The Missing Father Figure

The Missing Father Figure

Introduction:

We live in society where the role of father is being deemphasized. Inadequacies & shortcomings of the father’s role are highlighted & stressed in pop culture. Could the moral decay going on be due to the fact that significant numbers of fathers are either physically or spiritually absent in the lives of their children? I would like to encourage every father here to realize just how important you are. Realize how serious your role is – you are the leader of your family. Realize how much you have been blessed by God – w/a family; job; and promise of eternal life.

I. Scripture presents us w/a clear picture of the peril of absentee fatherhood.

A. _______. 1 Sam. 1:11; 3:1-19 Provided significant godly leadership in Israel.

1. Israel wanted a king was because his sons were evil – 1 Sam. 8:3, 5.

B. _____________. A man after God’s own heart.

1. Had numerous wives & concubines. Many children.

2. Numerous things distracting him. It could be said that David was an ____________ ___________________.

C. The result of David’s absenteeism:

1. 2 Sam. 13 – David’s son ________ rapes his sister __________.

2. Eventually _____________ had Amnon assassinated. (13:24-39)

3. 2 Sam. 15 – Absalom tried to overthrow the throne of David.

4. 1 Kings 1-2 - On David’s deathbed – __________ tries to take the throne by force

D. Solomon’s son ___________ was destroyed by greed, arrogance, unwise decisions.

II. What is a successful father?

A. A successful father __________________ his children. Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21

B. Successful fathers seek _____________ – not ______________.

1. He realizes that he can live as a positive force in the hearts of his children – even after he dies.

C. Successful fathers have their __________________ lives in order.

1. The father is the spiritual leader of the family.

2. We need men like Joshua who decisively determine that they will serve the Lord. – Josh 24:14-24; esp. 14-15.

3. God will not accept __________ making for not fulfilling His plan in your life!

D. Successful fathers are men of ________________________.

1. Make the commitment to be God’s kind of person! Gal. 2:20

2. Be dedicated to God’s plan. Be dedicated to God’s people.

E. Successful fathers are men of ________________.

1. Live your life so it will not be a life full of ____________.

2. How many opportunities have been lost because of ______________?

3. Make the decision NOW to:

a) ____________ the word of God – Psa. 119:9-10

b) ___________ the word of God – Psa. 119:11, 47, 97, 140

c) ___________ the word of God – Psa. 119:17

F. Successful fathers are men of ________________ – Phil. 4:9

Conclusion:

A. Develop the willingness to learn to be a better father in the same manner you want your children to be better sons and daughters.



The Missing Father Figure Introduction: We live in society where the role of father is being deemphasized. Inadequacies & shortcomings of the father’s role are highlighted & stressed in pop culture. Could the moral decay going on be due to the fact that significant numbers of fathers are either physically or spiritually absent in the lives of their children? I would like to encourage every father here to realize just how important you are. Realize how serious your role is – you are the leader of your family. Realize how much you have been blessed by God – w/a family; job; and promise of eternal life. I. Scripture presents us w/a clear picture of the peril of absentee fatherhood. A. _______. 1 Sam. 1:11; 3:1-19 Provided significant godly leadership in Israel. 1. Israel wanted a king was because his sons were evil – 1 Sam. 8:3, 5. B. _____________. A man after God’s own heart. 1. Had numerous wives & concubines. Many children. 2. Numerous things distracting him. It could be said that David was an ____________ ___________________. C. The result of David’s absenteeism: 1. 2 Sam. 13 – David’s son ________ rapes his sister __________. 2. Eventually _____________ had Amnon assassinated. (13:24-39) 3. 2 Sam. 15 – Absalom tried to overthrow the throne of David. 4. 1 Kings 1-2 - On David’s deathbed – __________ tries to take the throne by force D. Solomon’s son ___________ was destroyed by greed, arrogance, unwise decisions. II. What is a successful father? A. A successful father __________________ his children. Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21 B. Successful fathers seek _____________ – not ______________. 1. He realizes that he can live as a positive force in the hearts of his children – even after he dies. C. Successful fathers have their __________________ lives in order. 1. The father is the spiritual leader of the family. 2. We need men like Joshua who decisively determine that they will serve the Lord. – Josh 24:14-24; esp. 14-15. 3. God will not accept __________ making for not fulfilling His plan in your life! D. Successful fathers are men of ________________________. 1. Make the commitment to be God’s kind of person! Gal. 2:20 2. Be dedicated to God’s plan. Be dedicated to God’s people. E. Successful fathers are men of ________________. 1. Live your life so it will not be a life full of ____________. 2. How many opportunities have been lost because of ______________? 3. Make the decision NOW to: a) ____________ the word of God – Psa. 119:9-10 b) ___________ the word of God – Psa. 119:11, 47, 97, 140 c) ___________ the word of God – Psa. 119:17 F. Successful fathers are men of ________________ – Phil. 4:9 Conclusion: A. Develop the willingness to learn to be a better father in the same manner you want your children to be better sons and daughters.