God is the example of a perfect father.

The perfect Father...
1.shows us compassion- “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:3)

2.instructs his children- “Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you
may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching.” (Proverbs 4:1-2)
o Trains up their children – Proverbs 22:6
o Corrects and disciplines us - Hebrews 12:7-11
o Exhorts, encourages and empowers to walk in a manner worthy of God- 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

3. gives what is good.
o Look at the birds of the air - Matthew 6:26o Every good and perfect gift will come from God - James 1:17
o God will always give us what is the very best for us! - Matthew 7:9-11

Our adoption as children of God
Galatians 4:4-7, Romans 8:14-17 and John 1:9-13

❑ Galatians 4, we are heirs “through God”. The context is the promise of Abraham, that is, by God sending His Son to redeem us, we are heirs with Abraham, and of his inheritance, namely the world.
“… God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons…. So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” (Galatian 4:4-7)

❑ Romans 8, we are heirs with Christ, heirs to all God has; namely everything!
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. … but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons… The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ…” (Romans 8:14-17)

❑ John 1, to everyone who receives Christ, and believes in His name, God gave the RIGHT to become the children of God.
“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, … But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God….” (John 1:9-13)

When we are adopted, we are no longer slaves,
we become a child of God, and an heir to his kingdom!

What does that mean for us:
First of all, you get a new identity. Secondly, God created you to be His heirs, to run His kingdom with him, not for him.