Honoring Fathers

Honoring Fathers

Biblical Truths About A Father Worth Honoring

Introduction: Happy Fathers Day! Father's day is a celebration honoring fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. The tradition was said to be started from a memorial service held for a large group of men who died in a mining accident in Monongah, West Virginia in 1907. It is currently celebrated in the United States annually on the third Sunday in June. (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia)

According to the Fathers Day Council Facts, "The average number of gifts per dad on Fathers Day is 2.5, with a combined value of $70.00. (On the Father Front, Spring, 1993, p. 1 - Galaxie Siftware. 2002, 10,000 Sermon Illustrations. Biblical Studies Press.) Jack Eppololito wrote, "Our granddaughter's second grade class was asked to write about their personal heroes. Her father was flattered to find out that she had chosen him. 'Why did you choose your dad?' Jack asked. His granddaughter replied with, 'Because I couldn't spell Arnold Schwarzenegger.'" (Humor for Preaching & Teaching; Edward K. Rowell and Bonnie L. Steffen) William Franklin writes, "If he is wealthy and prominent, or if you stand in awe of him, call him 'father.' If he sits in short sleeves and suspenders at the ball game and picnic, call him 'Pop.' If, however, he makes [over] you when you are good, and does not let you pool the wool over his eyes when you are [bad], call him 'Dad.'" (Peter S. Seymour, A Father's Love, Hallmark Card; The Tale of the Tardy Oxcart, Swindoll - Page 204, Fatherhood)

While attending teachings out at the Norton Correctional Facilities, I was surprised to hear that very few of the inmates had good things to say about their physical fathers. Strange to a man you had a great dad, loving, supportive and a great example. I had a father, who in the later years of his life gave his heart to the Lord. It is easy to honor a father like that.

Proposition: I would propose to you that honoring fathers dose not find it's foundation in numerous family retreats, vacations, well written cards, nor gifts. As wonderful as these things are: The foundation of honoring fathers is laid down when fathers, mothers and children place their hearts and minds on pleasing Jesus Christ. Fathers understand their high call when they live in Biblical fellowship with God the Father and Jesus His Son. A man's wife receives far more love when the husband Biblically understands that his wife is his partner in life, given to him by God and purchased by the blood of Christ. A man's children are placed under the watchful eyes of the Lord, when they are Biblically prayed over through the whole council of God's Word.

Interrogative Sentence: Just what are Biblical truths to honoring fathers? The need of the times we live in today, makes it imperative that we place in our hearts, minds and actions the guidance of God's Word along with the illumination of the Holy Spirit on how to live out His precepts.

Transitional Sentence: The father worthy of honor, is the one who is able to submit himself to the whole council of God's Word. Ephesians 5:21 says, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." The writer of Ephesians moves our hearts to what is best for all, "concern for fellow men." (Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 354). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.)The Bible tells us, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4) The Lord through the Book of 1 Peter says, "Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" (1 Peter:5:5)

"Submit" is actually an active verb, "Submitting" (ὑποτάσσω hupotássō) meaning to place under in an orderly fashion [of living]. (Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.) It is to submit to directives of someone. (Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 467). New York: United Bible Societies.) It is to bring under control, to put into subjection. (Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.)

Taking orders from the Lord is what the writer of the Book Ephesians has in mind here. We know that because the writer goes right into instruction for wives, giving exhortation on how to respond to their husbands. (Ephesians 5:22-25) How husbands are to love their wives and treat their children. (Ephesians 5:25-33; 6:4) How children are to react to their parents. (Ephesians 6:1-2)