A FATHER, THE FATHER, THE GODLY FATHER

Bible Texts: Gen.4:1, Eph.6:4, Deut.6:6-10, Num.6:22, Num.30:1-16, Heb.11:6, Lk.18:1, Gal.4:19, Eph.6:4, 1Tim.3:2-4, Eph.5:25, Matt.19:4-6, 3Jn.1:2

Yesterday, we concluded on the second person of the husbandman-husband, and we understood from Scriptures that God does not only want us to be the husband, His perfect will for you and I is to be the godly husband. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, you will live up to the responsibilities of the godly husband. Amen.

Remember that the husbandman is made up of three personalities-man, husband and father. And we have looked at man and husband. Today, we will be closing on this teaching by looking at the third person of the husbandman, father. We will consider a father, the father and the godly father and the perfect will of God for you.

Let’s start our study of the third personality.

Adam knew his wife, Eve and conceived and bare Cain and said for I have gotten a man from the Lord (Gen.4:1)

The Bible passage above helps us to understand the transition of the husbandman, Adam. He was the man, became the husband and now father by reason of the child he had with his wife Eve.

But who is a father? Who is the father? And who is the godly father?

Now, who is a father? A father is the man who has a child(ren) with a woman he is not married to. In our local parlance he is called baby daddy just like you have baby mama. The children bear his name but he has no relationship with the mother of the child (ren). He knows the mother of his children exists but may not consider it important because he is not married to her. His identity is lost as a father.

The father is the man who has children with the woman he is married to and he is able to function as the father to his children. He ensures that he provides the needs of his children but he is absent in their lives. He is physically around the children but he is disconnected from them spiritually, emotionally and relationally. He is an absentee father. He has no godly impact and influence on his children. (Eph.6:4). This category of father cuts across all classes. They are pastors, deacons, choir directors, music ministers, evangelists, ushers, laymen.

But who is the godly father?

The godly father! The godly father does not only have children with the woman he is married to, he also discharges his covenant responsibilities to his children and his wife as their father. He is a good and godly influence to them. That is the person God wants you to be. That is the perfect will of God for you. God wants you to be the godly father.

Let us consider few Bible passages for your study and meditation that will help your understanding of the godly father.

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

The godly father mentors, guides and motivates his children to be like Christ in character and conduct.

This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work…..one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity (1Tim.3:1,4)

The godly father provides good and godly leadership at home, teaching and empowering his children to exercise themselves unto good works.

And these words, which I command thee this day and shall be in thine heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shall 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 (Deut.6:6-7)

God has provided you with every opportunity to instill good and godly values into your children. You must take advantage of time to be that godly influence that your children desire.

As the godly father, you are the first pastor of your children and wife (Num.30:1-16). You are their first cheerleader and motivator. You are their defence. You represent the nature and character of Jesus Christ to them. Therefore, make your life count positively in their lives by becoming the good and godly father. It is a glorious heritage!

SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

• Father, in the Name of Jesus, baptize me with unusual grace to be the godly father.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me to always please You as I walk the path of the godly father.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, deliver me from every spirit of irresponsibility.

FAITH CONFESSION

I have been empowered by the Holy Ghost to represent Jesus Christ to my wife and children because that is what makes me the good and godly father in Jesus Name. Amen.

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Jesus Christ is Lord over all.

Bro. Ebenezer O. Igure

Head of Mission

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