Marks of a Godly Father Ephesians 6:1-4

Ephesians 6:1-4 (ESV) 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-4 (ESV)

4 Marks of a Godly Father

1) Godly fathers have family PRESENCE vs 1...parents... vs 2...father and mother... vs 4...Fathers...

1) Godly fathers have family PRESENCE 1960 about 1 in 10 kids lived apart from their fathers

1) Godly fathers have family PRESENCE Today about 1 in 4

1) Godly fathers have family PRESENCE Children who live apart from their fathers are at a higher risk to suffer abuse

1) Godly fathers have family PRESENCE Children who live apart from their fathers are at a higher risk to break the law

1) Godly fathers have family PRESENCE Children who live apart from their fathers are at a higher risk to abuse drugs or alcohol

1) Godly fathers have family PRESENCE Children who live apart from their fathers are at a higher risk to struggle with emotional or behavioral problems

1) Godly fathers have family PRESENCE Children who live apart from their fathers are at a higher risk to live in poverty

1) Godly fathers have family PRESENCE Children who live apart from their fathers are at a higher risk to engage in early sexual activity

1) Godly fathers have family PRESENCE Children who live with their fathers......fare better on nearly every sociological measure available

1) Godly fathers have family PRESENCE A) Parenthood is a powerful POSITION Fathers you are important!

1) Godly fathers have family PRESENCE B) The greatest influence is PERSONAL influence Fathers, your family has a disposition to follow you

2) Godly fathers do not PROVOKE rebellious reactions 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

2) Godly fathers do not PROVOKE rebellious reactions Provoke - parorgizo ̄ to rouse to wrath, to provoke, exasperate, anger

2) Godly fathers do not PROVOKE rebellious reactions “suggests a repeated, ongoing pattern of treatment that gradually builds up a deep- seated anger and resentment that boils over into anger” –John MacArthur

2) Godly fathers do not PROVOKE rebellious reactions FavoritismOverprotection Unreasonable standards SmotheringDiscouragement Physical and verbal abuse Selfishnes s

2) Godly fathers do not PROVOKE rebellious reactions A) ASPIRE others to holiness not bitterness

2) Godly fathers do not PROVOKE rebellious reactions B) AVOID hypocrisy at all costs

2) Godly fathers do not PROVOKE rebellious reactions C) APPLAUD accomplishments

2) Godly fathers do not PROVOKE rebellious reactions D) AIM at a greenhouse not a prison

3) Godly fathers guide toward GODLINESS...but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

3) Godly fathers guide toward GODLINESS Discipline – paideia - the whole training and education of children (the cultivation of mind & morals, commands & admonitions, reproof & punishment). It also includes the training & care of the body

3) Godly fathers guide toward GODLINESS Instruction – nouthesia “a putting in mind,” admonition

3) Godly fathers guide toward GODLINESS Guide them to an understanding and respect of God and His Word and train them to be disciplined Godly people

3) Godly fathers guide toward GODLINESS A) Good guides are FAMILIAR with the things they show

3) Godly fathers guide toward GODLINESS B) Good guides FREQUENT the areas they show

3) Godly fathers guide toward GODLINESS C) Good guides are INFATUATED with what they show

4) Godly fathers lead with loving PURPOSE...of the Lord.

4) Godly fathers lead with loving PURPOSE A) Be LOVING B) Be PRESENT C) Be INVOLOVED D) Be PATIENT E) Be PURPOSEFUL