Characteristics of a Godly Father

Knowing God

Title: "The Characteristics of a Godly Father"

I. Introduction

It is obvious for anyone to see the attack on fathers in our culture

Whether it be an attempt to silence them with accussations of mansplanning whenever they try to share their knowledge

Or portrayed as a bumbling idiot by most hollywood productions that include a father

Even the term toxic masculinity has been disorted to describe any manly trait

Father’s are under attack in our culture.

I beleive is so because of the desire to destroy the family unit.

We see the results of fatherlessness and how it destroys families and that multiplies into destroying our communities

The vast majority of child physical and sexual abuse is committed in single-parent homes, home usually where the father is not present. "Contrary to public perception, research shows that the most likely physical abuser of a young child will be that childs mother, not a male in the household." [Patrick Fagan and Dorothy Hanks, The Child Abuse Crisis: The Disintegration of Marriage, Family, and the American Community (Washington, DC: Heritage Foundation "Backgrounder," 3 June 1997), p. 16.]

The father is the parent most likely to be the protector of children. "The presence of the father . . . placed the child at lesser risk for child sexual abuse," according to David L. Rowland, Laurie S. Zabin, and Mark Emerson, in a study of low-income families.

A British study found children are up to 33 times more likely to be abused when a live-in boyfriend or stepfather is present than in an intact family. [Robert Whelan, Broken Homes and Battered Children: A Study of the Relationship between Child Abuse and Family Type (London: Family Education Trust, 1993), p. 29.]

B. Highlight the importance of godly fathers in today's society.

Heres some disturbing stats:

Father-deprivation is a more reliable predictor of criminal activity than race, environment or poverty.

Father-deprived children are:

72% of all teenage murderers

60% of rapists

70% of kids incarcerated

twice as likely to quit school

11 times more likely to be violent

3 of 4 teen suicides

80% of the adolescents in psychiatric hospitals

90% of runaways

You can easily see why God created the family unit with Mothers and Fathers

Kids need them both for equal and essential reason.

Now if your a single parent please know God is doing everything possible to fill that GAP

Although we see the benefits of having a father who is present,

I believe to improve bring God’s Kingdom to the earth,

seeing our comunities and eventually our nation flourish we required Godly fathers who exhibit Godly character

So what are the characteristics of a godly father?

II. Characteristic 1: Integrity

What is Integrity?

Doing the right thing when no-one is watching!

Proverbs 11:3 NASB95

3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.

1 Peter 3:16 NASB95

16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

Proverbs 21:3 NASB95

3 To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the Lord more than sacrifice.

1. Honoring Commitments:

A godly father follows through on his promises and commitments, teaching his children the importance of integrity and keeping one's word.

2. Truthfulness:

A godly father values truth and honesty, modeling these traits in his interactions with his children, even in difficult situations.

He teaches them the importance of being truthful in their words and actions.

3. Accountability:

A godly father takes responsibility for his mistakes and teaches his children to do the same.

He acknowledges when he is wrong, apologizes, and seeks to make amends, instilling a sense of accountability and humility.

4. Godly Decision-making:

A godly father guides his children in making righteouss choices by discussing moral issues, sharing values, and encouraging them to consider the consequences of their actions.

5. Transparency:

A godly father fosters an environment of open communication, where his children feel safe to share their thoughts and concerns. He is transparent about his own experiences, both successes and failures, and uses them as teaching moments.

6. Respecting Others:

A godly father teaches his children to treat others with respect, kindness, and fairness. He models empathy and compassion, demonstrating the importance of considering the feelings and well-being of others.

III. Characteristic 2: Love and Compassion

The Prodigal son

Luke 15:20 NASB95

20 “So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

B. Explain how a godly father demonstrates genuine care and affection for his children.

A godly father demonstrates genuine care and affection for his children through various actions and attitudes:

1. Active Listening:

A godly father actively listens to his children without judgment or interruption.

He shows genuine interest in their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, creating a safe space for them to express themselves.

2. Emotional Support:

A godly father is attuned to his children's emotions and provides them with emotional support.

He offers comfort, encouragement, and validation, helping them navigate challenges and celebrating their successes.

3. Physical Affection:

A godly father expresses affection through physical touch, such as hugs, pats on the back, or holding hands.

These displays of affection communicate love, warmth, and a sense of security to his children.

4. Encouragement and Empowerment:

A godly father uplifts and empowers his children. He provides words of encouragement, acknowledges their strengths, and helps them develop confidence in their abilities.

5. Sacrificial Love:

A godly father demonstrates sacrificial love by putting his children's needs before his own. He is willing to make personal sacrifices, whether it be time, resources, or personal ambitions, for the well-being and happiness of his children.

6. Consistency and Reliability:

A godly father is consistent in his care and affection. His children can rely on him to be present, supportive, and loving, providing a sense of stability and security in their lives.

7. Expressing Verbal Affection:

A godly father vocalizes his love and affection for his children. He regularly tells them "I love you," compliments their positive qualities, and expresses pride in their accomplishments.

A loving and compassionate father has profound positive effects on a child's development:

A father who is loving and compassionate positively impacts a child's emotional well-being, self-esteem, relationships, social skills, academic success, emotional intelligence, gender role development, and resilience. Their nurturing presence creates a strong foundation for the child's overall development and prepares them for a fulfilling and successful life.

IV. Characteristic 3: Leadership by Example

Proverbs 22:6 NASB95

6 Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Biblical leadership is taught in 1 Peter

yes this is specifically aimed at Church leaders,

but it is also applicable to the leader in the home

1 Peter 5:2–4 NASB95

2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

A. Explain the importance of leadership in fatherhood.

fathers have been called to lead their families

When a father is absent its not the easiest thing for the mother to fulfill this role alone

Ephesians 5:22–23 NASB95

22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.

Now this is not a heriarchy of entitlement, but rather a a structure of service.

Yes the Husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church

But we need to ask the question

How does Jesus demonstrate how to lead?

well let’s continue to read

Ephesians 5:24–27 NASB95

24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.

Leadership is through servanthood.

Jesus gave His life up for the Church. So too should the Husband for his wife.

B. Illustrate how a godly father leads by example through wisdom, patience, and humility.

A godly father leads by example through wisdom, patience, and humility in the following ways:

1. Wisdom:

Proverbs 4:6 NASB95

6 “Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you.

The “her” being referred to in this passage is wisdom

A godly father demonstrates wisdom by making sound decisions based on righteous principles and values.

He seeks understanding, considers long-term consequences, and guides his children through wise choices.

His wisdom becomes evident in his words, actions, and advice, imparting valuable life lessons to his children.

2. Patience:

Psalm 37:7–9 NASB95

7 Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. 8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. 9 For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land.

A godly father exhibits patience in his interactions with his children.

He understands that growth takes time and allows his children the space to learn from their mistakes.

He remains calm in challenging situations, listens attentively, and offers guidance without judgment or anger.

His patience teaches his children the value of self-control and resilience.

3. Humility:

Philippians 2:3 NASB95

3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;

A godly father displays humility by acknowledging his own limitations, weaknesses, and mistakes.

He is open to learning from others, including his children.

He apologizes when he is wrong, seeks forgiveness, and models the importance of taking responsibility.

His humility cultivates an environment of grace and teaches his children the virtues of humility, empathy, and continuous growth.

V. Characteristic 4: Active Involvement

Be involved in your children’s lives

Be intersted in what interests them

Deuteronomy 6:6–9 NASB95

6 “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 “You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 “You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. 9 “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

1. Quality Time:

A godly father invests time in building a strong relationship with his children.

He prioritizes spending quality time with them, engaging in activities they enjoy and creating opportunities for meaningful conversations.

VI. Characteristic 5: Spiritual Development

Ephesians 6:4 NASB95

4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

One of the roles of a godly father is the promotion of spiritual development.

A father can play a vital role in helping a child develop spiritually in the following ways:

1. Personal Example:

A father's own spiritual journey and practices have a significant impact on a child's development.

By consistently living out his faith, engaging in prayer, meditation, reading the Bible, Worship and attending Church, a father demonstrates the importance of spirituality in his own life.

2. Open Communication:

A father creates an environment of open communication where his child feels comfortable discussing spiritual matters.

He encourages questions, engages in meaningful conversations about faith and beliefs, and provides age-appropriate explanations that nurture the child's curiosity and understanding.

3. Teach and Share Beliefs:

A father shares his faith journey with his child, providing teachings and guidance on core principles, values, and practices.

He helps the child comprehend the significance and relevance of these beliefs in daily life, fostering a deeper understanding of spirituality.

4. Serve as a Guide:

A father serves as a spiritual guide for his child, helping them navigate moral dilemmas, ethical choices, and challenges in life.

He provides wisdom, guidance, and encouragement rooted in his spiritual beliefs, fostering the child's moral and spiritual growth.

5. Foster a Personal Connection with God:

A father encourages his child to cultivate a personal relationship with a higher power. He teaches the child to pray or meditate, fostering a sense of connection, trust, and reliance on the divine.

By actively engaging in these practices, a father provides the foundation and guidance necessary for a child's spiritual development.

He nurtures their connection to the divine, encourages moral growth, and equips them with the tools to navigate their own spiritual journey.

6. Discipline:

Proverbs 29:17 NASB95

17 Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul.

Proverbs 13:24 NASB95

24 He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.

disciple out of Love, never anger

dicipline to change mindset, not to control

VII. Conclusion

To Recap the characteristics of a godly father: integrity, love, leadership, involvement, and spiritual development.

Encourage fathers to strive for these qualities and the positive impact it can have on their families.

End with a call to action for fathers to embrace their role as godly fathers and make a difference in their children's lives.