in his salvation and care for you.
settled salvation
surrendered life of service to Jesus
servant to Christ
soldier of Christ
Conclusion
Conclusion
While the the Name Everlasting Father may be a bit disconcerting at first, the name depicts the fatherly and kingly rule of Jesus Christ at his second coming. There is no discrepancy in orthodox teaching. Jesus is fatherly in his continual rule, his care for those under him, and the life of calm that is to his subjects.
My friend although Jesus does not reign visibly on earth yet, He can reign as the everlasting fatherly King in your heart. Do you know him as your Savior.
My Christians brothers and sisters. Do you know Jesus as a fatherly King. Or have you been resisting his rule for your own. Don’t resist. It will end badly. Submit to the King and you will find how much he cares for you and the peace and calm he can give to your soul. The world cannot know it because as long as it rejects him they will not know that calm. Gives yourself afresh to God in worship.
