Scripture Reading: Psalm 128
The Father Factor
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)
-Father Factors-
2. World needs genuine fathers: Father who love God and His word; fathers of faith, fathers with character and courage to meet the challenges of fatherhood, Eph. 6:4.
3. Fathers should be respected and loved by his children – and worthy of their respect and 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.
B. Children will be Similar to their Fathers, Gen. 5:3. (generally true)
1. Not just physically, but moral character and spiritual interests, due to the father’s influence and instruction upon the child.
2. Like produces like, Jno. 8:39, 44. (Of course, choices are made)
3. Values they learn, morals they hold, character they develop, attitudes they express and 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.
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 and correction).
a. Father leads in the whole training of the child – mind, morals and manners. (Save your household, Noah, Heb. 11:7)
b. Instruction in God’s word, Isa. 38:19; Prov. 4; Psa. 78:5-7:
1) Faith, hope, thanksgiving and obedience, 78:7.
2) Humble and 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 our 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 and influence, Matt. 5:16.
-Our children see us, learn from us and 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 and sinful practices.
2. Father, set the standard! Josh. 24:15
IV. A CONTRAST OF TWO FATHERS.
A. Abraham: A Father on Whom 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 and 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 and souls.
Conclusion
1. A father’s joy and 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 and your children.