Ephesians 6:1-4 4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Colossians 3:21 21Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

LIVING BEYOND THE DASH That’s One Big “But”! Larry Cline | Hardin Valley Church Of Christ | 6-4-2017

Don’t “provoke tHEM to anger”/“embitter” them, But do “bring them up”…

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

Initial observations: Fathering requires balance Fathering is to be strongly positive bring them up discipline them instruct them

Fathering is an ongoing process (present tense) Fathering requires “bring them up” (ekrephete) nourish or feed, see Ephesians 5:29 Fathering is an ongoing process (present tense) we are responsible for bringing them from one level to the next

Fathering is non-negotiable (imperative mood) not advice or suggestion a binding admonishment Fathering is every Dad’s responsibility (middle voice) can’t be delegated…our personal responsibility

Fathering involves developing the whole child …“Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:52)

1. DEVELOP THEM MENTALLY Proverbs 23:7 Proverbs 4:23

Cultivate A Mind That Looks At Things Through The Eyes Of God And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

[We are] destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and [we are] taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (II Corinthians 10:5)

2. DEVELOP THEM PHYSICALLY Food shelter clothing medical care exercise etc…

A. Financially But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (I Timothy 5:8) For the scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “the laborer is worthy of his wages”. (I Timothy 5:18)

B. Care For The Physical Body Exercise Eating habits Medical care

3. DEVELOP THEM SPIRITUALLY A 3. DEVELOP THEM SPIRITUALLY A. Help Them Develop A Heart For God And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ (Matthew 22:37)

B. Give Them A Spiritual Tool Belt

4. DEVELOP THEM SOCIALLY Teach Them To Use Proper Etiquette Teach Them To Dress Properly Teach Them Proper Hygiene Teach Them To Interact With Other People