Faith of Our Fathers

Faith of Our Fathers

Introduction
Do you know what term Jesus used almost exclusively to describe God? He used the word “Father.” In Luke 2:49, Jesus said, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (NKJV). Again, in John 14:2, He said, “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (NKJV). Jesus viewed God through the relationship of a Father, and that example helps us understand the tremendous influence fathers should have in their homes. The presence of a godly father is one of the greatest blessings a child can have, and the neglect of fathers has led to devastating consequences. As of 2014, nearly a quarter of American children—23.6%—lived in homes without a father. This staggering statistic shows the damage caused by absent fathers. Children raised without the guidance of a father are far more likely to become involved in drugs, alcohol, or to drop out of school. What, then, does God expect of fathers?

Fathers Spend Time
Children long for their fathers’ presence. Studies show that by the age of twenty months, children are just as attached to their fathers as to their mothers, and they respond especially well to play initiated by their fathers. Scripture shows us the tragic example of Eli the priest, whose sons were corrupt and did not know the Lord (1 Samuel 2:12, 17). God pronounced judgment on Eli’s household because he knew of his sons’ sin and did not restrain them (1 Samuel 3:11–14). Eli did not spend the time necessary to guide his sons toward restraint and self-control. Years later, we see Samuel’s own sons fall into corruption, turning aside after dishonest gain, taking bribes, and perverting justice (1 Samuel 8:1–3). Samuel traveled extensively as a judge (1 Samuel 7:16), which may have kept him away from home too often. The point is clear—fathers must be present with their children.

Even in modern examples, we see this truth. The country singer Trace Adkins once sang about fishing with his daughter. He said they were doing more than fishing; they were building a relationship. That is exactly what happens when fathers take time to be with their children. There is no substitute for a father’s presence. Children need to see that they are important enough for their father to pause from his busyness and spend time with them. Whether it is through conversation, hobbies, or shared activities, a father shows love through the gift of time.

Fathers Teach
Godly fathers are called to be teachers. Proverbs 1:8 begins, “My son, hear the instruction of your father.” The inspired writer assumed that a father would be actively teaching. Psalm 78:1–8 reminds us that the fathers of Israel were commanded to pass on God’s works and commandments to their children so that the next generation might set their hope in God and not forget His mighty deeds. Fathers have the responsibility to pass down truth and faith.

Children must hear the great stories of the Bible—Creation, the Fall, the Flood, the Exodus, the Life of Christ, and the beginning of the church. Moses emphasized this in Deuteronomy 4:9–10, where parents were told to diligently teach their children what God had done, especially the giving of the law at Mount Horeb. The home is the training ground for faith and respect for authority. Deuteronomy 6:6–9 commands fathers to teach diligently when sitting, walking, lying down, and rising up. Paul echoes this in Ephesians 6:4, instructing fathers to bring their children up “in the training and admonition of the Lord” (NKJV). Every day provides opportunities for fathers to shape their children’s knowledge of God and His ways.

Fathers Discipline
Alongside teaching comes discipline. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Training requires correction and boundaries. Proverbs 29:15 teaches that “the rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” Discipline must be timely—Proverbs 19:18 warns, “Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction.”

God Himself disciplines His children out of love. Hebrews 12:5–11 explains that God’s chastening is evidence of His fatherly care, designed to yield “the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Earthly fathers are called to imitate this righteous form of discipline. Discipline must never be harsh, unreasonable, or provoke children to wrath (Ephesians 6:4). Severity and cruelty can embitter a child, but patient, consistent discipline guides a child toward godliness. Fathers must set clear boundaries, say “no” when necessary, and hold their children accountable for their actions. Discipline, rightly practiced, is love in action.

Conclusion
The role of a father is one of the most serious responsibilities God has given. Fathers must teach their children right from wrong, instill respect for life, emphasize the dignity of work, model concern for the needy, teach respect for property, and guide them in making wise decisions. Children need to see their fathers studying God’s Word, serving others, and putting God first. Time passes quickly, and the years of influence in the home are fleeting. Fathers, use your time well. Lead your children to know and serve the heavenly Father, so that when they see you, they also see the reflection of God’s love and guidance.

Statistics from fatherhoodfactor.com. Some material adapted from Ralph Brewer.
Bobby Stafford – February 4, 2018

Faith of Our Fathers Outline

Introduction:

Do you know what term Jesus used almost exclusively to describe God?  He used “Father.”  See Luke 2:49.  “And He said to them, ‘Why did you seek Me?  Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?’ ” NKJV  John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; If it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.” NKJV  A father’s influence in the home cannot be over emphasized.  The neglect of fathers has led to countless children being harmed.  As of 2014, 23.6% of American children lived in homes without a father.  Staggering!  If you want a child to become involved in alcohol and drug abuse or to drop out of school, have him grow up in a home without a father.  So what does God expect of fathers?

Body:

I.            Fathers Spend Time

·       Studies indicate that by the age of twenty months, children are as attached to their fathers as to their mothers, but are more responsive to play initiated by their fathers.

·       The Bible informs us of Eli, the priest, who had two sons.  (I Samuel 2:12, 17) “Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know the Lord. 17 Therefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord, for men abhorred the offering of the Lord.” NKJV  The prophet Samuel grew up in that household and God said this to Samuel.  (I Samuel 3:11-14) “Then the Lord said to Samuel:  ‘Behold, I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.  In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end.  For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them.  And therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.’ ” NKJV  Eli did not spend the time with them that was needed to teach them about restraint and self-control.  Years later we read about Samuel’s own sons.  

(I Samuel 8:1-3) “Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel.  The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba.  But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.” NKJV  It’s possible Samuel spent too much time away from home.  See I Samuel 7:16.  “He went from year to year on a circuit to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, and judged Israel in all those places.” NKJV

·       The country singer Trace Adkins had a song out a few years ago about fishing with his daughter.  He said they were doing more than just fishing; they were building a relationship.  There is no substitute for the time a father spends with his children.  That is one way he shows that he loves them.

·       A father should not be so pre-occupied that the needs of his children are neglected.  Take time to talk to them about their problems.  Find hobbies and activities to do together.  You will be glad you did. 

II.          Fathers Teach

·       (Proverbs 1:8a) “My son, hear the instruction of you father. . .”  Notice the wise man assumes that a father will be involved in teaching his children.  Psalm 78 reinforces the idea that the father has an essential role in passing on knowledge to the next generation.  See Psalm 78:1-8.  “Give ear, O my people, to my law; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth, I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark saying of old, Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us.  We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.  For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children; That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children, That they may set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments, And may not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not set its heart aright, And whose spirit was not faithful to God.” NKJV

·       Children need to learn the great lessons from the Bible:  Creation, the Fall, the Flood, the Wilderness Wanderings, the Life of Christ, the Beginning of the Church. . .  Listen to Deuteronomy 4:9-10.  “Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life.  And teach them to your children and your grandchildren, especially concerning the day you stood before the Lord your God in Horeb, when the Lord said to me, ‘Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.’ ” NKJV

·       The home is where children learn to respect authority, where they develop faith.  (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.  You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.  You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” NKJV  Teach children about God at every opportunity.  This is what  Ephesians 6:4b is talking about.  “. . . bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”  “bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” NKJV 

III.        Fathers Discipline

·       If fathers want their children to grow up to be faithful Christians, then training them is essential.  (Proverbs 22:6) “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” NKJV  This training includes discipline.  (Proverbs 29:15) “The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” NKJV  The rod here represents whatever type of discipline is effective for a particular child.  You can wait too long to practice discipline.  (Proverbs 19:18) “Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction.” NKJV

·       The Bible informs us that there is a right way to discipline and a wrong way.  Our heavenly Father practices righteous discipline.  (Hebrews 12:5-11) “And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:  ‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.’  If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?  But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.  Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect.  Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?  For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.  Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful, nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” NKJV  Discipline is necessary and shows love. 

God warns against unrighteous discipline.  (Ephesians 6:4a) “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath,” NKJV  Harsh, unreasonable discipline will nurture an evil heart in a child.  Severity and harshness are never called for.  Discipline must be administered patiently and for the good of the child.

·       Children need to hear “No.”  They need to be given boundaries and  be held accountable for their actions.

Conclusion:

Fathers, you have a great responsibility to your children – to teach them right from wrong, respect for life, the dignity of work, concern for the needy, respect for property, how to set values, how to treat others, and how to make good decisions. 

Fathers, do they see you studying God’s Word, serving others, putting God first?  Your time with them passes quickly.  Use it well!

Statistics from fatherhood factor.com  Some material was adapted from Ralph Brewer. 

Call to Action
Fathers, God has entrusted you with the souls of your children. Do not let time slip away. Choose today to be present, to teach, and to lovingly discipline. Show your children the Father in heaven by the way you live as their father on earth.

Key Takeaways

• Fathers show love by spending time (1 Samuel 2:12–17; 8:1–3)

• Fathers must diligently teach God’s word (Deuteronomy 6:6–9; Psalm 78:1–8)

• Fathers must discipline in love, reflecting God’s example (Hebrews 12:5–11)

• Faithful fathers prepare their children not just for life, but for eternity

Scripture References

• Luke 2:49 – About the Father’s business

• John 14:2 – The Father’s house

• 1 Samuel 2:12–17; 3:11–14 – Eli’s failure

• 1 Samuel 8:1–3; 7:16 – Samuel’s sons

• Proverbs 1:8; 22:6; 29:15; 19:18 – Instruction and discipline

• Psalm 78:1–8 – Fathers pass on God’s works

• Deuteronomy 4:9–10; 6:6–9 – Daily teaching

• Ephesians 6:4 – Fathers’ role in training children

• Hebrews 12:5–11 – God’s discipline in love

February 4, 2018