1. Ephesians

2. The Critical Path of 6.1-4 Fathers duty to bring up curriculum: God’s Word foundation: fear of God assisting means: the local church the child’s responseeffect on next generation

3. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. to listen; be attentive to hearing w/ result being agreement modifies because of the LORD in agreement w/His precepts It is the Lord’s design for the family duty:father appointed as head for child development the whole counsel of God found in Biblemeans: manner:6.4b; 1 Thess. 2.11 purpose:nurture to maturity in heart, mind, spirit obedience to this results in generational blessing If above is followed, the child will be prepared to transition obedience to God. If not, the child will be provoked to wrath. (De. 5.16, as the LORD your God has commanded you) (Col. 3.20, this is well-pleasing to the LORD)

4. How Can Fathers Provoke their Children to Wrath? Note the sentence structure. Only two options offered. God’s Plan AOnly Alternative Offered nurture to maturity LORD’s discipline & instruction mature child rouse to wrath neglect LORD’s D&I angry/embittered child or If Christian parents don’t bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the LORD then we will provoke them to wrath.

5. How Can Fathers Provoke their Children to Wrath? It comes down to a Christian father not being what he is designed to be and not using what God has provided for the maturing of children. Hypocrisy not practicing what we preach judge ourselves by our intentions, and our children by their actions building a family culture on mixture of worldliness and godliness teaching morality (adherence to rule) without godliness (relationship) …holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power… 2 Tim. 3.5

6. The Ugliness of Wrath Wrath is an ugly word because it is supposed to be. When a child grows up to be angry in character, it usually takes years for them to break out of it; if ever. Anger begets anger. This is why it must be stopped. An adult who bears anger because of unbelieving parents may find it easy to receive the heavenly Father’s love and acceptance. But, an adult who bears anger because of Christian parents, in most cases, will have much to overcome in accepting the heavenly Father’s love and acceptance.

7. Summary Two options: is the ordained head of the family must lead the way in developing his children to maturity must trust the Bible’s sufficiency to train in all matters of life must affirm children’s need to be matured in the whole counsel of God We must model a Christian walk our children will desire to honor and are drawn to imitate. Mature children in the discipline and instruction of the LORD. or Provoke them to wrath. The text shows that the father: THIS SETS THE STAGE FOR THE BLESSING