A Father's Example Print

Pastor David Koop 

A father’s example has a powerful influence in the way his children will view God the Father.

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  1. A revelation that we really are children of God is needed to have a intimate relationship with God.
    1. Romans 8: 14-16 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family—calling him “Father, dear Father.” For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God’s children.
  2. God is the ultimate source of love and strength for fathers.
    1. Psalm 1: 3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither and whatever he does shall prosper.
    2. You cannot export something you don’t have.
  3. God is the ultimate example for fathers. He inspires us to:
    1. ___________to be there for your family.
      1. A study by the National Fatherhood Initiative (U.S.A.), found that father-deprived children are:
        1. 72% of all teenage murderers.
        2. 60% of rapists.
        3. 70% of kids incarcerated.
        4. Twice as likely to quit school.
        5. 11 times more likely to be violent.
        6. 3 of 4 teen suicides.
        7. 80% of the adolescents in psychiatric hospitals.
        8. 90% of runaways
      2. Psalm 46: 1  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
      3. In John 14:1,18-20 Jesus makes it clear God never wants us to feel like orphans.
    2. Keep your _______________.
      1. Good intentions are not enough.
      2. Numbers 23: 19 God is not a man, that he should lie. He is not a human, that he should change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?
      3. 2 Timothy 1: 12  “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day”.
    3. ______________  __________________.
      1. This is one of the four basic emotional needs children must have. The other three are:
        1. The need for purpose in life.
        2. The need to feel secure and comforted.
        3. The need for praise and affirmation.
      2. Lead by love not intimidation.
      3. Romans 5: 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
      4. As Jesus began His earthly ministry He heard His Father  cheer cheer Him on, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
    4. Be a _____________  ________________.
      1. Psalm 32: 8 The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
      2. Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
      3. Coaching tips for a father – Anchor Man – Steve Farrar:
        1. Coach them how to pray
        2. Coach them the most important book in the world is the Bible and to read it every day.
        3. Coach them how to buy a car by taking them with you.
        4. Coach your sons that men protect women.
        5. Coach them about money, 10% to God, 10% to saving, pay your taxes and live off the rest.
        6. Coach them never to make a major purchase without thinking about it for at least 24 hours.
        7. Coach them how to handle pornography before hand.
        8. Coach your daughters that there are two kinds of beauty, outside and inside, and inside is more important to you and to God.
        9. Coach them to respect authority, parents, teachers and police officers.
        10. Coach them not to cheat on homework or tests.
        11. Coach them to a job right the first time.
        12. Coach them to open the door for their mother.
        13. Coach them to share their joys, defeats and hurts with you, you do this by taking time to listen.
        14. Coach them not to lie.
        15. Coach them that something’s are more important than sports, like Sunday worship.
        16. Coach them to change the oil in the car.
        17. Coach your son to be a gentleman.
        18. Coach your daughter to be a lady.
        19. Coach them when you say no you mean no.
        20. Coach them that it is great to kiss your wife.
        21. Coach them that your best friend in life will always be Jesus.
        22. Coach them to stand-alone.
        23. Coach them that it is better to be respected than to be popular.
        24. Coach them that good Daddy’s hug and kiss.
        25. Coach your daughters what to look for in a husband.
        26. Coach your sons what to look for in a wife.
        27. Coach you daughter that both God and you think she is very, very valuable and she won't act cheap.
        28. Coach you son to keep his hands off his date.
        29. Coach your children to love people and use things instead of the other way around.
        30. Coach them to measure twice and cut once.
        31. Coach them that Daddy will never leave mommy.
        32. Coach them that the narrow way is always the best way.
        33. Coach them that there is nothing they can do that would make you stop loving them.
        34. Coach them that there is nothing they could ever do that would make God from stop loving them.