What Makes A Good Father?

“What Makes A Good Father?”
Matthew 5:16

Introduction

I get on the internet and typed in “What makes a good Father?” Look at what I found…

YOUNG MAN; I am about to become a father and I am freaked out. I have no idea how to be a GOOD father. I did not have a dad for most of my life and I just had to make it up on my own. I made it out okay, but now I have to be responsible for a little baby. I don’t know what is expected of me. Then what? I guess that I just feel unprepared.

What is to follow that makes up the 6 point outline in our sermon this morning. I believe that it came from God through the internet. Actually I was quite surprised at the answers to the question posed by the writer.
So I ask you this morning… “What makes a good father?”

I. A Good Father Helps With Chores

A) Aids his family in need

A good father helps with chores
I have to admit this one threw me one day. My husband had picked up our daughter to go change her diaper and one of my friends was in shock. “My husband would not go near a dirty diaper,” she exclaimed. This was new to me. My husband changed diapers from the very first moment. He gives our son his bath. He puts our son to sleep. Several times, he is the one to get up in the middle of the night with our baby girl. He helps with dinners, medicines, scrapes and boo-boos.
What do we mean by helping with “chores?” These are regular tasks or duties around the house that need to be done that benefit the family.
A good father will see his wife’s needs, his children’s needs and a good father will help them meet those needs. (food, clothing, medical, etc.)
We have been studying on NEEDS in Sunday School and have come to realize that everyone has specific needs while others may not have the same need.

B) Our Heavenly Father helps us with chores (our needs)

God gave and gave to Israel (God’s children) their needs and they never really appreciated it. They continued to need more and more.
God’s grace is so sufficient and our lack of appreciation is so large.
All through the O.T. we seen Israel with a need of a Savior… (II Kings 13:5, Isaiah 19:20)
Now we come to the church age in the New Testament to find us needing a Savior because of our sin.
God sent angels to the shepherds to give them this good news in Luke 2:11…For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

II. A Good Father Disciplines

A) A good father has a set of rules or commandments

A good father disciplines
How chaotic would it be if a father just played with the kids and never set limits or consequences? Let’s be real, my son already discounts my threats or punishments. I think it is part of him realizing the difference between boys and girls. It is nice having a father who is not afraid to punish his kids. I think many times I would give in and my husband is right there standing firm teaching my son respect and manners.
One of God’s greatest examples of discipline is Job. He was a man that “…feared God and eschewed (avoided) evil.”
I believe that Job was a good father and probably the best example of a father in his time, but God allowed him to prove his dedication to God by testing him.
Job 36:9…Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.
It is a father’s duty to bring his family to God’s house and train him in the ways of the LORD. Show them the difference between right and wrong.
Here in Job 36:9, God showed them their sin and that they cannot help themselves when they get in trouble.
Look at verse 10) He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.
A good father demands discipline… “opens their ear” teaches them the results of their sin. When a child does wrong or sins against God…sometimes it is better to leave them alone and let God punish them.
A good father will also teach His children of the joys that are associated with obedience to laws or rules of the Father…11) If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.

III. A Good Father Gets Involved In His Kid’s Life

A) Be a good coach

A good father gets involved in his kids’ lives
My husband is great at this. He coaches my son’s teams. It takes a tremendous amount of patience and time to coach. My husband has been their coach since the age of three. I am not saying that all fathers need to coach their kids’ teams. I am saying: be involved. If your son has a game, be there. If he has a piano recital, be there. If he is singing on stage or starring in a play, be there. If it is doughnuts with dad at school, take the time to come. Don’t let your kids be the only ones whose father never takes an interest.
A good coach is…

One who recognizes talent and puts that talent to use.
Gives his team proper instruction.
Inspires his team fight and win the battle
Shows them the plays (things) it will take to win.
A good coach will always be there with each one.

IV. A Good Father Protects His Kids

A) Protects them from harm or danger

A good father protects his kids
Kids need to feel secure. Whether it is killing a bug or driving safely or paying bills, fathers have an essential role to make their kids feel secure. Fathers have to be able to put their kids before their own wants and interests. Some work two jobs, some take on causes, some battle umpires or teacher, but all of it makes their kids feel protected.
Our heavenly Father protects us from harm, from sadness, disappointment, etc. HOW? By giving us His word to read and live by.
God teaches us in His word that if we obey his commandments that our life will be long, prosperous and pleasurable.
God has also offered his hand in preventing us from suffering eternally in hell. That extension of His hand is Jesus Christ.
II Timothy 1:10…But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
Christ has given us victory over death, hell and the grave. He gave to us immortality (able to live forever, never die).

V. A Good Father Talks With His Kids

A) There are different kinds of talking

A good father talks with his kids
Let’s be honest, hearing how my son shot milk out of his nose at lunch because so and so said booger at the lunch table isn’t the most exciting, intriguing conversation. Fathers need to be able to turn off the TV, computer, etc. and be able to just listen to their kids. It makes them feel important. It also helps you as a parent just be aware of who your kids’ friends are when they are away from you. My husband also does a good job of this and often prompts the conversation with questions about their day.
Do you think God is interested in what we have to say?
Do you think God talks to us?
What are the different ways that we can talk without literally saying a word?
God speaks to us through “His Word (The Bible)”

I. Being A Good Father Isn’t Easy

A) Being a good father is always rewarded

Being a father isn’t an easy job, but my husband will be the first to say it is the most rewarding thing he has ever done.
Genesis 15:1…After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
God encourages Abraham that He (God) is his protector and reward for being a good father.