The Fearful Father

A Closer Walk with Thee

Meditations on Christian Doctrine

_______________________________

The Fearful Father

Sermon Outline

Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Acts 20:28

NKJV

In ancient China, the people desired security from the barbaric hordes to the north, so they built the great Chinese wall. It was so high they knew no one could climb over it and so thick that nothing could break it down. They settled back to enjoy their security. During the first 100 years of the wall’s existence, China was invaded three times. Not once did the barbaric hordes break down the wall or climb over the top. Each time they bribed a gatekeeper and then marched right through the gates. The Chinese were so busy relying upon the walls of stone that they forgot to teach integrity to their children.

Are we teaching our children integrity? Do our children respond to life the same way when we are not around – as when we are? Are we endeavoring as Christian Fathers to raise our young ones in the “nurture and admonition of Jesus Christ our Lord”? As Ephesians 6:4 says we must do. "Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Eph_6:4).

Max Jukes lived in New York. He did not believe in Christ or in Christian training. He refused to take his children to church, even when they asked to go. He has had 1,026 descendants-300 were sent to prison for an average term of 13 years each; 190 were public prostitutes; 680 were admitted alcoholics. His family thus far, has cost the state in excess of $420,000. They have made no contribution to society that is of any benefit.

Jonathan Edwards lived in the same state, at the same time as Jukes. He loved the Lord and saw that his children were in church every Sunday, as he served the Lord to the best of his ability. He has had 929 descendants-of these, 430 were ministers; 86 became university presidents; 75 authored good books; five were elected to the United States Congress and two to the Senate. One was Vice-President of this nation. His family never cost the state one cent but has contributed immeasurably to the life of plenty in this land today.

Jonathan Edwards was a man of principle who feared God- do you?

We must be good fathers to our children – Col 3:20

20 lChildren, obey your parents min all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

21 nFathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Likewise in Ephesians 5:4 we read - And cyou, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but dbring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

The Father is looked upon as the major instructor of a families children in the ways of righteousness.

This instruction extends beyond devotions or Sabbath days and enters into every day life. Each and every moment spent with a child is an opportunity for instruction in righteousness.

Mowing the grass

Fixing the roof

Playing ball

Playing dolls

Confrontation of sin

Confession of personal sin

But we could go on all day about WHAT Fathers should do and WHO Fathers should be and WHEN and WHERE and HOW Fathers should act; We could beg from scripture numerous texts that would show us how to train our children.

Truth is though that a Father is only as good as the Father he serves. Our relationship with the family is only as good as our relationship with God. You cannot impart wisdom you do not possess. You cannot teach that which you have never been taught. You cannot disciple others until you are a disciple – and you cannot live out spiritually what has never been put in.

Mat 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.

Think About It

Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Much of Christianity is better caught than taught. For the Christian Father we should not be surprised when we learn that our children “Do as they see and not as we say.”

Today’s exhortation is not one that says: “Here is what you should be doing as a Father” But rather it is a message of “Here is who you should know and please to be a Father.”

But before we begin let’s pray:

Have you responded to Christ’s invitation in Matthew 11:28… Take My yoke upon you dand learn from Me, for I am 6gentle and elowly in heart, fand you will find rest for your souls…