This teaching by Dr. Bruce Ware focuses on the dual nature of God's relationship with humanity, particularly as it relates to the role of a parent. The essence of this duality is the balance between love and discipline, authority and kindness, which Dr. Ware argues are perfectly exemplified in the nature of God as our Heavenly Father.
Firstly, Dr. Ware emphasizes that God's authority is grounded in His love. This concept is underlined by Biblical passages like Hebrews 12:5-11, which tell us that God disciplines us for our good, to produce in us a harvest of righteousness. Dr. Ware stresses that human parents can take cues from this, exercising authority in a way that's rooted in love and caring for the child's ultimate good.
Secondly, the sermon delves into the importance of obedience and respect towards God, underlining the gravity of His commands. Dr. Ware asserts that God's rules aren't mere suggestions, and our attitude towards obeying them reflects our respect and fear of the Lord. Parents can learn from this by setting rules and boundaries, expecting obedience while ensuring the children know that these guidelines are set out of love and care for their well-being.
In the latter part, Dr. Ware urges believers to think about their walk with God critically. He asks if we are quick to obey God or if we tend to negotiate with Him. He encourages growth in the desire to obey and honor God swiftly, not just out of duty but out of a heartfelt desire to please Him.
Finally, the message closes by stressing that human parents should model their parenting style after God's own example. This involves instilling respect and obedience while also ensuring that love, kindness, and the desire for the child's ultimate good are ever-present. The sermon concludes with a prayer asking God to help families grow in ways that are beneficial to them and honoring to Him.
