Sunday, June 18, 2017 - The Faithful Fathers!
Roger C. Marcos
June 18, 2017
Following my father: Dr. Black was a successful physician and surgeon, highly respected in his community. He was devoted husband and father, especially close to his son. The boy was never far from his daddy’s side when the doctor was home. Sometimes Bobby even went along on rounds to see patients, much to their delight.
But there was one place to which father and son never went together. Each Sunday morning Bobby went with his mother and sister to church. The father never accompanied them, however, because he had no use of religion.
Bobby, enjoyed Sunday school, and he liked his teacher. One Sunday’s lesson was about “OUR HEAVENLY HOME.” It interested the children greatly, and many questions arose.
Bobby, WHEN YOU GET TO HEAVEN, What Will You See First? The teacher asked.
Bobby hesitated, then calmly replied, I’M NOT GOING TO HEAVEN. What the teacher, and classmate was astonished and shocked. WHY, Bobby? Surely you want to go to heaven. All boys and girls want to go there. “NO, I DON’T,” Bobby responded. I’m going with my daddy. My mom and my sister are going to heaven, BUT I’M GOING WITH MY DADDY-we go everywhere together! THIS HURT THE TEACHER.
Two or three days later, while receiving treatment from Dr. Black, the teacher related the incident to the physician. At first, the doctor tried to laugh it off as a big joke, but he was plainly Yes, shaken. That is just like Bobby. He always wants to be with me and go where I go.
And where are you going doctor? The teacher’s gently inquiry hit its mark, and the noted surgeon could not escape his dear son’s comments. They haunted him until at last he was driven to his knees in repentance toward God. He accepted the Lord Jesus as his own personal Savior and become a new creation in Christ.
Now he was a safe companion for Bobby to go with. HOW ABOUT YOU, fathers? My question: ARE YOU SAFE COMPANY FOR YOUR SON AND DAUGHTER?
Where are you leading them? If your child goes with you, where will you both end up? Parents, whether you like it or not, you are leading your children either TOWARD HEAVEN OR HELL.
Today we honor all of our fathers, and all the men who fill such important roles in the lives of our families and our church. Fathers we salute you.
"Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a daddy." A good father makes all the difference in a child's life. He's a pillar of strength, support and discipline. His work is endless and, oftentimes, thankless.
Father (pater): from a root signifying “a nourisher, protector, upholder” (Vine, 228)
God is Our Supreme Example of Fatherhood, 2 Cor. 6:17-18.
Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, 18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”
I. FATHERS ARE PROGENITORS (to bring forth, an ancestor). (Father of life)
Progenitor- a person or thing from which a person, animal, or plant is descended or originates; an ancestor or parent.
Synonyms: originator, creator, founder, architect, inventor, pioneer.
A. Fathers Give Life to their Children. Gen. 5:3 GNT When Adam was 130 years old, he had a son who was like him, and he named him Seth.
Can you imagine the great responsibility to bring a soul into the world; taken too lightly. I am talking to myself, and at the same time to the entire man’s into this church.
Our World Needs Genuine Fathers: Father who love God & His word; fathers of faith, fathers with character & courage to meet the challenges of fatherhood.
B. Children Will Be Similar to their Fathers. Gen. 5:3. When Adam was 130 years old, he had a son who was like him, and he named him Seth.
Not just physically, but moral character & spiritual interests, due to the father’s influence & instruction upon the child.
1. Produces A Like. John 8:39, 44. 39 They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did.
44 You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
2. Values they learn, morals they hold, character they develop, attitudes they express & lives they live are shaped by fathers.
4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Eph. 6:4
Train them in the way they should go. Prov. 22:6.
Fathers should be respected & loved by his children - and worthy of their respect & love.
Pro. 23:22 Listen to your father; without him you would not exist. When your mother is old, show her your appreciation.
25 Let your father and mother be proud of you; give your mother that happiness.
II. FATHERS ARE PROVIDERS. (Constancy) they provide, they nurture, and they guide.
14 This is now the third time that I am ready to come to visit you-and I will not make any demands on you. It is you I want, not your money. After all, children should not have to provide for their parents, but parents should provide for their children. 15 I will be glad to spend all I have, and myself as well, in order to help you. Will you love me less because I love you so much? 2 Cor. 12:14-15
A. Father the Provider For their Families.
Physical Provision. 1 Tim. 5:8. 8 But if any do not take care of their relatives, especially the members of their own family, they have denied the faith and are worse than an unbeliever.
Spiritual Provisions. Eph. 6:4 (teaching & correction).
Father leads in the whole training of the child - mind, morals & manners.
Example & influence, Matt. 5:16.
-Our children see us, learn from us & live what they see.
Conclusion:
1. A Father’s Joy & Reward: 3 Jno. 4 Nothing makes me happier than to hear that my children live in the truth.
Prov. 23:15-16. 15 My child, if you become wise, I will be very happy. 16 I will be proud when I hear you speaking words of wisdom.
2. A Father’s Responsibility: Eph. 6:4.