An Outline For "What Makes A Good Father?” Series

Introduction: With few exceptions, every man has the opportunity and privilege of becoming a father. Whether a man becomes a good father or a bad one, really, depends on him and several choices he makes. No man will ever be a perfect father but if he follows the Bible’s guidance, he’ll have a better chance than most to become a good father.

1 He should be a good son

--One of the Ten Commandments: “Honor your father and mother (Exodus 20:12)—

--Solomon gave much advice to his son in Proverbs: don’t join with sinners, stay away from prostitutes, seek wisdom, are just a few of the topics he addresses

--It’s also important for any boy to choose the right way. Ditto for fathers to set good examples (poems like “Daddy Wouldn’t Go” or “Just Like You” should be required reading!”

--Great if not greatest experience: to become a believer in Jesus. The alternative: too many evil choices to count.

2 He should be a good husband

--Never marry an unsaved woman. Solomon married 1000 princesses and concubines and they turned him away from the LORD (1 Kings 11). Paul mentioned believers should not be in an unequal yoke (2 Corinthians 6:14)—what else is marriage but a yoke? United: great; not united: nothing but problems.

--Love your wife like Christ loved and still loves the Church (Ephesians 5:23-24)

--Take the lead in leading the family to faith in Christ.

--Prepare for any number of attacks from evil forces (Ephesians 6)

3 He then should be a good father

--Rejoice in the birth of each child. Each one is a gift from God!

--Be sure to provide for your wife and child. They should come first (1 Timothy 5:1-8).

--Bring up the children according to God’s Word and Will (Ephesians 6:4)

--None of this is a guarantee but perhaps will give guidance on how to be a good father.

Scripture quotations taken from the King James Version of the Bible (KJV)