FATHER’S DAY: TRY TO BE A FATHER LIKE GOD
Rodney Langley
Introduction
The role of the father has been greatly diminished in our society. Because of this, we can see how the world is changing around us. We must restore biblical fatherhood to our society. The only way to do that is to look to our heavenly Father as the great example and standard to strive for in our own lives.
I. God loves unconditionally.
I John 4:10: “In this is love, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us...”
God doesn’t love us because we love him. He doesn’t love us because of the wonderful things that we do in his name. He doesn’t love us because we are very loveable people. He loves us because he created us. We belong to him. He loves us and wants to have a relationship with us. He loves us even when we don’t love him. He loves us when we are in rebellion. He loves us when we are mired in sin.
Romans 5:8: “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
As fathers, we should follow God’s example and love our children unconditionally.
II. God provides for all of our needs.
God has given us everything we need to live in this life. Do you believe that?
Look at Matthew 5:25-34; 7:7-11
God did not create us to throw us into the world without a means of survival. He has given us clothing, food, and shelter. He did not promise us laptops, ipods, cell phones, etc. but has promised to meet our basic needs.
As fathers, we should follow God’s example and provide the things needed by our families.
III. God teaches his children.
Through the Bible, God is teaching his children. He is telling us what we need to know about Him. He is teaching us how to live our lives. He has given us his plan of salvation so that we can be forgiven of our sins and have a relationship with him and the hope of eternal life with him in heaven.
Proverbs 1:8 “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching...”
Proverbs 2:1 “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you...”
Proverbs 3:1 “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments...”
Proverbs 4:1 “Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight...”
Proverbs 4:20-27
As fathers, we should also teach our children. We should teach them the things they need to know to make it in this world, but we have the primary responsibility to teach them how to make it to heaven, how to live lives that are pleasing to God.
IV. God disciplines his children.
God disciplines his children. Did you know that? I’m not talking about eternal punishment here, although that is included. God disciplines to correct behavior so that he doesn’t have to send anyone into eternal death.
Proverbs 3:11-12: “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him who he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”
Hebrews 12:5-11
As fathers, we must discipline our children. This is a way that shapes and molds their lives. It corrects bad behavior. Discipline must be done with an aspect of love and softened with mercy and grace.
V. God forgives his children.
God forgives his children. God has provided a way for us to be forgiven. He did this through the sacrifice of his only son, Jesus Christ. Because HE paid the penalty for OUR sins, we can have forgiveness and eternal life.
Mercy. Grace. Love. Forgiveness. Remission. Redemption.
These are all words we use to describe this great gift that God has given us.
As fathers, we must also forgive our children.
Conclusion
We see the need all around us for godly fathers who raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We must strive to be godly fathers and to support and encourage those who are godly fathers. We must also reach out to those who do not know how to be godly fathers and try to teach and encourage them. It all begins with their own walk with God. How can we teach our children how to live for God, when we are not setting the right example?
We offer now an invitation to any who would come forward this morning. Maybe you want to be a Christian? Maybe you want to be a better Christian? Maybe you want to be a better father or mother? Whatever you need, we invited you to come.
