Text: James 1:22-25 – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. Today is Father’s Day and we often use the opportunity to reflect on our roles and responsibilities as Fathers. Why does God call us fathers? From Matthew 6:9-11, The Lord set a pattern for us as Fathers using our Heavenly Father as a Model.
a) As Fathers we are to be a reflection of our Heavenly Father. The one the house is looking unto. Matt. 6:9
b) In Hebrew context, Father connotes “Source”. It also means a procreator like God.
c) A Father is the one in charge of a territory, or domain; He is the king in a specific domain. Matt. 6:10
d) A Father is also a provider, sustainer and Nourisher – give us this day our daily bread. Matt. 6:11
e) Fathers are also a benefactor sort of a care giver; one who gives without a motive to get back. Matt. 6:12
f) Fathers are protectors, leaders and defenders. Lead us not unto temptation. Matt. 6:13
A Father is the foundation of every good thing that happens in a family. God sees strength and competence when He made you a Father. This is to enable you pass down that strength and competence to your family.
The pursuit of mammoth has derailed many fathers from their heavenly role to their wives and children.
Many are absentees fathers hence, the concomitant psychological effect on the children. Psalm 82:6-7 – God calls us gods, representatives and children of The High God. As a Father you must see yourself the way God sees you. But if you
will not see yourself the way God sees you, but you shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.
Psalm 128:1-8 gives us a glorious picture of a Father that fears The Lord. – “Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord. The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. Yea, thou shalt see thy children’s children, and peace upon Israel.”
What Makes a Man an Effective Father?
1. A father provides leadership – spiritually, financially, emotionally, etc. – Deut. 6
2. Earn the Honor and respect of God and your family by being responsible – Gen. 18
3. Acceptance of responsibility. Be a good manager of your house. 1 Tim. 3:4; 5:18.
4. Following God and submitting everything about you to Him.
In closing, fatherhood is a God-Ordained Assignment. God is looking for faithful fathers who will give good leadership, correct in love, and love their wife and children. The best thing a father can do to show love to the children is to love their mother. Job 38:3 NLT – “Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.” God has called you a source, Nourisher, Protector, leader, – how much have you fulfilled these roles?
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