let us examine the father-child relationship (psalm 127:3-5)
Introduction:
1. These verses reveal some important information about "the father-child relationship." a. According to vs.3, God considers children to be very special. b. We learn from vs.4-5 that God considers being a father to be very special. 2. Since today is recognized as Father's Day, "let us examine the father-child relationship." 3. In our lesson we are examining passages that relate to fathers and children. Discussion:
I. LET US EXAMINE PASSAGES THAT RELATE TO FATHERS
A. According to Genesis 2:24, before a man is a father he is to be a husband. 1. God gave a husband and a wife the responsibility of bringing children into the world (Genesis 1:27-28). 2. These guidelines have not changed (Matthew 19:4-5; Ephesians 5:31; Hebrews 13:4). 3. A good husband will fulfill his God-given responsibilities to his wife (Ephesians 5:25-28; Colossians 3:19). B. When a husband becomes a father he must fulfill his God-given responsibilities to his children (Colossians 3:21; Ephesians 6:4). C. Abraham stands out in the Bible as a special father (Genesis 18:19).
II. LET US EXAMINE PASSAGES THAT RELATE TO CHILDREN
A. As fathers provide instruction, children are to listen (Proverbs 1:8-9). B. Children are to obey and honor their fathers (Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20). C. Jesus provided a wonderful example for children to follow (Luke 2:51-52). D. For our final point, . . . III. LET US EXAMINE HOW JESUS USED THE FATHER-CHILD RELATIONSHIP TO ILLUSTRATE HOW GOD ANSWERS THE PRAYERS OF HIS CHILDREN (Matthew 7:7-11)
A. (vs.7-8) Jesus assured His followers twice that God will provide His blessings to those who ask, seek, and knock. B. (vs.9-10) Jesus gave 2 illustrations that involve a man and his son. C. (vs.11) Jesus asked a thought-provoking question to show that God will provide abundant blessings to those who ask Him for them. D. A powerful verse that goes along with the Lord's teaching in Matthew 7:7-11 is Ephesians 3:20. Conclusion:
1. On this Father's Day, let us make a renewed effort to stand up for God's plan for the father-child relationship. 2. Let us also make a renewed effort to ask, seek, and knock for the blessings that we desire from our Heavenly Father.
