Fathom: Theology
Aaron Sutherland
Ephesians 3:16-19
And I ask him (Jesus) that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
Understanding the depth of God’s love is directly tied to our experience of God’s transformation.
While I regarded God as a tyrant I thought my sin a trifle; but when I knew Him to be my Father, then I mourned that I could ever have kicked against Him. When I thought God was hard, I found it easy to sin; but when I found God so kind, so good, so overflowing with compassion, I smote upon my breast that I could ever have rebelled against One who loved me so, and sought my good.
- Charles Spurgeon
I. FATHER GOD LOVES THROUGH SACRIFICE
Luke 15:11-13
Jesus said, “A certain man had two sons. The younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the inheritance.’ Then the father divided his estate between them. Soon afterward, the younger son gathered everything together and took a trip to a land far away. There, he wasted his wealth through extravagant living.
Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
Where our sacrifice is limited and flawed, Father God’s sacrifice is complete and perfect.
II. FATHER GOD ENGAGES WITH HOPE
LUKE 15:14-20
“When he had used up his resources, a severe food shortage arose in that country and he began to be in need. He hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. He longed to eat his fill from what the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have more than enough food, but I’m starving to death! I will get up and go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.” ’ So he got up and went to his father.
The only way we can be eliminated from the love of The Father is by refusing The Father’s offer.
Our need for help will never outweigh God’s power to heal.
III. FATHER GOD BELIEVES IN FAITH
Luke 15:20b- 24
While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion. His father ran to him, hugged him, and kissed him. Then his son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly, bring out the best robe and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! Fetch the fattened calf and slaughter it. We must celebrate with feasting because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life! He was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.
Psalm 124:4-5
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—
Father God’s love is not tied to penance for where we’ve been, it is instead tied to the restoration of where we are now.
1 John 4:19
We love because God first loved us.
Discussion Questions:
1. How have you seen love displayed in sacrifice?
2. Have you ever experienced a circumstance where your internal hope affected your outward actions? Tell us about it.
3. Where is God asking you to believe in Faith today?
