My Pop’s Tops!
Ephesians 5:22-23
Introduction: God has a definite purpose for fathers. What makes a Pop tops?
I. His Relationship To His Wife (5:22-23)
The greatest gift you can ever give to your children is to love their mother! Give them a
healthy marriage. They are watching! They are learning from your example! Give them a stable home life. They will feel safe and secure. They are learning how to love. Our society will not admit the damage done to children by divorce.
Give them the benefit of your sacrificial, sanctifying, satisfying and supreme love for your wife. Do yourself a favor and love your wife. Give her priority, time, service and affection.
II. His Regard For His Children
Here are a few things a father should give to his children.
A. Faith: By example. See Deut. 6:1-7
B. Affirmation: Build their self-esteem. Our churches are full of adults who have grown up not liking themselves and the result is relational conflicts.
C. Time: Don’t let work and other activities take precedence over your children.
D. Help: They need help. What kind? How about hitting a ball, riding a bike, with homework, driving a car, understanding themselves, interacting with others and loving Jesus!
E. Ear: Listen to them.
F. Respect: They need our respect, even when they may disagree with us.
Look at the first letter of each of those words – what do you have? “Father”. Be their hero. One man said, “I’m no perfect father. All I’m trying to do is behave so that when people tell my son that he reminds them of me, he’ll stick out his chest instead of his tongue.”
Conclusion: Pops, be tops!
