Topical Sermon: Faithful Fathers

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.