Honor Your Father!

Fathers Day 2003,2010,2015

Eph 6:1-3, Mat 6:9-10

Faith Baptist Church/15 June 03/am-FBCW/20 June 2010/am – FBCW/24 June 2015/am-FBCW/19 June 2022/am

INTRO: I would like to share some humorous ILLUSTRATIONS: Let’s move on to our text and more serious line of thought.

In 2020 I preached on the Prodigal Son for Father’s Day, it’s a good message on how we ought to perceive the love and devotion of a father to his children, but more importantly as how our God views our relationship to Him, as His children. Today, I’m going to preach on the command of honoring our fathers. As a nation, we set aside this special day to honor our earthly fathers, but as a nation, we too often forget to honor our heavenly Father. As Christians, we ought to be doing both, honoring our earthly fathers and our heavenly Father, not just this day, but every day,

I. Eph 6:2 tells all of us “Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) In reference to Exod 20:12. Other of the ten commandments promise things if they are not kept, but by keeping this 5th commandment, there is the promise of prolonged life.” What does that mean?

A. We see that with Samson and Absalom they did not live long lives. Samson, a judge, died when he was a young man, he didn’t obey his parents Judges 14:2-3. Absalom rebelled against his father David and was killed when he was a young man. 2Sam: chapters 15-18 It is not just about long life in general but:

1. It was a promise to live long in the promised land, Canaan land. That when they were obedient to God and honored Him, He would protect them, guide them, and make them strong among all nations. It worked too, until they rebelled and dishonored Him. YET:

2. It also applies today, Paul changes the word “land to earth”, from Ex 20:12. He is saying that it also applies to us today, not in the promised land, but that our lives can be prolonged and fruitful in this life however long that may be.

3. When children obey their father, it can often keep them from sin and danger and therefore avoid things that threaten or can shorten our lives. It affects our temporal lives as well as our spiritual lives.

4. It is not just speaking about the quantity of life, but the quality of life. A life, no matter how long, one of joy, hope and peace in the Lord.

B. Is or will your life be as long in the earth as it should be? Maybe that’s why for some of you/us here today, that our lives have been as long as they are. As we honored our fathers doing as they would have us to (for our benefit-by good fathers). As well as with our honoring our Heavenly Father.

On the other hand, many lives that were not lived according to their parents/fathers have been shortened, as well because they did not honor their fathers as they should. (living life in the fast lane and not Godly nor moderate, not benefiting from the wisdom of parents who love us and want what is best and for as long as possible) We have been speaking about honoring our fathers, But:

C. What is really meant by honoring our fathers? It is not just about obedience, Vs1 though that is an important part of it. It is also about respect bringing honor by our actions. According to Webster’s College Dictionary it says:

D. Honoring is to have a High regard or when great respect is given. That is how we are to view our earthly father’s, even if they may have failed us.

1. As I said, to honor our parents/fathers, it means more than to just obey, but to respect and bring honor to them by how we live our lives. (I would like to think that even though my father is dead, if he were alive today, he would be proud of me and that I brought honor to him and his name.) It is the same as children of God, we must live to bring honor to our heavenly Father, that we are pleasing in His sight.

E. It is also To bestow honor to someone that has a keen sense of right & wrong.

1. Those having good judgment and integrity. Our fathers’ even some of us, may not be or have been the smartest of men, but over time have become wise through practice and experience.

2. These things must be taught, not by word of mouth only, but by deed. Living rightly with moral standards according to the Word of God. That is our responsibility, not just our benefit but that of our family.

F. Or when someone has a Reputation of purity/chastity. (not foul mouthed or a liar and of no integrity)

1. Being Ethical in all their dealings and clean minded, not driven by lust or greed or envy. Rom 12:11 teaches us to not be slothful in business, it is really speaking of being diligent and of earnest care in business and all our endeavors. Don’t be lazy about our doing right in everything. Men be men of integrity for your children, for the Lord’s sake if none other.

2. A father is not to be lazy or he can’t care properly nor provide for his family. 1Tim 5:8 God expects all fathers to meet his standard and that is work, physical, mental, and spiritual. “But if any proved not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” With the necessities of life but the necessities of faith as well. (for our more seasoned father’s, to our widowed mothers, take care of them too -1Tim 5:3-8)

G. And yet, more commonly, honor is to come when someone holds a High rank or position. Civil authority – set in order by God. But,

1. There is no greater rank or position of authority on this earth than to be a father.

a. Psa 127:3-5 “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.”

2. Along with the authority of the position of fatherhood comes responsibility of the family that has been given to fathers.

ILLUSTRATION: Read (1) “Dust Like Daddy”

3. It is a high calling, though some are better suited than others.

H. A father meets or should meet some, if not all of these criteria of honor. Therefore, our fathers, and fathers in general deserve honor from their children and others as well no matter what. They are the only one we have.

1. Prov 13:1 tells us that: “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction:

but a scorner heareth not rebuke.” Young people, pay attention to

Dad. For the rest of us, did we? Let us then show our grandchildren

how they should honor their fathers’.

a. As son’s and daughters to our earthly fathers we should

listen to their years of wisdom even if we don’t

necessarily agree or like it. We are never to old to listen

to our parents if they are yet with us.

b. Yet we should heed the wisdom of our heavenly Father

and be an honor and blessing to Him as well.

2. They/fathers should be given high regard simply for being fathers,

and should be shown proper respect for their position. Hopefully

they can be acknowledged for having a keen sense of right &

wrong & being men of integrity (Christian fathers anyways). They

should be properly honored for having a good and pure reputation,

having walked in newness of life, both in word and deed, within

their family and in their community.

1. In this world the only perfect father is on television. (Father knows best, Ozzy and Harriet, Leave it to Beaver, etc.)

a. Fathers deserve this honor even if they fall short of the perfection of God’s Word. They will be judged by their actions and we will be judged by ours.

2. But most all, fathers deserve honor this day for having met these criteria to one degree or another, at one time or another.

3. But if for no other reason, honor him because you are commanded to by God. But, we must/should honor our Heavenly Father, He meets all that criteria and more!

a. Let us honor our heavenly Father this day and every day, but:

b. Men, don’t forget, Fathers are necessary/important for a successful and prosperous society and beneficial nation.

ILLUSTRATION: Read (2) “Are Father’s necessary”

I. There is one other thing that Webster’s says about honor: It can mean to worship a deity. Men, we are not deity/gods, though sometimes our young children may think so, and maybe we begin to believe it in some way. But, our Heavenly Father:

1. Is the only deity (He is God, the Great I Am, the first and the Last, w/divine nature) 2 Pet 1:3,4 It is only in and through Christ that we came become like God and Jesus have divine power and nature.

2. Jesus is deity, therefore so must our heavenly Father be.

3. Then, as deity, God, our heavenly Father is to be, and must be honored, revered and worshiped.

Honoring our Heavenly Father properly, is truly about Worship:

II. Worship is a form of honoring, and Prayer is a part of that true worship. H. A. Ironside said: True worship is the outpouring of our soul by God’s answered prayer, it is a heart in tune with a melody overflowing with love, appreciation, and thanksgiving.” Like the song, “In My Heart There Rings a Melody” Though our children may worship us to some degree, we are to worship our God and heavenly Father in that way, “in Spirit and Truth” Jn 4:24 With a song in our heart not just from our lips. (not lip service only)

Prayer is the beginning of worship and Jesus gave an example/model of how to pray to His disciples and us to honor and reverence our Heavenly Father.

Mat 6:9-10 “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Jesus tells His disciples/us to “Pray after this manner” not as a liturgy (ritual for public worship) or to be vainly and repetitiously prayed. Don’t just pray to pray but live your prayer. On this Father’s Day, let’s look at part of this model prayer:

A. Our Father: (our/my Shepherd Psa 23) He is the Father of His children, those born again. Jn 3:3,7; Gal 3:26

1. Yes, all mankind are the offspring of God, but only those born again are the sons/daughters of God. Jn 1:12 “But as many as receive him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.”

2. When we pray “our Father”, it shows of our relationship with Him.

a. We can and should cry “Abba, Father” Rom 8:15

3. Pray, address God daily, even moment by moment. In worship & praise, with thanksgiving, and in fellowship.

B. Which art in Heaven: Our Father resides in heaven. Not a temple built with hands. Therefore, His children have a mansion He is preparing even now.

1. Not a mere man or super man, but as God! the creator of all things. The ultimate authority over all things and us.

2. He is not a prisoner in this universe, He is above it and beyond it.

a. He is the name above all names. Ac 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

3. He is not beholden to it or us and would be just as happy without us.

4. He is Spirit and we are commanded that we must worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Jn 4:24

C. Hallowed be thy name: Hallowed is His name (honor as holy or sacred).

1. His name is worthy of honor, because He is Holy and therefore sacred.

2. We must revere/reverence His Holy name for who and what He is. He is the only true God.

a. Hallow His name, not only when we pray, but in our living, we must ascribe the praise to our heavenly Father that He deserves. “Be ye holy for I am Holy” 1Pet 1:16

D. Thy kingdom come: Thy (His) kingdom is come (as He rules & reigns in us now and thru eternity).

1. His kingdom exists presently, and believers are a part of it, but the perfection/fulfillment of the kingdom is future, during the Millennium reign of Jesus and ultimately in a new Heaven and new earth. Rev 21:1

2. It is not an earthly kingdom like the nation of Israel was looking for during Jesus’ time on earth.

3. We are to pray and work for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.

E. Thy will be done: Thy (His) will be done: In earth, as it is in heaven: (will = strong and fixed purpose/self-determination)

1. Jesus did always the will of the Father Jn 4:34,5:30. He never did what He wanted, but wanted whatever the Father desired.

2. We too, should desire the same. Not our will be done, but the Fathers.

3. Robert Law said: “Prayer is a mighty instrument, not for getting man’s will done in heaven, but for getting God’s will done in earth.”

4. Believe on the Lord Jesus, Obey the law, and be holy. Surrender or yield your will to His. Just as Jesus yielded to His Father.

5. If you can’t or won’t do His will, it’s because you are doing your own will, for your own reason/purpose. Remember: The Bible says:

a. “Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven”.

6. The will of God’s creation in heaven always does the will of God and not their own. (cherubim, seraphim, all heavenly hosts)

a. All of God’s creation in heaven, and without exception, God expects us to hallow his name and do His will.

b. The heavenly host see His glory always face to face, in ways we can’t yet, but in the future Kingdom, we will.

c. Do the will of God because of the example set in heaven.

CLOSING: Today, as a nation we are called to remember our fathers and honor them. As Christians, God commands that of us everyday, not just this one. But, we are also called to honour our heavenly Father, not just each day, but moment by moment. We should Honor our fathers not only for who they are, but what they are. Honor them, acknowledging, and being aware, of their imperfections and limitations, because of their love of God and family, for their integrity/purity in word and deed, and for their position of authority and responsibility as a father. Let us not forget, to also honor our heavenly Father, the one who exceeds the criteria defined as deserving honor and who never fails us in His love of family. Spend some time this day worshiping the perfect example of what a father is to be. Pray, using the model prayer in Mathew Chapter 6, and live the words you utter. “My Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven…” Fathers’ Happy Fathers’ Day!