Ephesians 6:4

 

Ephesians 6:4

Fathers are to Raise Up Godly Children

Eph 6:4  And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 

          1.     Fathers are to:

a.      Why is Paul primarily directing this instruction to the fathers?

                                               i.     Because God is the ultimate example of a Father - Romans 8:14-17 

                                             ii.     Not because mothers are not to be involved

1.     Proverbs 1:8; Proverbs 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:5 

                                            iii.     Because fathers are to be the head of the home - Ephesians 5:23 

b.     Not provoke their children

                                               i.     Fathers must never abuse their children physically, emotionally or spiritually

c.      Nurture their children

                                               i.     Fathers need to be caring for the physical wellbeing of their children

1.     Ephesians 5:29 

                                             ii.     Fathers need to have compassion on their children’s weaknesses

1.     Psalm 103:13-14 

                                            iii.     Fathers need to give generously - Matthew 7:7-11 

d.     Instruct their children

                                               i.     Fathers are primarily responsible for the education of their children

1.     Proverbs 22:6 

                                             ii.     Fathers are to teach their children the scriptures

1.     2 Timothy 3:15-16 

e.      Discipline their children

                                               i.     Fathers are to discipline their children because they love their children

1.     Hebrews 12:6 

                                             ii.     Fathers are to discipline their children quickly - Proverbs 13:24 

                                            iii.     Fathers are to discipline only their own children - Hebrews 12:7-8 

                                            iv.     Fathers are to discipline their children for their benefit - Hebrews 12:9-10 

                                              v.     Fathers are to discipline their children so that they produce peaceable fruits of righteousness

1.     Hebrews 12:11 

f.      In the Lord

                                               i.     Good parents have Jesus living within them - Ephesians 3:17 

                                             ii.     Good parents are renewing their minds regularly - Ephesians 4:23-24 

                                            iii.     Good parents are filled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit

1.     Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22-23