Good and Bad Examples of Fathers in the Bible - Zac Poonen
Visit our website for more information: www.cfcindia.com
Summary
The sermon examines biblical examples of fatherhood, contrasting the failure of Adam's lineage with the faithfulness of Noah. The speaker emphasizes that while initial training is important, the ultimate example is maintaining a high standard of righteousness, even when facing opposition. He urges listeners to invest their lives in building the church, comparing it to the Ark, as it is what will remain through judgment.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Adam and the first family tragedyAdam serves as the first sad example of fatherhood since his eldest son became a murderer, highlighting the long-term impact of failing to properly direct a child from youth.
Jared and Enoch's awakening through the fear of GodAlthough Enoch's father Jared did not walk with God initially, Enoch learned to walk with God for three hundred years driven by the profound fear of judgment represented by his own son's name, Methuselah.
Noah's unwavering standard of righteousnessNoah preached righteousness for 120 years without lowering his standards, successfully earning the respect of his three sons and daughters-in-law who helped him build the ark.
Noah's later stumble and lasting legacyDespite a later tragic failure involving drunkenness, God still remembered Noah centuries later as one of the most righteous men in history.
Job's constant intercession for his childrenGod declared Job blameless because he constantly offered sacrifices and interceded for his adult children out of concern that they might have sinned secretly in their hearts.
Abraham commanding his householdGod chose Abraham because he actively commanded his children and family to keep the way of the Lord by practicing righteousness and justice, fulfilling the condition for divine blessing.Genesis 18:17–19
Isaac's failure in favoritismDespite experiencing his own father's faith dramatically on Mount Moriah, Isaac became a poor father by favoring Esau simply because he enjoyed the savory game meat his son hunted.
Jacob's spiritual sight in his old ageUnlike his father Isaac, Jacob learned through severe life trials to have his spiritual eyes open, allowing him to bless Joseph's younger son ahead of the older with divine discernment.Genesis 48:8–19
Eli's weak rebukes and tragic consequenceHigh priest Eli failed as a father by offering only gentle words to his rebellious sons who stole sacrifices and committed immorality, bringing a curse upon his household.1 Samuel 2:12–24
Samuel's favoritism toward his sonsDespite being a great prophet and prayer warrior, Samuel repeated the mistake of favoritism by appointing his ungodly sons as judges, which led Israel to demand a king.
David's failure to discipline AdonijahDavid never once disciplined or questioned Adonijah throughout his life because he favored his son's good looks, resulting in rebellion.1 Kings 1:5–6
Moses nearly killed for neglecting circumcisionOn the way to Egypt, God sought to kill Moses because he had yielded to his non-Israelite wife and failed to circumcise his son in obedience to God's command.
New Testament qualifications for overseersPaul instructs Timothy and Titus that an elder must manage his family well and have believing children under control, because failure at home disqualifies a man from leading the church.1 Timothy 3:2–5
The three-story building of the churchZac Poonen illustrates the Christian life and church as a three-story building founded on God's love, built upon a daily clear conscience, supported by a godly family life, and culminating in the church.
