Category Archives: Father

Bible, Children, Christ, Father, Heirs, Inheritance, Romans, Scripture

HEIRS OR JOINT HEIRS

ROMANS 8:17

“and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”

You and I read often about adult children who inherit millions for dollars from their parents only to blow it within a short period of time. Because they did nothing to earn it, they don’t have an appreciation what it cost their parents. They feel entitled to it. Many very successful celebrities have pledged to leave the majority of his wealth to charity to encourage their children to make their own money. Aren’t you glad God doesn’t think that way?

In today’s verse, Paul tells us just how blessed we are. Because we are children of God, we are “heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.” In this phrase we see “heirs” mentioned three times. But we need to look closely at the original language to see a truth that is not easily revealed in the English translations.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “heir” is kléronomos which means to distribute by lot. Land or possessions were divided by casting lots to decide who got what. All legitimate claims would be settled this way. So, the thing (money, land, servants) in question would be divided.

In our verse today, it seems that Paul writes “heirs” first and then goes on to clarify the inheritance. Each mention of being heirs intensifies. First, it’s just “heirs.” Then he writes “heirs indeed of God.” The little Greek word for “indeed” is not translated in the New American Standard. But this little word intensifies the phrase. It could read, “also heirs, heirs indeed of God…”

And then we get to the next escalation in Paul’s words. He changes the Greek word from kléronomos to sygklēronómos which comes “from sýn, ‘closely identified with’ and klēronómos.” (HELPS Word-studies). I believe the Topical Lexicon defines sygklēronómos well. “The term translated ‘fellow heir’ underscores a covenant reality in which more than one party receives the same promised inheritance. Rather than dividing an estate, the gospel announces an undiminished inheritance in Christ that is fully possessed by every believer. The word therefore does not point to proportion but to participation: each recipient enjoys the whole blessing because the inheritance is Christ Himself.” This word is used three other times in the New Testament (Ephesians 3:6; Hebrews 11:9 and 1 Peter 3:7).

Now, do you see? We aren’t just heirs. We are joint-heirs. We all share it all with Christ. We aren’t just given a little slice of heaven. We have it all. We aren’t given a portion by lot. We have full access to all that Christ claims as His. What an inheritance. But this is only given to His children. Are you one?

Father, I am Your child and am thankful I am a joint-heir with Christ.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Family, Father, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Romans, Scripture, Son

TEAMMATES

ROMANS 8:16

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,”

Two is always stronger than one. The combined strength of two individuals has proven to be stronger than the sum of each person’s individual strength. We call that synergy. I have worked with team for most, if not all, of my ministry career. Some teams were stronger than others. Do you know why? Because in those weaker teams we had some members who didn’t give their all. You have heard it said a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. So true.

Paul reminds us in today’s verse that we are not on this journey alone. The Spirit is front and center in our lives. It is He Who empowers us to live our lives for Christ. It is He through Christ Who guides our thoughts and minds. And it is He Who, if we will allow Him, will keep us from those sinful behaviors that so easily entangle us. We are a team, a heavenly team.

APPLICATION

It’s interesting to me that the only three times the Greek verb summartureó is used in the New Testament, they are used by Paul in this letter to the Romans (2:15; 8:16; 9:1). Check out this one commentary’s remarks on this phrase. “The testimony of our own spirit is borne in that cry of conscious sonship, ‘Abba, Father’; but we are not therein alone; for the Holy Ghost within us, yea, even in that very cry which it is His to draw forth, sets His own distinct seal to ours; and thus, ‘in the mouth of two witnesses’ the thing is established. (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary)

It is always good to have corroborating witnesses to prove a point. Here we have our spirit and God’s Spirit agreeing that we are children of God. Now, it would be one thing for us to say that on our own. I could claim to be the President of the United States. That claim wouldn’t go very far. If, however, that claim was backed up by the Supreme Court, I may very well be the President (don’t worry, I’m not, lol). Agreement with others carries weight.

This is why we should never, never doubt our sonship with the Father. The Spirit of God says we are. All we have to do is agree with Him. He knows it’s true. Jesus knows it’s true. The Father knows it’s true. Celebrate the fact that you are one with them. As Jesus said, “I am in you.” Believe that and receive it. What a promise. I am given the privilege to call on my Father in heaven whenever I need Him. And He hears. 1 John 5:14 says, “And we have this confidence before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” Praise the Lord.

I am forever grateful, Lord, that You have given me the Holy Spirit to corroborate my testimony of being Your son.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Family, Father, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Relationships, Romans, Scripture

ABBA! FATHER!

Yesterday when I visited my daughter’s home, my little 18 month old grandson saw me when I came in the back door and came running. He is not calling my name yet, but his excitement and energy coming to me screamed, “Papa, Papa!” I can’t wait to hear him say that to me. And when he got to me, he practically dove into my arms. Here’s a pic to prove it (pardon the Band-Aid on the nose).

Paul’s use of “Abba! Father!” in today’s verse isn’t just a flippant use of Hebrew and Greek. No, this use of two words from two different languages was intentional and meant to convey a deep personal relationship. The phrase is used two other times in the New Testament which we will look at. Think of my illustration above. That’s the picture I want you to have in your mind when you hear “Abba! Father!”

APPLICATION

In Mark 14:36 we find Jesus using that phrase when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane praying. “And He was saying, ‘Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.’” Jesus was crying out to His Heavenly Father during a time of deep pain and torment. He knew He was destined for this moment, but in this moment, He turns to the most intimate relationship He had, His Father. We must do the same.

Paul writes in Galatians 4:6, “Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba! Father!’” Here in this usage of the phrase, it is the Spirit crying out to the Father for us. Again, The Spirit and the Father are intimately connected. The Spirit only speaks what the Father tells Him to speak. He only moves as the Father tells Him. Shouldn’t we be the same?

Abba! Father! Daddy, daddy! Hear my cry! That is what we are saying when we use those words. We need to realize that the closet relationship we should have as followers of Christ is with the Father through the Spirit because of the Son. It’s a family thing. Remember, we are sons and daughters of the King. We have the right to call out “Abba! Father!” and to know He hears us. Amen!

I cry out to You today, Abba Father. Hear my cry!

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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THE ONE

ROMANS 3:30

“since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.”

When I met my wife back in 1985, I didn’t know she would be the one I would marry just a few months later. We only dated about 2 ½ months before we tied the knot. Through almost forty years of marriage God has shown me time and time again that she is “the one” He had for me. She completes me. She supports me. She truly is my help mate.

Paul uses the Greek word for “one” in today’s verse intentionally. It is not an implied “one.” It is actually in the text. The Topical Lexicon says this about that little Greek word for “one.” “The word translated ‘one’ is woven through the New Testament to denote singularity, uniqueness, unity, or an individual item or person. Its appearances range from everyday enumeration to the loftiest theological affirmations, binding together the Bible’s testimony about God, Christ, salvation, and the church.” This “one” God includes the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. There is no confusion about that in Paul’s mind.

APPLICATION

Back in Deuteronomy 6:4, Moses declares this often quoted phrase. “‘Hear, Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!’” This phrase meant something then, and it means something now. Our God is the only one God. Just as in the days of the Old Testament, there are hundreds of gods being worshipped around the world. But they are all false gods with no power and no truth. Never forget that.

Isaiah 43:10 tells us something similar. “‘You are My witnesses,’ declares the LORD, ‘And My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, and there will be none after Me.’”

And then we have Jesus telling us in John 10:30, “‘I and the Father are one.’” In Christian arithmetic we have 1+1+1=1. That makes no sense to our finite minds. It’s no wonder Christians were accused and still are accused of worshipping three gods (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). You can study the Trinity until you are blue in the face, but it finally comes down to faith. I believe what the Bible says – period. It says it and that settles it, whether you believe it or not. God is One. And He is God for all who will come to Him and receive His Son and allow His Holy Spirit to indwell them through repentance and faith. I pray you have done that. Encourage someone else today to do the same.

God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, I thank You that You are the One true God.


If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Father, Grace, Greetings, Jesus, Peace, Scripture

FROM THE FATHER AND THE SON

PHILIPPIANS 1:2

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

I often begin emails to people by saying, “I pray this email finds you doing well.” I don’t use that every time, but I usually use some type of greeting. I don’t just start with my main message. It’s kind of like breaking the ice with someone. They say it is always good to praise, then correct and then praise again. That’s called the “sandwich” method. That makes me hungry, lol.

The Benson Commentary says this about this greeting from Paul, which he used in just about every letter he wrote. “From God our Father — The original source of all our blessings, who is now become our reconciled Father, having adopted us into his family, and regenerated us by his grace; and the Lord Jesus Christ — The one Mediator between God and man, through whose sacrifice and intercession we receive all the blessings of providence and grace.” That’s a clear description of Paul’s greeting, don’t you think?

APPLICATION

Look at what Paul is actually greeting them with – grace and peace. Shouldn’t we want to extend the same thing to others? We should wish them grace, first of all. Grace is central to the Christian faith. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith.” Paul desires for the Philippians to know this grace fully. All they needed was God’s grace. Works were not required.

Then Paul wishes them peace. You have probably heard it said, “You can’t have peace with others until you have peace with God. And you can’t have peace with God until you have the peace of God.” It is really that simple. Jesus told us, “Peace I leave with you.” When people come to Christ, they often describe it as experiencing real peace for the first time in their life.

I wish for you today grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. It is my desire to see each of you who read this devotional thought experience all that God has for you through His Son Jesus. There is no other greeting I could give you that can last for eternity. Now, you do the same for others.

Lord, give me a true appreciation for Your grace and peace that I can extend to others.

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Bible, Father, Inheritance, Jesus, Scripture, Works

YOUR REWARD

COLOSSIANS 3:24

“knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”

I have mentioned before in my blog about inheriting some money from my dad when he passed away. It’s important to note that all I did to inherit from him was be his son. He didn’t leave any commands for me to follow to get the money. He just left his estate which was divided between me and my three siblings. He truly blessed us.

Paul uses a Greek word in today’s verse that is only used here. It is antapodosis which “refers to the act of giving back or repaying, often in the context of a reward or recompense. It carries the connotation of a just or appropriate return for actions, whether good or bad. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the divine recompense or reward that God will give to individuals based on their deeds.” (Strong’s Lexicon) Let’s talk about that.

APPLICATION

I usually agree with Strong’s, but here I must disagree somewhat. From reading the above description of antapodosis, you might get the impression that you have “do” things to gain your “reward of the inheritance.” That is just not true. If it were, Christianity would be just like other religions which demand certain things to be done to receive “salvation.”

Paul is talking about doing thing to please the Lord in verse 23 and is continuing that thought. These deeds we do are not for salvation. All we have to do to receive salvation, and thereby be qualified to receive this reward, is to believe and receive (John 1:12). Just like my earthly inheritance was based on my sonship with my earthly father, my heavenly reward of my inheritance is based on my sonship with my heavenly father. That’s it!

Today, give thanks for your family ties with Jesus. Perhaps you came out of a religion that was based on works and you’re having a hard time letting go of that. God understands that, but He also wants to free you of the chains of legalism or works. Trust His Word. He is waiting to give you your reward based solely in your trust in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Father, thank You I do not have to earn Your love or my reward.

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Bible, Father, Love, Pleasure, Scripture

THE FATHER’S PLEASURE

COLOSSIANS 1:19

“For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,” 

It is in children’s DNA to want to please their fathers. There’s just something about hearing your dad say, “Proud of you, son.” I can remember growing up seeking my dad’s approval. Whether it was catching the biggest fish or bagging the most doves, I wanted my dad’s approval. I know he was proud of me. He told me on several occasions. It always moved me deeply.

We should have the same desire to please our Heavenly Father. But wait, look at the verse today. It says, “it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him.” The Father did something for His Son which gave Him pleasure. He does the same for us today. It gives the Father pleasure to fill us with His Holy Spirit. He is the One who indwells us now, and it pleases Him.

APPLICATION

Listen, you don’t have to do things to gain God’s love. However, when we do things that honor Him, I believe it gives Him pleasure. In Matthew 3:17, we read what God said about His Son. The same word is used there as we see in today’s verse. “and behold, a voice from the heavens said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’”

We can best please our Heavenly Father by living a life that honors Him. Just as we do not want to do anything to dishonor our earthly fathers, we should strive every day to live honorably, pleasing Him. We don’t do it to earn His pleasure. We do it because we know it will. Get the difference?

How will you live today to honor Him? You know you can hear Him say, “This is My beloved child, with whom I am well pleased.” Think of the example you are showing your children or grandchildren. Remember, He is pleased with you because He loves you.

Father, I want to live today in a way that pleases You.

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Bible, Child Raising, Children, Discipline, Father, Instruction, Scripture

A FATHER’S ROLE

EPHESIANS 6:4

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Being a father is a role I don’t take lightly. Even though my children, Christopher and Casey, are grown, I still relish my role as their dad. I have not always been the best dad. I’ll admit that. I am far from perfect. However, I have always tried to speak to them through the lense of my heavenly Father’s love. Looking back, I can see things I could have done better.

In today’s verse, Paul is encouraging fathers to correct their children in a way as to not provoke or exasperate them. That word “provoke” means to not be overdemanding or so strict as to discourage your child. And Paul gives them direction in what to do – to bring them up with discipline and instruction. Fathers carry a heavy responsible here.

APPLICATION

Think about your garden or your flower bed. If you don’t tend that properly, you will soon have a takeover of weeds and thorns. Tending your garden takes time and proper attention. It’s the same with your children. “Discipline” means “instruction that trains someone to reach full development (maturity).” (HELPS Word studies). It’s the same word used in 2 Timothy 3:16 which says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness;”

“Instruction” means “improves a person’s reasoning so they can reach God’s solution – i.e. by going through His thought-process.” (HELPS Word studies). Fathers need to instruct their children so they think properly according to God’s principles and commands. Too many parents want to let their children make their own minds up about religion or faith. Do you let them decide to go to school or not? Do you let them decide when it is time to go to the doctor? I don’t think so. Those are both temporal, earthly issues. We are talking about their eternal souls. We need to instruct them properly.

Fathers, you may be thinking it is too late. Your child is a teen, or they are grown. It is never too late. Pour into your children now. Point them to Jesus. Live it out in front of them daily so they are drawn to the Lord. If they see you living your life as an example of Jesus, they are more likely to hear Him calling them. Be the man of God He wants you to be.

Father, help all the dads out there live out their faith in such a way that their children are drawn to You.

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Bible, Father, Pleasing, Scripture, Walking

LEARN TO PLEASE

EPHESIANS 5:10

“as you try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.”

Some people are “people pleasers.” They’ll do just about anything to make you happy. That is okay unless it becomes unhealthy for you. I’ve seen that happen, and it’s not good. You may have heard also about people who have a “pleasing personality.” They get along with others well. That’s a good trait to have. But what is Paul referring to in today’s verse?

The phrase “as you try to learn” is the Greek word dokimazo. It means to prove what is good. Try that definition in the verse. Then it would read, “as you prove what is good in pleasing the Lord.” We want to make sure that we know what is good, what is well pleasing, what is acceptable. Right?

APPLICATION

I have a friend who writes daily devotional thoughts. Her words today fit this verse. “We do well to remember, that our ‘sacrifice of praise’ within the ‘fires of affliction’ is a sweet aroma, pleasing to the Lord Jesus. It indicates that we believe what He has allowed is for our best interest – even in the direst of circumstances.”

It is easy to focus on pleasing the Lord and doing all the right things when things are going well. But when the hard times come, and they will, are you able to focus on pleasing Him? This doesn’t mean you have to “do” things for Him to please Him. It means living your life as a reflection of Him. The writer of Hebrews says it well in Hebrews 13:20-21. “20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, that is, Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

How can you please Him today? Don’t think about what you need to do. Think about how you need to live. When we walk in the light, we have fellowship with the Father. Live today with your motive being to please Him in all that you do.

O Lord, I want to please You in each and every thing I do.

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Abundance, Bible, Father, Filled, Heaven, Holy Spirit, Scripture, Whole

ALL FILLED UP

EPHESIANS 4:10

“He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)”

Have you ever experienced such joy and happiness that you thought you were going to burst? Maybe you were about to see a close friend whom you haven’t seen in years. Perhaps a loved one who has been away is coming home. Maybe, it’s the birth of a grandchild (I can relate to that one right now). Whatever the circumstance, you cannot really put it in words.

Well, Paul kind of feels that way in today’s verse. As he is describing our Lord Jesus and how He came to earth (descended) and went back to heaven (ascended), he just finishes by saying “so that He might fill all things.” Jesus just completes everything. His glory fills the heavens. The angels, I am sure, rejoiced at His return. He is reunited with His Father in glory. Ellicott’s Commentary explains the phrase, “fill all things,” in this way. “But the words are too wide for any limitation. In heaven and earth, and the realms under the earth, His presence and sovereignty extends, by whatever means and over whatever beings He wills.”

APPLICATION

There’s an old Christian song entitled “Fill My Cup, Lord.” The chorus goes like this:

Fill my cup, Lord;
I lift it up Lord;
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.
Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more.
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.

When Jesus fills us, we should “want no more,” amen? We are told we are filled with the Spirit when we come to Christ. Jesus fills us completely, not halfway. Just as He fills all things, He fills all things in us. When I stop and get fuel for my truck, I am tempted sometimes to just get a little. But, of course, that means I will just have to stop again soon. So, what do I do? I fill it up. It lasts longer. Unlike my truck, though, the Holy Spirit fills us completely and permanently. I wish my truck could be filled permanently.

So, why do so many Christians have to keep “going back to their spiritual filling station”? May I suggest something? It’s not about getting more of the Spirit. It’s more about shedding more of their flesh. Our flesh keeps us from enjoying the fulness of Christ in our lives. Our flesh clogs our fuel lines and makes us start sputtering. Is your life sputtering right now? Check your fuel line. Check your faith. Come before the Lord and pour out your heart to Him today.

Thank You, Lord, for filling my heart with Your Spirit. Help me open myself up completely to You.

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