Fathers Have a Great Responsibility (Ephesians 6:4)
Introduction:
1. According to Ephesians 6:4, God has given weighty responsibilities to fathers. a. First, fathers must avoid provoking their children to wrath ["anger" -- Colossians 3:21]. b. Second, fathers are to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 2. While both of these responsibilities deserve our attention, we are especially concerned with the second. 3. God has always considered the training of children by fathers to be very important. a. God knew that Abraham would train his children (Genesis 18:19). b. In the Law of Moses God required the Israelites to follow Abraham's example (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). c. The admonition in Ephesians 6:4 applies to Christian fathers. 4. Bringing up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord includes teaching them God's plan for sexuality -- this is a great responsibility. 5. Unfortunately, some are using the recent tragedy to gain acceptance for homosexuality -- we must follow God's plan that has not changed. 6. Let us begin by showing how . . .
Discussion:
I. GOD REVEALED HIS PLAN FOR SEXUALITY IN THE BEGINNING
A. On the 6th day God made a man and a woman, and He instructed them to populate the earth (Genesis 1:27-28). B. God's plan for sexuality is revealed in Genesis 2:24. C. God's plan has not changed (Matthew 19:4-5; Ephesians 5:31). D. Now that we know God's plan for sexuality, we need to point out that . . .
II. GOD HAS NEVER APPROVED OF HOMOSEXUALITY
A. We learn from Romans 1:26-27 that homosexuality was a sin that caused God to give up on Gentiles. 1. To illustrate, let us remember what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1-13, 24-25). 2. The reason for their destruction is also explained in Jude 7. 3. God did not approve of homosexuality during the time of the patriarchs. B. The Law of Moses prohibited homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22). 1. Punishment under the Law of Moses was severe (Leviticus 20:13). 2. Regardless, sodomy was a recurring sin that the good kings of Judah, such as Jehoshaphat, had to address (1 Kings 22:45-46). 3. God did not approve of homosexuality while the Law of Moses was in effect. C. The New Testament, that is in effect today, clearly states that homosexuals are among those who will not inherit God's kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). D. The Scriptures clearly teach that God has never approved of homosexuality -- it is a perversion of His plan for sexuality that He revealed in the beginning.
Conclusion:
1. We are to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). 2. Many today consider lessons such as this to be messages of hate. 3. Regardless of what others say, Jesus taught that we must never reject His Word (John 12:48). 4. May God help Christian fathers to teach God's plan for sexuality to our children and grandchildren! 5. In closing, let us examine how the people in Corinth received God's forgiveness (1 Corinthians 6:11; Acts 18:8).
