Instruction to Dad's

November 10, 2018

Proverbs 27:11

One finds a parents instruction to his children in verse eleven, “Be wise, my son, and bring my heart joy so that I can answer anyone who taunts me.”  Often, even the child that is given such instruction has brought shame to their parents, but one must understand there is much more to being a parent than telling a child not to bring shame to our door.

Shall we explore the apostle Paul’s first letter to young Timothy in chapter 3 and verses 1-7?  It is clear the apostle is referring to the office of overseer or pastor, but it should give any dad a path or model for raising Godly children.  As a dad, should you not be above reproach and honor the Covenant you entered into with your wife before God and witnesses?  As one who has been ordered by God to instruct your children in the ways of righteous living, is it not wise to be sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable and hospitable?  Never be under the control of adult beverages, or punish a child when angry, but always ask your Father to guide your thoughts to the correct discipline for the offense.

Many of us have dropped the ball as dads and have not been gentle, wanting to argue instead of listening and showing respect to your child.   A large percentage of parents have put the desire of money or love of money as the object of their affection.

Paul is warning the young man not to do so and to instruct leaders and dads to be the leader, and if you are allowing your wife to take that role both your children and wife will not respect you.  So let this counsel be your guide, shall we look at the apostle’s counsel in verses 4-7?   ^“He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, ⁵ for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? ⁶ He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.⁷ Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.”

After making man and woman, our great Creator told the man to marry, to have a family and to work to provide protection, food, and shelter, for sin had not entered into the world, for the man and women walked with God in the Garden.  There was no need for a church, it was in the future but Adam and Eve sinned, and it was a game changer.  With sin came the need for instruction, and a Savior to redeem us from the wrath of God.  Yes, these are to a leader of the Church, but as a member of that body, should it not be your desire and goal to apply these to your life?

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice