And you fathers do not provoke your children

“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. ” Ephesians 6: 4 n “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. ” Colossians 3: 21 n

“Fathers, Train Them”

“Fathers [and Mothers], Train Them”

A Father Must… Protect and provide for his children in the physical/material realm. n Provide for the spiritual training of his children. He must teach… n n By example. Obedience. Respect.

Teach Attendance n “Let the church house be the first public place your baby goes. Let him learn from the very beginning that we always go to worship God, even when it is not quite convenient. ” A Generation That Knows Not God, p. 140

Teach Attendance n Don’t allow your blessing to become a curse to you. Psalm 127: 3 -5 n There will be times when you will need to be reminded that children are a blessing. From the beginning, teach them that first things come first. Matt. 6: 33 n Keep this up as they grow older and become involved in more activities. n

Teach Attendance From the beginning, teach them that first things come first. Matt. 6: 33 n Keep this up as they grow older and become involved in more activities. n n n Example is so important in teaching this lesson. Children must see us “at church” when it takes a special effort to be there.

Teach Quietness n A two-fold responsibility. n n Teach respect for God and the orderliness of worship. Heb. 12: 28, 29; 1 Cor. 14: 40 Cannot allow children to prevent others from being able to worship and benefit from the lesson.

How Do You Teach Quietness? Seek advice from parents who have been successful. n Emphasize quietness from the beginning. n Leave the noisemakers at home. n Never reward bad behavior. n n n The nursery should not be a place they want to go. Proverbs 22: 15

How Do You Teach Quietness? Seek advice from parents who have been successful. n Emphasize quietness from the beginning. n Leave the noisemakers at home. n Never reward bad behavior. n Don’t leave too quickly, but do go out if necessary. n Have short worship periods at home. n

How Do You Teach Quietness? n It is not easy, but with thought and consistent effort it can be accomplished. n n Let’s all be supportive of and patient with parents as they seek to accomplish this. 1 Cor. 13: 4 -7 Parents, there will be some rough days, but hang in there!

Teach Participation Children must learn to worship God and benefit from the lessons taught. n How do we teach participation? n n n Begin with quietness. Don’t let them down onto the floor. Help them hold a song book. When they can write, encourage note taking. Make bathroom trips a rarity.

Teach Participation Children must learn to worship God and benefit from the lessons taught. n How do we teach participation? n n Keep your children with you until you are sure they are ready to sit alone. n n Still a good idea to be able to see them. Move up. n There will be fewer distractions.

Teach Participation Children must learn to worship God and benefit from the lessons taught. n How do we teach participation? n n n Keep your children with you until you are sure they are ready to sit alone. Move up. Talk about the sermons with your children. Sing with and around your children at home, in the car, etc.

Teach Them to Love and Study God’s Word n The Bible is vitally important to their development. n n We want to make Timothys of our children. n n 2 Timothy 3: 16, 17; Acts 20: 32; Romans 10: 17 2 Timothy 3: 14, 15 Our goal is not simply producing wellbehaved, good citizens, but Christians.

Teach Them to Love and Study God’s Word n Tell Bible stories from an early age. n n Deuteronomy 6: 6 -9. Bring them to class and have them prepared for class. n n n Don’t worry if not ready for class as soon as others. Help them with the preparation. As they grow older, encourage them to study for themselves.

Teach Them to Love and Study God’s Word Tell Bible stories from an early age. n Bring them to class and have them prepared for class. n Go to meetings in the area. n Remember to let them see you studying. n

Conclusion Fathers, take this responsibility seriously. n Children will ultimately be responsible for themselves. Ezek. 18: 20 n But we must do all we can to point them in the right direction. n

Are You Ready? n Have you heard the gospel preached? n Rom. 1: 16; 10: 17 Do you believe it? Mark 16: 15, 16 n Are you willing to… n n Turn from your sins? 2 Pet. 3: 9; Acts 2: 38 Confess your faith in Jesus? Rom. 10: 9, 10; Acts 8: 37 Then you need to be baptized. n Mark 16: 16; Acts 2: 38