1. God's Purpose for the Church The parents’ responsibility to their children

2. “Fathers,…” n It underscores the importance of the father’s participation in raising children. n The level of the father's involvement has a tremendous impact on the spiritual outcome of a child.

3. “…do not provoke your children to anger…” n Indifference to the parents spiritual values (worldly goals) n Living an immoral lifestyle n Marrying someone the parent would not approve n Neglect of the parents, refusing to visit them or meet their needs in old age.

4. “…do not provoke your children to anger…” n Saying one thing and doing another n Always blaming and never praising n Being inconsistent and unfair with discipline n Showing favoritism in the home n Making promises and not keeping them n Making light of concerns the child feels n Being unreasonably restrictive

5. “...but bring them up in the nurture and discipline of the Lord.” n Godly example n Formal and informal teaching n Teaching from sources outside the home n Protection from “false teachers” n Clarifying values through wise decision- making. n Firm but loving correction of disobedience.

6. When we look around and see homes deteriorating, it is encouraging to see parents who have accepted the wisdom God gives us in this verse. Such parents bring glory to God and happiness to both themselves and their children.