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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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