Fathers From God (Text: Eph.

6:1-4)

Intro: 1. An admonishment for children and fathers. 2. Fathers are told not to provoke their children to anger, but to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Body:

I.

Fathers Who Are Fearless (Courageous) (2 Tim. 1:5-7). A. Paul says that God has given us a spirit of a sound mind. B. The apostle John says perfect love casts out fear. C. Attributes of a fearless father. 1. Stands up for right no matter the cost. 2. Puts God first no matter the cost. D. Think of some courageous fathers/men in scripture. 1. Joshua 24 Choose you this day whom you will serve. 2. Abraham (Gen. 12 leaving his homeland and went into a land God would show him). 3. Noah (Genesis 6-9 followed Gods direction in every aspect of building the ark). E. Our Heavenly Father is the ultimate Fearless Father.

II.

Fathers Who Are Faithful (Rev. 2:10). A. What does it mean to be faithful? 1. Faithful vs. unfaithful. 2. A faithful Christian vs. an unfaithful Christian. B. Attributes of a faithful father. C. Our Heavenly Father is the ultimate Faithful Father.

III.

Fathers Who Are Forgiving (Not Fault Finding). A. Not provoking to anger. B. Anger doesnt lead to forgiveness, but resentment and hatred. C. The Bible describes our Heavenly Father as Forgiving. 1. Psalm 103 as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions. 2. Luke 15 the parable of the Prodigal Son (Parable of the Loving or Waiting Father).