Are You a Godly Father?
Proverbs 4:1-14
Intro
Billy Graham said, “A good father is one of the most unsung, un-praised, and unnoticed, yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” God intended for fathers to do more than “bring home the bacon.” From a biblical standpoint, the father is to be a provider, a protector, a priest, a guide, a teacher, and a disciplinarian.
Potentially, the father is the best possible teacher about God that a child can have, for the father is the human counterpart of God. When Jesus taught his disciples to prayer, he said, “After this manner therefore prayer: “Our Father, which are in heaven” (Mat. 6:9). He taught his disciples that they were to think of the eternal God in terms of a wise, devoted, generous, forgiving father. The child who never has the privilege of knowing a loving father has a serious handicap when it comes to understanding the nature and character of God.
Dr. R.G. Lee tells the story of a father whose young son was stricken with diphtheria and placed in isolation in the hospital. It was necessary for the parents to wear a mask while visiting their son. The little boy inquired, “Why are you dressed that way?” The father replied, “I want to protect others, for you are very sick.” After some hesitation, the little fellow replied, “Daddy, am I going to die?” The dad who had taught his boy never to tell a lie said, “That is what the doctor says.” After a great deal of inward agony, the father put a question to his boy: “Son, you are not afraid, are you?” From the sick bed the little boy replied, “Daddy, if God is like you are, I won’t be afraid.”
The home is the most basic institution in our society. The responsibility for the spiritual stability and success of families is too much for mothers to bear alone. If we are to provide our children with godly fathers and grandfathers, we must consider certain essentials.
I. Make certain that you give your heart and soul to Jesus Christ
a. This is essential if you are to be the best possible husband.
b. This is essential if you are to be the best possible father.
i. There is no way by which you can practice the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount unless you have Christ in your heart as Savior, Lord, and Teacher.
c. Much time is required for the task of being a good husband and a good father.
i. It is not commendable for a man to hold down an extra job merely to provide more luxuries for his family.
ii. They need him, not the material assets he can provide.
II. Be an example in all things.
A Chinese proverb says, “One picture is worth a thousand words.” Today it is recognized by all the visual education is one of the most effective methods of teaching. One good example may make a greater impact than a hundred lecturers.
A Father should seek to provide an atmosphere that is conductive to good character development in the lives of his children.
a. Be an example in reverence and worship
b. Be an example in truthfulness in speech
c. Be an example of honesty in all legal and financial obligations.
d. Be an example in both attitudes and ambitions.
III. Provide proper discipline
a. Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
b. Proverbs 13:24, “He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.”
c. Proverbs 23:13 “Do no hold back discipline from the child, Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die.”
d. Proverbs 29:17, “Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul.”
Closing
In our quest to provide material benefits for our children, let us not be neglectful to provide that which is the greatest benefit of all – a godly father who loves Jesus Christ sincerely and steadfastly and who seeks to demonstrate this faith in every area of life.
Today make the decisions that are necessary for your children and your grandchildren to have the invaluable benefit of a godly father and grandfather.
