The First Father Genesis 2:4-9

Introduction Back to the beginning –Change over time –Helpful review of original goal –Consider the following facts from “Fatherhood- Making a Lifetime of Difference, Rose Publishing”

Risks Absent fathers –Higher drop out rate –Increased risk of emotional instability, depression, substance abuse, suicide –Higher risk of behavior problems: truancy, stealing, early sexual activity, teen pregnancy

Introduction Man’s beginning –Genesis: A book of beginnings –Review God’s intentions

Subdue The Earth Man more important than nature –Saved the “best for last” –Mankind was last (Genesis 1:26-31) –Intentional on God’s part

Subdue The Earth In control of the world –A paradise home (Genesis 2:15-17) –To subdue the earth (Genesis 1:28) –Responsible use of earth’s resources –The influence of worldly philosophies

Rule Over His Wife This role often overlooked –Clouding the issue by feminists –Men wonder what to do –Marriage viewed by some as a slave relationship, equal partnership, etc. –Definition of marriage under assault

Rule Over His Wife Head of his wife –By order of creation (1 Timothy 2:13) –Eve sinned first (Genesis 3:16) –Repeated in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 11:7-12) –Plain (Ephesians 5:23-25, 33)

Lead His Family Role abandoned by many –Feminist movement –Damage by government policies –Harming our culture

Lead His Family Bible is clear –God’s confidence in Abraham (Genesis 18:16-21) –Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 6:1-3) –Given the job of leading (Ephesians 6:4) –Cannot be guided by the world

Conclusion Beware of the world’s influence Souls are at stake