Speaker: Ps.Christopher Chan
Date: June 20 2010

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Fathers – Rare Commodity
Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. (1Co 4:15)
Rarity of the role of a father: ratio of 10,000:1.

1.  Positive Role Model

• Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.  (Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ). 1Cor. 11:1
• You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men (2 Cor. 3:2)
• “Children identify their parents with God, whether the parent wants that role or not. Most children “see” God the way that they perceive their earthly fathers.

Fathers must lead, by example:

• In faithful church attendance,
• In family worship,
• In affirming their children,
• In consistent Christian living!

2. Provide Discipline

• There are a lot of people around who can’t wait to tell you what you’ve done wrong, but there aren’t many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up. It was as Jesus helped me proclaim God’s Message to you that I became your father. (Msg. 1 Cor. 4:15)
• I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children. (1Co 4:14)

Scriptural Admonishment on Discipline

• “Discipline your children while there is hope. If you don’t, you will ruin their lives. Proverbs 19:18 (NLT)
• He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. Proverbs 13:24 (NIV)
• “Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart.”Proverbs 20:13 (NLT)
• “Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.“ Proverbs 22:6
• In “Don’t fail to correct your children. They won’t die if you spank them.”Proverbs 23:13 (NLT)

Provide discipline is to set “boundaries” in the lives of our children and to rid them of:

• Lack of respect for authorities (prideful)
• Lack of control of emotions (anger)
• Lack of control of desires (lust)
• Lack of sensitivity to the needs of others (selfish)
• Lack of ability to relate to others (competitive)
• Lack of contentment (greed)

Examples of Fathers who failed to adequately disciplined their children:

• Eli, the high priest. (I Sam. 12-17; 22-25)
• David, the king after God’s own heart. (2 Sam 13)