A FATHER’S RESPONSIBILITY

Proverbs 22:6

  1. we need to talk of God’s Word
    1. we need to take the time to talk with our families of the things of God – Duet. 6:4-9
    2. God’s Word is important for our lives as well as for the lives of our children – Ps. 119:11, 14, 105, 130
    3. our text admonishes us to "Train up a child"
      1. dedicate or set aside for God's purpose
      2. we must have clear cut objectives of what we plan to teach them
      3. we must create a strong desire for spirituality in there lives
    4. some principles for training – Proverbs 22:6
      1. training is more than teaching
        1. teaching deals with the mind
        2. training deals with the will
        3. training is not only TELLING them what to do, but SHOWING them how to do it
        4. training is bringing our families to the place that they are accustomed to dong right habitually, willingly and happily
      2. prevention is better that cure
        1. this means start early and stay on the job constantly
        2. be aware of what is going on around us and our families
      3. habit precedes understanding
        1. habits are hard to break
        2. when children get into their teens they start to question the things we have taught them
        3. this is the time those things are being weighed
        4. they are deciding if these will be THEIR convictions also
      4. example is better than precept (actions speak louder than words)
      5. love that draws is better than law that demands
  2. we need to do God’s Word – Exodus 20:5-6
    1. we should pray for our families, and pray for them
    2. praise is very important
      1. praise God
      2. praise your wife and children, this teaches them to be grateful
    3. listen to them
      1. God listens to us; He even asks us to bring our needs to Him
      2. spend enjoyable time with them
    4. we must be saved
    5. we must have the "great" commandment firmly planted in our hearts – Matthew 22:37-38
      1. as we love the Lord we become more like him
      2. as we become more like Him, more of His love and action show up in our lives
      3. when our families see that the Lord is REAL to us, they begin to realize just how important it is to also love Him
      4. this is what being a father is all about