Experiencing the Father’s Heart - Dave Hess
“The problem with much of the church today is that we have come to Jesus, but we haven’t gone on to an intimate relationship with the Father.” - Derek Prince
By: Dave Hess
Core Belief - Jesus came to restore us to His Father’s house where we would experience the Father’s love.
John 14-17 is Jesus’ response to Peter’s question: “Lord, where are you going?”
Jesus’ response:
That you would no longer be orphans (John 14:18)
To give you my commands (i.e., entry into my world) (John 14:20)
That you will know us & experience our love (John 14:21)
JOHN 14:1-10:
1. JESUS PREPARED THE PLACE
(v. 1) Our hearts were never intended to live in a “troubled” place (inward turmoil; conflicted)
Instead, we were made to live in a place of trust—deeply settled; fully persuaded.
(v. 2) “A place” – meaning: a prepared spot for you; a home
(v. 3) This place is “Where I am” (where My identity and security are established)
Where is Jesus? “I am in the Father” (v. 10)
His “place” - (John 1:18) - In the “bosom of the Father”
Heidi Baker - “Resting is not a season of idleness, but a season of resting in the glorious arms of the Father. There will be an increase through resting. More will happen in one minute that flows out of rest than has happened in previous years filled with activity.”
2. JESUS MADE THE WAY
JOHN 14:6 - Jesus is the way, and the Father is the destination.
Derek Prince: “The problem with much of the church today is that we have come to Jesus, but we haven’t gone on to an intimate relationship with the Father.”
(v. 7) know- to have intimate knowledge of
see- to experience
Augustine: “If the written Word of the Bible could be changed into a single word and become one single voice—this voice more powerful than the roaring of the sea would cry out:
‘The Father loves you!’”
3. JESUS TOOK THE INITIATIVE
“Come to” speaks of two people arriving at the same destination—with One of them initiating the move.
NOTE: Every time Jesus invites us to draw near to Him—He uses this word.
Ephesians 1 – MSG: “Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, and had settled on us as the focus of his love; to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!)”
4. WE CAN NOW FIND OUR PLACE IN FATHER’S HOUSE
Creation longs for the appearance of much-loved sons and daughters on the earth—who are no longer orphans—fully accepted & fully receiving their inheritance! (Romans 8:19)
· The Father spoke over Jesus - “This is My BELOVED Son”
· When Satan attacked His sonship - “IF you are the son…” (No mention of “beloved”)
John 14:23- “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and I too will love him and make our home with him.”
We can either STRIVE AS ACHIEVERS or ABIDE AS RECEIVERS!
Our Response:
“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” (Ephesians 1:15-18 NIV)
