The following sets out, in three paragraphs, a summary of what we need to know ourselves and what we need to teach others as a foundation for people coming out of the kingdom of darkness: God as Father is the foundation of every human family. The Bible states: “I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its name” (Eph. 3:14-15). Note that the NIV translation “from whom His whole family in heaven and on earth receives its name” is incorrect. God’s position as Father is the foundation of every human family, not just God’s family. God’s position as Father establishes order in the Trinity as well as in creation: “The head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man and the head of Christ is God” (1 Cor. 11:3). God’s order does not become tyranny or legalism because in His Kingdom, those in authority are commanded to lay down their lives for those under their care — Jesus Himself setting the example.
Husbands lay down their lives for their wives, parents lay down their lives for their children and employers seek the good of their employees. Because God is Father, His kingdom becomes a kingdom of relationship. Relationship exists within the Trinity and flows out into creation. The kingdom of God should be the most relational place on earth, and the place where relationships operate the most effectively and for the benefit of all. True Biblical relationship, at whatever level, is found in people serving one another within the order established by God. Such relationships are characterized by words such as respect, honour, love and sacrifice. These relationships are deep and can withstand any strain or attack.