Daily Devotional

A Ministry of the Kerwin Baptist Church

November 9, 2018

by Pastor Hawtree

I AM PERSUADED THAT HE IS ABLE:

TO HELP ME BE A GODLY FATHER

Proverbs 4:1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. 3 For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. 4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

There is no occupation or career that is more profound and deeply impacting than the joy of being a father! Nothing can compare with the thrill of leading young lives and leading them to a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Being a father is a great and intense responsibility. There is no time clock—although many Dad’s believe there is. There are no set working hours. There is no set job description. There is no retirement. Dad’s, let me encourage you today! When you don’t know what to do, say, or think, there is a place to turn—the Bible! God’s Word!
2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
The goal is not to just be a father, but to be a godly father! What are the characteristics of a godly father? The book of Proverbs was written primarily by King Solomon. The first seven chapters were written directly to his son. He said, “My son,” fifteen times in the first seven chapters. King Solomon had an intense desire to impart wisdom, direction, and godly counsel to his son.
In this passage, Solomon shares loving, godly instruction. Look with me at three valuable attributes of a godly father.
A Godly Father Must Be Willing
Fathers are leaders no matter how you look at it, and a leader cannot lead someone to a place that he himself has not been. Being a godly father who leads his children to righteous living begins with a desire—a will! How do you build a determined will to be a godly father? First:
To Saturate yourself in the Word of God. Solomon gave his son good doctrine! It wasn’t what he thought. It wasn’t just what he was taught. It wasn’t the latest trend or fancy. It was what God had said, and it was right—it was good. Simply put, you cannot give what you do not have. Dad, it is your responsibility, not just the church’s, to give your children the Word of God!
Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.