1. Father's Day is a convenient time to study "the father-child relationship." 2. This important subject needs to be studied carefully because: a. God considers children to be very special (Psalm 127:3) b. God considers being a father to be very special (Psalm 127:4-5) c. many people are not following God's plan. 1) "Deadbeat dads" are a serious problem today. 2) Unfortunately, some in the church do not follow God's plan. 3. In our lesson we are examining passages that relate to fathers and children. 4. Let us first examine . . .
Discussion:
I. 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). D. Let us next examine . . .
II. 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, let us examine how . . .
III. JESUS USED THE FATHER-CHILD RELATIONSHIP TO ILLUSTRATE HOW GOD ANSWERS THE PRAYERS OF HIS CHILDREN
A. (Matthew 7:7-8) Jesus assured His followers twice that God will provide His blessings to those who ask, seek, and knock. B. (Matthew 7:9-10) Jesus gave 2 illustrations that involve a man and his son. C. (Matthew 7:11) Jesus asked a thought-provoking question to show that God will provide abundant blessings to those who ask Him for them (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.
