A Praying And Concern Father

A PRAYING AND CONCERNED FATHER

Job 1:5

Introduction: It is a fact that in today's time most children grow up and never serve the Lord after

becoming adults. Ever notice that? Wonder why so many adults don't serve the Lord?

David's son Absalom rebelled against him and tried to take the throne away from him. Why? Eli the priest of

God had two sons (Phinehas and Hophni) who were immoral, unbelievers and just plain rotten. We'd call

them "preacher's kids" today. Why were they that way?

God has given us an example of an unusual father named Job, unusual in that he prayed and offered sacrifices

daily for his grown children and set a good example for them as well.

I. JOB WAS A GOOD FATHER AND HUSBAND

1. He had a large family and all the children were grown, 7 sons and 3 daughters.

- He took good care of them materially, financially and in any way they needed help.

- He allowed them much freedom and paid for their parties and entertainment.

- He offered sacrifices continually for them because he was concerned about the

possibility of sin taking over in their lives.

- He ordered them to get themselves ready to present themselves before the Lord.

2. He was a man of authority, position and wealth in the community.

- He was well known, well respected, a man of stature, prestige and wisdom.

- He did not think himself too well off and did not neglect worship.

- He felt his position with so much responsibility made him more accountable to God.

- Most people of Job's position feel no need to be religious.

3. He was a man who loved his family.

- Most fathers "ease up" on "fathering" when their children become able to do things for

themselves and then cease altogether when they move out, but not Job.

- Job was lenient, easy going but did not lose any of his authority with his children. He still

told them to do certain things, like Worship.

- Job even went to God on behalf of his children offering sacrifices daily.

- Job is a pattern for all fathers of every generation.

II. JOB STAYED CONCERNED FOR HIS CHILDREN EVEN AFTER THEY WERE GROWN

1. If his children had been in trouble, it could be seen why Job would be so concerned.

- Job's children were good children, never causing trouble, so why was he so concerned?

2. Job knew that by nature, they would be prone to get into sin.

- If left to themselves, eventually they would sin against God.

- If left to themselves, they could drift away from God and even get with bad company.

- If left to themselves, they could stop worshipping altogether.

- Job wanted them to stop and think about their actions to see if they had sinned or not.

He wanted them to stay right with God.

3. He also knew that harmless activities could get out of hand.

- Fun numbs and dazes the senses and conscience. It deadens one's ability to sense God and

what is right and wrong.

- When involved with worldly things, the mind and heart is not on heavenly things.

- Job was concerned that his children might become so involved with earthy things that

they might begin to neglect God.

- He knew how quickly and quietly the world can draw one away from God, thus the need

to frequently examine one's heart before God.

4. Job knew also that each of his children was accountable before God.

- Job offered a sacrifice for each of his children whether they had sinned or not.

- He knew that every one is accountable before God, all alone.

CONCLUSION:

1. The Old Sin Nature, our corrupt part that separates us from God is inherited from our father/dad.

- If it is not changed by God's divine grace, that Old Sin Nature will send us to hell.

2. One would think that every father/dad would be concerned that his children not go to hell and if

concerned then that father is bound to pray for his children, correct them, bring them up in

the ways of the Lord and never cease to be concerned for them even when they are grown.

3. What about that father who never warns his children about hell or fails to instruct them in the

ways of the Lord that would lead to their salvation?

4. God expects the father to raise his children in the ways of the Lord and if he doesn't and they

go to hell because of his neglect, their blood will be on the father's hand.

5. Fathers, impress upon your children their duty to God. Too often fathers try to express or show