Fathers Teaching Children

This sermon is based on two key Bible passages: Ephesians 6:4 and Proverbs 22:6, asserting that the relationship between God and humans is compared to a father-child relationship, something no other religion possesses. The author cites the Lord's Prayer, "Our Father in heaven," and passages from Romans 8 and Galatians 4 to demonstrate that believers are called children of God. This brings great comfort to those who no longer have a father or lack a good relationship with their father, since they always have a Father in heaven. The sermon also emphasizes that Scripture teaches children to honor their parents, meaning to maintain respect and love even when parents make mistakes.

The second section develops the argument that good intentions are insufficient for effective child-rearing. The author illustrates this with the story of Michael Jackson, who lost his childhood because his father was strict and never expressed love. The sermon deeply explores the concept of "do not provoke your children to anger" in Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21, explaining that excessive discipline lacking compassion can create anger, bitterness, and discouragement in children as they grow. The author points out that Paul writes this specifically to fathers because men tend to be quick-tempered and act according to their anger. Most importantly, the sermon emphasizes that fathers must first change themselves, learning to control their anger, before they can teach their children effectively.

The third section explores the necessary balance between strict discipline and tender compassion in raising children. The author explains that discipline requires firm action to change wrong behavior into right behavior, while instruction requires listening, empathy, and persuasion. The sermon stresses that fathers need both: the "tough man" must also have a "tender heart." This aligns with the concept of "nurturing" in Ephesians 6:4, showing that teaching children requires time and must begin when they are young, since Proverbs 22:6 teaches: "Train up a child in the way he should go; Even when he is old, he will not depart from it." The author also points out that fathers must teach their children about God, salvation, and faith, and this is the father's responsibility, not just the mother's or the church's.

The final section treats the example of General Douglas MacArthur, who received the award for being a good father in 1942. The author cites MacArthur's acceptance speech, in which he declares that he is more proud of being a father than being a general, because "A soldier must destroy in order to build. A father only builds, never destroys." The sermon concludes with the message that parents can only teach their children, but real change comes from their children's own decisions and God's grace. The author quotes 1 Corinthians 3:6 ("I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth") to emphasize that parents must pray regularly and entrust their children to God's care and guidance.