I Will Remember Those Who Helped Me

Introduction:

Heb. 13:7 – applies to the impact of dads. Dads have a great influence on their families. They are the key to the development of knowledge/wisdom of the next generation. Need to honor them, especially if they have played a significant role in our growth. See Proverbs 10:1-10.  Today, we will discuss ways dads can live so that they can encourage their families to spiritual growth.

I. Dads help us by teaching us the meaning of honor & character.

A.     Pro. 10:2, 9

1.     Focus on 10:2a. Principle seen elsewhere in Proverbs: 16:8; 21:6

2.     It is seen in telling the truth.

3.     It is seen in responsibility; hard work; genuine Christian faith.

B.     Titus 2:7-8a – this starts on the inside.

1.     Honor & character are not determined by circumstances.

2.     No one can address the issues of our heart but our self.

C.     Honor & Character must be placed at the very top of our self-improvement list.

II. Dads help us by teaching lasting values.

A.     Pro. 10:3

1.     The point: We need to be sure we want the things God will bless, not the things he will destroy.

2.     Fathers should teach us to seek things of lasting value.

B.     Pro. 10:4-5 – are you a diligent person?

1.     Ecc. 9:10; Col. 3:23-24

2.     Fathers have an important job in teaching their kids the value of a strong work ethic.

C.     Pro. 10:6-7 – live in such a way as to have a positive legacy

1.     An essential to this is minding the words we speak. Must make a commitment to keep cruel, harmful speech from coming out of our mouth. Mt. 12:37.

2.     Pro. 10:7 – live in godliness, and you will leave a worthy legacy.

III. Dads help us by teaching us to follow God’s commandments.

A.     Pro. 10:8-9 – we must respect authority – God’s authority. Be committed to walking in uprightness, integrity, and virtue.

B.     Pro. 10:10 – these values will be seen in the way we treat others.

1.     it is often in the smallest situations where our words and actions speak the loudest.

C.     Eph. 6:4 - This should be from the perspective of influence – not control.

1.     This is the dad who has his spiritual priorities in order.

                                              a.     Like Joshua – 24:14-15 – he has decisively determined to serve the Lord.

2.     God wants you to set the example for your family.

                                              a.     In placing PEOPLE over things

                                              b.     In performing SERVICE over exercising power.

                                              c.     In living by PRINCIPLE rather than convenience.

                                              d.     In looking at THE LONG VIEW over the immediate.

Conclusion:

A.     Heb. 13:7

1.     Identify five persons who had the greatest influence/impact on our spiritual growth & development.

B.     Are you living right?

1.     No greater way to start off your influence than by living for God.