The Influence of a Godly Dad
63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes
90% of all runaway children are from fatherless homes
85% of all children with behavioral disorders are from fatherless homes
80% of rapists with violent anger disorders are from fatherless homes
71% of high school dropouts are from fatherless homes.
75% of all adolescent chemical abuse patients in drug treatment centers are from fatherless homes.
85% of all youths in prison are from fatherless homes
1st A godly father leaves a legacy
Deuteronomy 5:29 NLT
Oh, that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever.
Deuteronomy 6:1-3 ESV
"Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the rules that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, that you may fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son's son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long. Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.
1. That you may enjoy long life
Proverbs 9:10-11 NLT
Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life.
Proverbs 22:4 NLT
True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.
Ephesians 6:2 MSG
If you honor your father and mother, "things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth."
2. That it might go well with you
Deuteronomy 6:2-3 ESV
…keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long. Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you…
3. That you might increase greatly in a wonderful land
Deuteronomy 6:2-3 ESV
…keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long. Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you in a land flowing with milk and honey.
2nd A godly father loves God intensely
Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
1. Parents are to love God with a sincere love
Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
2. Selfless love
Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
3. Strong love
Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
3rd A godly father lives with spiritual intentionality
Deuteronomy 6:6-7a ESV
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children,
Deuteronomy 6:7a NIV
Impress them on your children.
1. You do it convictionally
Deuteronomy 6:6 ESV
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.
2. You do it consistently
Deuteronomy 6:7a ESV
You shall teach them diligently to your children,
3. You do it conversationally
Deuteronomy 6:7 ESV
You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Deuteronomy 6:20-21 ESV
"When your son asks you in time to come, 'What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the Lord our God has commanded you?' then you shall say…
4. You do it conspicuously
Deuteronomy 6:8-9 NIV
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Helpful Resources for Parents
Answering Bible Questions:
GotQuestions.org
Bible.org
DesiringGod.com
AnswersInGenesis.org
StudyLight.org
Media Reviews:
PluggedIn.com
Helpful Blogs/Articles:
TheGospelCoalition.org
TheBibleProject.com
GospelProject.com
Ask a Question about the Bible or Theology:
JamesRiver.church/theology
