The Role of Fathers

INTRODUCTION.

A.        There are many people who reject the idea of the father being the head of the house and are trying to change our way of thinking on the matter.

1.         There are “women movements” in our country that are trying to take away the need for fathers in the home.

2.         Many people in our society are pushing to strip away the respect that fathers are due. Many in our society no longer acknowledge the position of the father as being the head of the house. As a result, many fathers are no longer leading their families.

B.        It is the purpose of this lesson to consider the role of the father in the home.

I.         THE FATHER IS TO GUIDE HIS FAMILY.

            A.        From the beginning of time, God has ordained that the father is to lead or guide the family. Since there are two parties involved in a marriage, it stands to reason that one of the two must take the lead.

                        1.         In the beginning, after Adam and Eve had sinned, God told Eve that her desire would be for her husband and that he would rule over her. (Genesis 3:16)

                        2.         From the beginning of time to the New Covenant, this rule has not changed. (Ephesians 5:22-24)

            B.        The areas in which the father is to lead the family can be divided into two areas: Physical and spiritual.

                        1.         The physical areas would be those areas of everyday affairs. The father must, in a proper and wise manner, guide his family down the road of life. Without guidance, the family will fall.

                        2.         The spiritual areas would be the areas of most importance.

                                    a.         The spiritual areas are so often overlooked in the name of tending to the physical areas. If the father properly guides his family in the physical areas but overlooks the spiritual areas, what good will the father have done?

                                    b.         An example would be Abraham. Abraham guided his family in the ways of the Lord. (Genesis 18:19)

            C.        In order for the father to properly guide the family in the spiritual areas, he must be a proper guide. How will the family respect their father’s guidance if they do not see him as their guide?

            D.        A father will be the proper guide by:

                        1.         Studying God’s word on a regular basis. (II Timothy 2:15)

                        2.         Lift up holy hands, praying to God. (I Timothy 2:8)

                        3.         Live according to the word of God by walking in the Spirit. (Romans 8:9-11; Galatians 5:25)

II.       THE FATHER IS TO PROTECT THE FAMILY.

            A.        Typically, the father is thought of as the protector of the family. Although some women would take offense at this thought, it is nevertheless true. Even God, in His infinite wisdom, teaches that man is to protect the woman.

                        1.         The woman is considered the weaker vessel. (I Peter 3:7)

                                    a.         Many women might not admit to being the weaker vessel, thinking it to be degrading. On the contrary, the husbands are to give honor to their weaker vessels.

                                    b.         The woman is seen as the weaker vessel in God’s command to Adam. God told Adam, not Eve, that he would work hard in order to live. This physical and strenuous work was given to Adam because he was the stronger vessel.

                        2.         The proper love for one’s wife demands protection for the wife and family. (Ephesians 5:25-28)

                                    a.         Christ died for the church because He loved the church. As obedience members of the church, Christians are recipients of Christ’s protection in that He died to save them from eternal torment in hell.

                                    b.         The husband is commanded to love his wife as Christ loved the church. With this same love, the husband should put the safety and well being of his wife or his family above his own safety and well being. The love demands that the husband protect his family.

            B.        A husband must also protect his family from the fiery darts of Satan. He should use that shield of faith. (Ephesians 6:16)

                        1.         The husband can protect his family by not allowing any wicked influences into the safe haven of his home.

                        2.         The family and its activities should be guided by the Word of God. The father, in order to protect his family from Satan, must insist and even command that God’s word be followed.

                        3.         If the father fails to protect his family from Satan while they are under his rule, then the father has failed his responsibility. What good will a nice home and a fancy car do the members of his family if they end up losing their souls?

III.      THE FATHER IS TO PROVIDE FOR HIS FAMILY.

            A.        From the beginning of time, God commanded the man to work in order to provide for his family. (Genesis 3:17-19)

                        1.         Because of his love for his family, the father should be willing to work nearly any job in order to provide for his family. (Ephesians 5:25-28)

                        2.         Paul referred to the man who is unwilling to provide for his family as being worse than an infidel (unbeliever). (I Timothy 5:8)

                        3.         Too many of our young men are not being taught the importance and the necessity of providing for their own future families.

            B.        Not only are physical provisions important, but so are the spiritual provisions.

                        1.         Fathers are to teach God’s word to their families. (Ephesians 6:4)

                        2.         Because of his love for his family, a father should try to provide his family whatever is necessary in order for the family members to be pleasing in the eyes of God. (Ephesians 5:25-28) That which must be provided is God’s word. (II Timothy 3:16-17)

                        3.         The father must teach his family to pray, to study, to always stand up for God, and to support and defend the church of Christ, which is the body of Christ.

                        4.         As with the physical provisions, too many of our young men are no being raised up to understand the importance and the necessity of properly providing their future families with God’s word.

CONCLUSION.

A.        To fathers, the question must be asked, “Are you leading your families, protecting your families, and providing for your families, in both the physical and the spiritual areas?

B.        If not, then do your best to change. Please remember, no matter how important the physical needs of the family are, the needs of their souls will always take precedence. If you are not fulfilling the role of the father as you should be, then now is the time to change. Please do not delay; your family and their souls are at stake.

C.        To mothers and children, the question must be asked, “Do you fully appreciate the burden of responsibility that is placed upon your fathers and husbands? Do you make his role easier or harder?” Wives, obey God by being in subjection to your husband. Children, obey God by obeying and honoring your fathers.

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The Role of Fathers -- June 16, 2002 -- File # 2566

by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK