BUILDING PHENOMENAL FAMILIES (Part 3)
“The Kind of Father a Child Needs” (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12)
There is a war on against your family.
Australian women are 7 times more likely than men to be murdered by a partner or husband (Australian Institute of Criminology).
80% of sexual assaults in Australia are against women and 1 in five of these is perpetrated by a family member (i.e. either a father, male partner or husband - AIC).
The median duration of a marriage ending in divorce in WA is 11 years and has been that way since 1960. The most common age at which West Australian marriages are terminated is when the couple are in their mid-to late 30’s (WA office of youth affairs).
The most recent census shows that marriage rates in Australia are at their lowest since 1978 (ABS).
From the Sunday Times ......
1 in 12 women who were married or in de facto relationships had experienced some violence from their current partner.
1 in 3 young people aged between 12 and 20 had witnessed domestic violence in the home.
1/4 of all teenagers had seen physical violence perpetrated against the female parent.
(Source: Sunday Times, 04/07/04, p. 10.)
Now more than ever children need a father who will lead the way to a life worthy of God in his ......
I. WORK (1 Thessalonians 2:9)
a. Be assured that working to provide is a holy calling.(v9a)
(v9) “...we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone.”
After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children (2 Corinthians 12:14).
b. Keep time aside to teach the gospel (9b).
V9 also says that Paul worked hard “...... while he preached the word of God” to his spiritual children.
II. WALK (1 Thessalonmians 2:10)
You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed (1 Thessalonians 2:10).
A child needs a father who will set an example by his life through his own ......
a. Holiness
b. Righteousness
c. Blamelessness
III. WORDS (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)
For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12).
A child needs a father who, by his words, will be .....
a. An Encourager
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
b. A Comforter
I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them (Psalm 119:52).
c. An Urger (i.e. guide/instructor)
When I was a boy in my father’s house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live (Proverbs 4:3-4).
CONCLUSION
So this is the kind of father a child needs - - - one who will lead them to a life that please God through his work, his walk and his words.
Christian fatherhood is a high calling – there’s a lot resting on a mans shoulders. But you are not alone ............
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him (2 Chronicles 16:9).
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