The Responsibility of Fathers - Zac Poonen - June 16, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/responsibility-fathers River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon emphasizes the commandment to honor father and mother, noting it is the first commandment with a promise of well-being. The speaker stresses that fathers must actively teach their children to obey and honor their parents from a very young age. He warns against only seeing the faults of others, using examples like Ham and the black dot on a whiteboard, to encourage recognizing the good in parents.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Children obey your parentsPaul instructs children to obey their parents as the first commandment with a promise attached concerning well-being and longevity.Ephesians 6:1–3
Fathers bring up your childrenFathers are explicitly charged with instructing their children in the Lord, starting when children are very young.
Looking for faults versus remembering goodHuman nature readily spots flaws like Ham exposing Noah, forgetting past faithfulness and focusing on minor faults instead of gratitude.
Providing for childrenScripture outlines that parents have a responsibility to save up and provide for their children's education and footing in life.2 Corinthians 12:14
Instructing children through family traditionsIsraelites were commanded to pass down the meaning of the Passover so children would learn God's deliverance and scriptural truth.
The breakdown of father and child relationshipsMalachi prophesies that before the great day of the Lord, Elijah's ministry will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and children to their fathers.Malachi 4:5–6
Pursue humility and avoid boastingFathers must correct children's desires to show off, teaching them to pursue humility so God gives them grace and support.
Repenting of past ignoranceGod overlooks past times of ignorance, but now commands everyone to repent, turn around, and take their spiritual life and fatherhood seriously.Acts 17:30
Being filled with the Holy SpiritBelievers are commanded to be filled with the Holy Spirit daily, which is the foundational key to being a godly husband and father.Ephesians 5:18
