A Godly Father Series

A GODLY FATHER

Genesis 18:19

Calvary Baptist Church

June 15, 2003

This is message number 6 of 6 in our 2003 series on the family, beginning Mothers Day and ending Fathers Day.

INTRODUCTION:

• In chapter 19, God is about to destroy Sodom.

• Abraham is so faithful that God will not hide this fact from him.

• What is it about Abraham that so impresses God?

• Our text reveals the answer.

A WORD OF CAUTION

Caution: We must be careful not to scorn those with grown children who are out of the "way". We must realize that children have a mind, will, heart of their own. And they must have a faith of their own. Even the guidelines for pastors apply to children 13 and under.

Today we look to the Scriptures for an example of a godly father where we find a tremendous testimony from God himself about Abraham.

TEXT: 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

I. He Has a Relationship “I know him.”

Not just omnipotence.

God knew who he was.

Dad, the best thing you can do for the relationship with your children is to make sure that you have a relationship with God. One that is personal, intimate and dynamic!

Psalm 1:6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

II. He Has a Reputation

A. With God

In our previous point, we saw that God knew who he was.

But God also knew what he was.

Job 42:2 I know that thou canst do every [thing], and [that] no thought can be withholden from thee.

B. With His Children

"Command his children ... after him"

We must be an example.

John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

1 Tim. 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

POEM: 3670. Son’s Little Eyes Upon You

There are little eyes upon you,

And they’re watching night and day;

There are little ears that quickly take in

Every word that you say;

There are little hands all eager

To do everything that you do.

And a little boy who’s dreaming

Of the day he’ll be like you.

You’re the little fellow’s idol,

You’re the wisest of the wise;

In his little mind about you

No suspicions ever rise;

He believes in you devotedly,

Holds that all you say and do

He will say and do in your way

When he’s grown up just like you.

There’s a wide-eyed little fellow

Who believes you’re always right

And his ears are always open,

And he watches day and night.

You are setting an example

Every day in all you do

For the little boy who’s waiting

To grow up to be like you.

—Selected

III. He Has a Regimen (Routine)

“Command” - Heb., tsavah, to give a charge, an order. To put or set in order.

This would include servants.

DEFINITION: Regimen

1. a regulated routine of therapy or exercise designed to promote health

2. any system that is in place

QUOTE: He would "Lay his injunctions on them, use his authority with them, give them all needful instructions, and take such methods with them as would tend to propagate and preserve the true religion after his death. (Gill)

GIVE ONLY THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS! (Previous chapter from our text).

Genesis 17:23-27 And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him. [24] And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. [25] And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. [26] In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son. [27] And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.

HUMOR

• Abraham brought everyone together to obey God’s command.

• I’ve said it’s time to go to McDonalds, and my children have jumped up and down.

• I’ve said it is Six Flags day, and the same result.