WHAT FATHERS CAN TEACH THEIR CHILDREN #3
September 5, 1999 PM
Sermon Outline
Eph 6:4
INTRO: It is my conviction that the role of fathers is being eroded in our contemporary society. To some extent it is the fathers themselves who have brought fatherhood to the ebb at which it now exists. But I believe God has entrusted and assigned to fathers a vital, proactive responsibility to their children. Indeed, the spiritual leadership of a family in Christ is assigned to the husband and father. Fathers need to be teaching their children...
I. THAT BEING IN THE WRONG PLACE CAN HARM THEM
A. Consider ...
1. Gen 19:14 Lot in Sodom (2 Pet 2:6-8)
2. 2 Sam 11:1-3a David on the rooftop
3. Prov 1:10,15 Solomons advice
4. Lk 22:55-57 Peter at the fire of unbelievers
B. Most of the time we can choose where to be
1. and fathers need to teach their children that choosing to be in wrong place can bring moral and spiritual hurt and/or harm to influence, reputation
2. the lesson of Lot in Sodom is graphic proof of this!
3. are we as concerned for their spiritual safety as for their physical safety?
4. at times, such teaching and guidance may place fathers in an unenviable role ... but better this than to see children in harms way (1 Cor 15:33) ... I wonder if Lot had been passive in this teaching role, or was Sodoms influence for evil that great?
II. THAT HARD WORK WILL USUALLY BE REWARDED
A. We may be teaching them an easy street life!
1. are we giving too much with no expectation?
2. money doesnt grow on trees - no, but so many children live on the dole from parents
3. and are fathers setting an example of the joy and need for hard work (bare minimums to keep job?)
4. I saw my own father work diligently and happily - never heard him complain about his company or his bosses - he was highly regarded by everyone who knew him in his work circles!
B. Prov 24:30-34 And note especially v.32
1. working hard, diligently does have its rewards
2. not the least of them is a true satisfaction which things we may busy cannot ever supply
3. what about 2 Thes 3:10? are we teaching this?
4. or Col 3:23? are we teaching this?
III. TO HONOR FATHER AND MOTHER
A. So many children do not honor parents
1. speak disrespectfully, disobedient, contempt
2. but many children have little time with their parents - hardly know them!
3. our society has so fragmented into generations with special rights, etc. that generations have developed into warring factions
4. yes, I see this even in Christian families
B. Eph 6:2,3 And fathers must teach this
1. perhaps it begins with father and mother honoring each other!
2. and dads can so honor moms that children will see and learn how she is valued and to be valued...from dads
3. reminder to a child, Dont treat mom that way!
4. firm, loving instruction and discipline from earliest years is so necessary here
CLOSE: Fathers, our children need us ... not just as benevolent donors. They need us as spiritual leaders, teachers and examples who are convicted by the word of God and committed to the life in Christ!
Cecil A. Hutson
05 September 1999