The Godly Father Psalm 127:3

Spiritual Leader Of His Home Authorized in the Scriptures (Eph. 5:23; 6:4) Consider the examples of Joshua (Josh. 24: 15) and Cornelius (Acts 10:2) God will judge the one who neglects this most important task (1 Sam. 3:13)

Provide Materially For His Family This is absolute (1 Tim. 5:8) Caution must be exercised for children can be given too much Another word of caution: providing material things for your children is no substitute for your other responsibilities

Sets The Right Example Parents, as well as Christians, are living letters (2 Cor. 3:2-3) Examples to be set in the home include: The Bible studied and prayer offered (Acts 17:11; 1 Thess. 5:17) A high standard of morality (Titus 2:11-12)

Examples to be set in the church include: Attendance to services (Heb. 10:25) Respect for “leaders” (1 Tim. 5:17) Reverence for worship (Jn. 4:24)

Brings His Children Up In The Nurture And Admonition Of The Lord Ephesians 6:1-4 Nurture (paideia): “The whole training and education of children {which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment}” (Thayer) Admonition: May mean a warning or encouragement. For sure it carries a “pay attention” with it

Children need to be taught: Respect for parents (Col. 3:20) and law officials (1 Tim. 2:1-4) To work (2 Thess. 3:10) Proper use of money (Luke 16:11, NASB) The permanency and sanctity of marriage (Heb. 13:4) The need of faithfully serving the Lord By obeying the gospel (2 Thess. 1:7-9) By living godly, faithful lives until death (Rev. 2:19)

Note the parallel text in Colossians 3:21 How might they lose heart (become discouraged)? Making unreasonable demands of them Punishing them excessively with a penalty unfit for the wrong Belittling them or constantly being negative