Ephesians 3:14-15

"For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name."

Paul now returns to his prayer. In verse 12 he said : “ In him (that is, Christ) and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” This is the reason that he can kneel before the Father to pray. This prayer starts in verse 16.

God is our Father. He has revealed Himself as a Trinity- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

the term Father is not just a theological term. Father is a relational term.

Jesus knew God as Father, as “Abba” a term of intimacy. For Jesus the name Father was not a theoretical term but an expression of deep love.

we call God Father for many reasons.

firstly, it is an expression of love. God is love, and He loves the whole of his creation including human beings who have rebelled against His authority. God continues to love us despite our actions towards Him.

secondly, God our Father seeks to draw us up to spiritual and relational maturity. In biblical times, a father was expected to shape his children to be like himself. God desires that we become like Him in our character and our desires.

Thirdly, God our Father disciplines us when we go astray. In Hebrews 12:7 we are told, “Endure hardship as a discipline; God is treating you as sons.” The Father disciplines His sons and daughters to perfect their character.

Fourthly God delights to pour out blessings on us. This is not contrary to the previous point, but balances it. Our Father does not dole the bare minimum to keep us alive. No, He provides what we need and more. He pours out all kinds of blessings because it pleases Him to make us happy .

in many cultures, the family takes the name of the father not of the mother. Paul is saying here that God gives His name to His family.

a name often says something about a person's lineage. The name Smith in the past was associated with blacksmiths. Certain names might be associated with the aristocracy or with lesser classes.

to be named for our heavenly Father means that we are part of His family, related to him through the blood of Christ.

to be saved is to be a part of a family that has members right around the world and in heaven as well. This is a family that literally will never die out.

we are named with the name of Christ- Christian. We share the family name and should grow into the family likeness.

to be in the family of God means that we are members of a royal family. We are heirs of God’s Kingdom, princes and princesses, dukes and duchesses in God’s realm.

key points in this verse

• Paul kneels in prayer to the Father, confident of his access to the throne

• God is our Father. This is a relational term

• God loves us with unfailing love

• God wants to mature us and He uses both discipline and blessing

• We are part of God’s family