FATHER’S DAY
1Thess 2:10-12
Introduction: Story of 2 fathers: Woodhaven, and football/faith. Sons imitate their fathers
I. Traits of a good father – These should be visible to men and God.
A. Righteous – Morally correct – ILLUS 275 Iceberg rooted in Jesus Christ. ILLUS 1147 Chinese symbol – Lamb over me.
1. Morality a problem in Thessalonica – pagan rituals, confusion on how to act
2. High moral standards = high calling from God.
B. Blameless – Not free from sin – sets example, works hard (demonstration of love)
C. Holy – Hardest of the 3 – ILLUS 655 – you, Israel, Jerusalem, belong to God, you are holy –ILLUS 1146 – Different colored glass - ILLUS 659 – C.S. Lewis quote : “How little people know who think holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing…it is irrestible. If even 10% of the world’s population had it, would not the whole world be converted and happy before a year’s end?”
II. What a good father does –
A. Encourages – Important from Dad – ILLUS 390 – Prison inmates
B. Comforts – As Jesus comforts, the touch of a Dad. ILLUS 26 – Little girl and shot.
C. Urges to a Godly life – Most important
III. What the Heavenly Father does
A. Calls into His kingdom and glory.
Conclusion: Children of God imitate God.
