“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” -- 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

What Does a Dad Do?

I. Shows His Children How to Work A Godly Father… “For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:9

1. Labor Paul Set an Example of… 2. Labor in the Kingdom

II. Teaches His Children the Bible A Godly Father… “For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:9

“Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God.” -- Romans 1:1

“If Paul were a husband/father today, he would take/make the time to teach his children the Bible and help them be what God wanted them to be.” -- Dan Winkler

“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4

III. Is A Good Example A Godly Father… “You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:10

“There was one argument in favor of Christianity which I could never refute -- the consistent conduct of my father.”

“For a man to train up a child in the way he/she should go, he must walk that way himself.” – Abraham Lincoln

IV. Encourages His Children A Godly Father… “…As you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:11

“Dad, I have a lifetime.300 batting average. What more do you want?” “But someday you’re going to look back and say, ‘I could have done more.’”

V. Comforts His Children A Godly Father… “…As you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:11

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” -- 1 Thessalonians 5:14

VI. Charges His Children A Godly Father… “…As you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:11

“This I say, therefore, and testify [“insist” NIV] in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind.” – Ephesians 4:17

VII. Gives Individual Attention to His Children A Godly Father… “…As you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:11

VIII. Has a Goal in Mind A Godly Father… “…That you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:12

This is “the noblest possible ideal of life.” -- Findlay “…That you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:12

The ultimate goal of godly fathers is that their children go to heaven!

“I'll tell you what I'd really like; what means the most to me. I'd like your continued faithfulness to the Lord (Matthew 25:23; Ephesians 1:1; Revelation 2:10).” “What Do I Want for Father’s Day?” by Mike Benson

Hold certain spiritual priorities… “What Do I Want for Father’s Day?” by Mike Benson Continue to attend worship “every time the doors are open” (Hebrews 10:25). Continue to read, study, and investigate the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15).

Hold certain spiritual priorities… “What Do I Want for Father’s Day?” by Mike Benson Stay involved in Bible camp, mission works, and VBS (1 Corinthians 15:58). Keep yourselves pure (2 Timothy 2:22).

Hold certain spiritual priorities… “What Do I Want for Father’s Day?” by Mike Benson Serve those who are in need (James 1:27).

“I'm proud of you both. You're wonderful Christian daughters!” Love you, Dad “What Do I Want for Father’s Day?” by Mike Benson P.S. Okay, I take it back, a book would be good too.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” – 3 John 4