The Kind of Fathers God Wants Genesis 4:1-2 & 5:1-4

Introduction-1 The word father is used five different ways in the scriptures It is used for an originator of a way of life such as Jubal who was the father of all who play the harp and flute- Gen. 4:21 An ancestor such as Abraham whom the Jews called their Father- Jn. 8:39 An advisor- Jdg. 17:10 A spiritual ancestor- Jn. 8:44 And one’s male parent

Introduction-2 The most common and most familiar use of the word father Adam was a father of many children and the human race There are many fathers mentioned in the scriptures, some who were good and others who were evil This day has been set aside to honor fathers This is harmony with God’s word- Eph. 6:1-3 In our study this morning I want us to study the kind of fathers that God wants men to be

Fathers Who Are Leaders of Their Family-1 The husband is to be the head of the family Not a popular idea in our society Not because he is the “boss” But because that is the way God wants it to be- Eph. 5:23 There cannot be two leaders in a family The wife must let her husband lead Most importantly the father should provide spiritual leadership

Fathers Who Are Leaders of Their Family-2 Sadly lacking in many families Even when both parents are Christians The mother must often provide spiritual leadership Evidence of spiritual leadership a. Spiritual things are his top priority- Col. 3:1-2 Regular attendance at public worship Teaches and prays with his children at home

Fathers Who Provide for their Family-1 Things God expects Fathers to provide The material needs of his wife and children Christian men who do not provide for their families deny the faith and are worse than an unbeliever- I Tim. 5:8 This is the standard by which our society judges fathers But God expects Christian fathers to provide much more 2. Proper training

Fathers Who Provide for their Family-2 More than manners and mechanical skills The wise man wrote, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”- Prov. 22:6 Paul said, and you fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and the admonition of the Lord.- Eph. 6:4 Training requires discipline and “tough love” A godly example

Fathers Who Provide for their Family-3 Children need to see that God’s kingdom and His righteousness is their father’s top priority Words are ineffective if they are not demonstrated in the father’s life 4. Love An unselfish love for his wife and for his children Paul said that husbands ought to love their own wives as they love their own body and as Christ loved the church- Eph. 5:28 & 23

Fathers Who Provide for their Family-4 Love will cause fathers to spend time with their children, show affection for them and take an interest in what they are doing The children get their ideas about what marriage should be and how a family functions from what they see in their home The character of children is molded to a great extent by the teaching, training and example of their father Fathers, it is likely that your son(s) will grow up to be like you

An Exemplary Father-1 Abraham is an example in his training of and his righteous influence on his children and grandchildren Notice God’s confidence in him, “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his family after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken of him.”- Gen. 18:19 Abraham is also an example by his personal faith in God

An Exemplary Father-2 When he was old and his wife was past the age of childbearing, God promised them a son- Gen. 17:19 Yet, Abraham believed God would keep His promise After Isaac was born, God told Abraham to offer him as a sacrifice- Gen. 22:2 Only the voice of the Angel of the LORD restrained him from killing Isaac Abraham became the spiritual father of all who believe in God and trust His word- Gal. 3:29

Our Perfect Father Regardless of our biological father, we have a perfect Father The Father of all people by creation The spiritual Father of Christians by adoption Who is far better than the best earthly fathers Who is perfectly holy and righteous Who loves us more than any earthly father- Jn. 3:16 Corrects us only for our good- Heb. 12:10 Has provided an eternal inheritance for us- I Pet. 1:4

In Conclusion We need more fathers in this country who will love and lead their family Who will put the Lord first in their lives Who like Abraham, will train their children and grandchildren to do the same Such fathers should be appreciated and honored throughout the year while they are with us Is God your spiritual Father this morning? You can’t be the kind of father God wants if He is not