Scripture Reading: Proverbs 7:1-5
Defending Dads
Intro.
1. Father’s Day reminds us of the value of fatherhood in a nation that devalues manhood (in general), including man’s role in the home.
2. There is a war on men in America:
a. Men are regularly met with ridicule, resentment, belittlement, hostility and anti-male bias.
b. The “Women’s Liberation Movement” of ’60s & ’70s has morphed into groups that teach hate and conflict against men.
c. Pro-abortion groups, mainstream media, entertainment industry, gay and lesbian advocates, liberal universities…these all object to Bible truths re. manhood.
3. Result is warped and false views of the role of men and fathers:
a. Nuclear family is viewed as optional/detrimental.
b. Gender identity is fluid. Gender equality casts traditional (Biblical) roles as oppressive or privileged; Masculinity is a liability.
c. Harms society generally, and the home specifically.
4. God made men with important traits, roles and responsibilities, Gen. 1:27.
I. THE WAR ON MEN (MANHOOD).
A. Men are Made to Look like Fools, cf. Prov. 8:1-4.
-No doubt, many men are not worthy of respect.
1. TV and movies, commercials and sit-coms (“All in the Family”).
2. “As I
write, there is not a single example of a healthy family depicted in a sitcom
that focuses on a masculine, heterosexual guy who loves his kids and is
respected by his wife. Not one!” (James Dobson, Dr. Dobson's June Newsletter)
3. Male-bashing is reflected in disrespectful attitudes and conduct of
wives toward husbands and contributes to high divorce rate.
4. Conditions boys and girls to devalue God-given roles of men, 1 Cor. 11:3 (1 Cor. 15:33-34).
II. WHY DOES THIS MATTER? Because the war between the sexes…
A. Effectively Weakens the Family and Damages Marriages.
1. Dividing man and woman leads to divided marriages (separate lives, money, etc.), Matt. 19:5-6; Eph. 5:28-29; 1 Cor. 7:3-4.
2. Contributes to divorce (most selfish of actions).
B. Warps the Minds of Children.
1. Children will pick up on disrespect toward men (fathers).
2. Boys need to learn to become men by watching strong, faithful, loving dads who teach them to become God’s man.
a. Fathers are essential to healthy, thriving children.
b. 2012 Headline: “1 in 3 children in the U.S. live without their father as number of two-parent households falls by 1.2m in ten years.” (dailymail.com, 26Dec2012)
c. 2014: 23.6% of US children (17.4 million) lived in father absent homes. (fatherhoodfactor.com)
d. Instability, lack of teaching, insecurity, etc., cf. Prov. 23:22; Eph. 6:2.
III. A FATHER MUST…
A. Be Compassionate, Psa. 103:13 (cf. Prov. 19:22).
1. Mercy, tenderness, concern and protection.
2. Kindness that encourages and does not stifle, Col. 3:21.
B. Be a Consistent Teacher, Prov. 1:8 (Eph. 6:4).
1. Instruction and commands, Prov. 6:20.
2. Correction, Prov. 3:12; Heb. 12:9-11.
3. Child must respond wisely, Eph. 6:1; Prov. 13:1; 15:5, 20.
C. Be a Caring, Loving Husband, 1 Pet. 3:7.
1. Teaching children about being a person by treatment of wife.
2. Be an example of Christ’s love for His church, Eph. 5:25.
D. Be the Spiritual Leader of His Home, Josh. 24:14-15.
1. He must serve God in sincerity and truth, 24:14.
2. He must make choices that lead his family to serve God, 24:15.
3. Worship, pray, serve, be a faithful example.
Conclusion
1. Wives often hold the key to a man’s confidence and willingness to work, to live a clean life and even to follow the Lord (Dobson), 1 Pet. 3:1-2, 5-6.
2. Men need to step up to the plate and be God’s man of faith who is guided by truth, integrity and devotion to be godly husbands and fathers for their families. cf. 1 Cor. 16:13 (brave: “act like men” ESV)
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: June 12, 2018