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Scripture Reading:  Proverbs 3:1-12

Turning the Hearts of Fathers & Their Children to Each Other

Intro.
1.  The need for godly fathers has always been great

2.  Reciprocal, complimenting relationship:

  a.  Father:  Producer, provider, protector.

  b.  Child:  Product, recipient, protected.

3.  Eph. 6:4:  When fathers turn their hearts away from their children they sin against God & their children, themselves & society

4.  Eph. 6:1-3:  When the hearts of children are turned away from their fathers they sin against God & their fathers, themselves & society.

5.  Mal. 4:6And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.

6.  The hearts (affections) of fathers & children must turn toward God & toward each other, or God’s judgment will surely strike.

 

I.  TURNING HEARTS:  A MATTER OF CONVERTED HEARTS.

  A.  The Heart:  Will & Affection.

    1.  Inner man includes our affections, character & commitment.

    2.  Love from the heart:  Fathers are to show both agape & phileo (love) toward their children: Not easy for many men!

    3.  The Father’s love for the Son:  agape (Jno. 3:35); phileo (Jno. 5:20).

    4.  Elements of goodwill, trust, commitment, care, respect as well as deep affection & devotion.

    5.  Children’s love will reflect what they receive (learn what they live).

  B.  Hearts that are Ready to Repent (Acts 26:20); cf. Lk. 1:17.

    1.  Repentance required in order to improve parent-child relations:

      a.  Turn from selfishness to giving.  (Our time, interests, etc.)

      b.  Turn from pride to humility.  (Admit mistakes, accept advice…)

      c.  Turn from stubborn ignorance to learning (the knowledge, experience & wisdom of fathers).

  C.  Hearts that are Ready to Seek & Give Forgiveness, cf. Lk. 15:18-22.

 

II.  TURNING THE HEARTS OF FATHERS TO THEIR CHILDREN (Gen. 18:19).

  A.  Do Not Provoke to Wrath (exasperate, discourage), Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21.

    1.  Unrealistic demands/expectations, cf. 2 Cor. 8:12; Matt. 25:15.

    2.  Favoritism, Gen. 25:27-28; 27:41; 37:4.

    3.  Failure to discipline, Prov. 3:12; 29:15, 17 (20:30).

  B.  Nurture your Children (bring them up), Eph. 6:4.

    1.  Teach your child, 1 Ths. 2:10-11:

      a.  Exhort, comfort, charge (2:11).

        1)  By setting examples (2:9-10), education (2:9), explanations & sharing experiences (2:7-8); cf. Jno. 5:20.

        2)  By giving needed warnings, 1 Cor. 4:14-16.

      b.  Requires good use of your time:  Set priorities & let some things go, Eph. 5:16.

      c.  Require persistence, patience & prayer, cf. Judg. 13:8.

    2.  Lay up eternal things for your child, 2 Cor. 12:14.

 

III.  TURNING THE HEARTS OF CHILDREN TO THEIR FATHERS.

  A.  Hearts that will Listen to their Fathers, Prov. 1:8-9; 7:24.

  B.  Hearts that will Learn from their Fathers, Prov. 4:1-7, 10-13, 20-22.

     -This will bless you & bring joy to your father, Prov. 29:3 (3 Jno. 4).

  C.  Hearts that will Live their Father’s Instruction, Prov. 3:1-2, 21-26.

    1.  Jesus set this example, Jno. 8:29, 55.

    2.  “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Eph. 6:1).

  D.  Hearts that will Respect Parents, Eph. 6:2.

    1.  Obedience shows respect, Jno. 8:26-29.

    2.  Be respectful in you speech & treatment your father & mother, Prov. 30:11-14, 17 (20:20); Exo. 21:17.

    3.  Don’t take advantage of your parents, cf. Prov. 28:24.

 

Conclusion

1.  Mal. 4:6:  Hard hearts that refuse to turn back will suffer God’s wrath & punishment (“great & dreadful day of the Lord,” 4:5).

2.  Psa. 127:3-5:  Children are a blessing from God; a reward & a challenge.

3.  Lev. 19:32:  Parents are honored by those who fear God.