Topical Sermons                                                                                                                                  Power Point Show

Scripture Reading:  Psalm 128

Faithful Fathers

Intro.

1.  “Tonight, more than one-third of American children will go to sleep in homes in which their fathers do not live.”  (David Blankenhorn, “tothesource,” June 15, 2004)

2.  World needs genuine fathers:  Father who love God & His word; fathers of faith, fathers with character & courage to meet the challenges of fatherhood, Eph. 6:4.

3.  Fathers should be respected & loved by his children – and worthy of their respect & love, Eph. 6:1-3 (Prov. 19:26; 30:17).

4.  Father (pater):  from a root signifying “a nourisher, protector, upholder” (Vine, 228).

5.  God is our supreme example of fatherhood, 2 Cor. 6:17-18.

  a.  Progenitor (Father of life–Creator; New birth/adoption), Jas. 1:18 (Gal. 4:5-7).

  b.  Provider (Father of lights – Constancy), Jas. 1:17.

  c.  Protector (Father of mercies – Comfort), 2 Cor. 1:3 (Matt. 7:11).

   

I.  FATHERS ARE PROGENITORS (to bring forth, an ancestor).

  A.  Fathers Give Life to their Children, Gen. 5:3.

    1.  Most men can sire offspring; takes men of character to be fathers.

    2.  Grave responsibility to bring a soul into the world; taken far too lightly in America [24 mil. children (34%) live absent biological father].

  B.  Children will be Similar to their Fathers, Gen. 5:3.  (generally true)

    1.  Not just physically, but moral character & spiritual interests, due to the father’s influence & instruction upon the child.

    2.  Like produces like, cf. Jno. 8:39, 44.

    3.  Values they learn, morals they hold, character they develop, attitudes they express & lives they live are shaped by fathers (parents), Eph. 6:4.

    4.  Train them in the way they should go, Prov. 22:6.

 

II. FATHERS ARE PROVIDERS, 2 Cor. 12:14-15.

  A.  Fathers Provide Many Things for their Families.

    1.  Physical provisions, 1 Tim. 5:8.

      a.  Requires faith in God, Matt. 6:25-33 (1 Ths. 4:11-12).

      b.  Demands sacrifice, work, dedication…Responsibility!         

    2.  Spiritual provisions, Eph. 6:4 (teaching & correction).

      a.  Father leads in the whole training of the child – mind, morals & manners. (Save your household, cf. Noah, Heb. 11:7)

      b.  Instruction in God’s word, Isa. 38:19; Prov. 4; Psa. 78:5-7:

        1)  Faith, hope, thanksgiving & obedience, 78:7.

        2)  Humble & faithful, 78:8.

        3)  Requires your presence, your time, etc.

      c.  Correction, Prov. 3:11-12 (Heb. 12:5-6).

    3.  Emotional provisions, Col. 3:21.

      a.  Easy to find fault in others, especially children.

      b.  “Young psyches need encouragement to build self-esteem and healthy personalities and the honorable dad will do all he can to hearten and motivate his family with inspiration and encouragement.”  (Zeke Flores, “Honoring Fathers”)

    4.  Example & influence, Matt. 5:16.

         -Our children see us, learn from us & live what they see.

 

III. FATHERS ARE PROTECTORS, Gen. 45:7-8 (Job 29:16).

  A.  Protect from Physical Harm, Matt. 7:9-10 (yet, Eccl. 9:2, 11).

  B.  Protect from Spiritual Danger, 1 Ths. 2:11-12.

    1.  Harm of evil influences, worldly companions, false teaching & sinful practices.

    2.  Father, set the standard!  Josh. 24:15

 

IV.  A CONTRAST OF TWO FATHERS.

  A.  Abraham:  A Father God Could Trust, Gen. 18:19.

    1.  Fathers:  Can God trust you to walk with Him, to lead your family in His ways, to provide & protect the souls under your care?

    2.  If so, you will be blessed with father Abraham.

  B.  Eli:  A Father Who Preferred His Sons over God, 1 Sam. 2:22-25, 27-29 (3:13).

    1.  We must not honor our children before (instead of) God, Matt. 10:37.

    2.  Improper priorities leads to demise of family & souls.

 

Conclusion

1.  A father’s joy & reward:  3 Jno. 4; Prov. 23:15-16.

2.  A father’s responsibility:  Eph. 6:4

3.  First give yourself to the Lord, then to your wife & your children.