Fathers to Do…

Sunday Message 

1. Build a House – Build a doctrinal fortress for your family using the Ten Commandments

1. God alone/only: God constantly noted, God created, God rules, Go God, God exalted
2. No images – the fullness of God – angry, loving, alive (so praying), true to Word (so reading)
3. God’s name and fame talked of and guarded. God’s smile pursued. WWJD?
4. Sunday is unique – work hard 6 days and pause, ponder, and participate on Sunday.
5. Family critical, so love and support within. Adult roles clear and kept. Parents honored.
6. Life – all life matters. Human life from womb to tomb, in God’s image!
7. Genders and morality are kept knowing God brings consequences if they are not.
8. No theft of money, time, property, well-being (no gossip or slander).
9. Justice and truth loved and kept – the whole truth and nothing but the truth!
10. Coveting, envy, greed, resentment, unthankfulness, discontentment are OUT!

2. Manage the residents – using the Beatitudes

Adam was created out there (Genesis 2:7) and then put in a garden home by God and then given the charge of its management – all before Eve was created.  So, the male has the ultimate duty of home management.  Adam failed when Eve was tempted, thus man lives under Adam’s curse – not Eve’s.

Beatitudes: Attitude and Actions for home residents:  1. pride/self is checked; 2. groan over the sins of others and of self; 3. be humble and submissive; 4. teach God – His will and way; 5. be giving and forgiving; 6. confess and forsake sins; 7. help others resolve issues; and 8. understand there is injustice, rejection, and pain in life.

3. We are at War!  The talk, passions, values, and direction of the world are to be rejected.

I Peter 4:2-3, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.

Rejecting the world will bring scorn, mockery, rejection, and persecution.  I Peter 4:4, In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.

Be wary, watchful and diligent to screen what is watched, played, listened to, and allowed in.

Colossians 2:8, Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (also II Corinthians 10:3-5).

Be armored up:  Ephesians 6:10-13 and Psalm 119:9-11, Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin.

4. Teach and pray for each child’s salvation.  They are not born saved, nor are they born good (Psalm 51:5, 53:1-3); they need to repent and believe!  Mark 1:15

Are they truly saved?  The danger is they can learn the words and ways of a Christian and even make public declarations and NOT be saved!  If saved, their actions and attitudes will show…
…in holiness – a desire to be like Jesus (Colossians 3:12-17), a rejection of sin and desire to address sin
…by faith – marked by joy, prayer, and thankfulness (I Thessalonians 5:16-18)
…in humility – glad to serve, sacrifice, and be second or even last.

Be wise, outward compliance and actions can be a cover-up.  Where is the heart? Luke 13:26, “We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.” But He will say, “I tell you I do not know you”

5. Prepare your family to be tested and to stand and face failures and persecution.  I Peter 4:4

Teach them how to lose – for in losing you win, in dying you live, in giving you receive.

I Peter 4:1, …for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.  Two points here: God uses pain and persecution for purging of the old and our betterment (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5) and at death sin is forever gone, so death is not a threat to the Christian.