Father
Hebrews 12:5-11
What is a Father?
One who pays the bills…
Protector …
Playmate on occasion …
Parent without emotion …
A guardian and a guide …
(Fathers Are Wonderful People by Helen Steiner Rice)
Different From Mom
Student Survey- “a beautiful word”
422out of 600 put Mom
What about Dad?
Why Mom
More personal time with the children?
Negligent fathers?
Husband
Set forth by God (Genesis 2:18-25)
Answer to his loneliness (vv. 18, 21)
Two became one (v. 24; Matthew 19:4-6)
Populate the earth
role (v. 25; 1 Corinthian 7:1-5)
Sexual
Companion- not slave
Husband
Crucial role (1 Peter 3:1-7)
Understand her
Fellow heir of the grace of life (v. 7)
“Handle with care”
Failure hinders prayers
Husband
Evil forces at work
No headship role
(1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:23, 25, 28)
Role reversal
Remedy: Humble, loving guidance
(Philippians 2:1-8)
Father
“Absentee fathers”
Desertion,divorce
Ambition, busy making money, etc.
Father
Obligations
Lead (Proverbs 3:5, 6; 1 Corinthians 14:35)
Train (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Ephesians 6:4)
Set priorities (Genesis 18:19; Joshua 24:15)
Warn (1 Corinthians 5:6; 15:33)
Restrain (1 Samuel 3:13)
Discipline (Proverbs 13:1, 24; 15:17; 19:18)
Father
Remember you are the leader
Efficiency of the leader crucial
Accountable
Training for eldership (1 Timothy 3:4, 5)
Conclusion
World seeks changes
Eternal consequences of failure
How are we doing?