ATTRIBUTES OF A GODLY FATHER

I Thess. 2:6-12

I. Background
   A. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man , so are children of his youth - Ps 127:4
   B. The Father has great  impact on what his children become - like an archer has on the arrows he shoots
   C. Fathers should ensure their children are educated and learn to work - but their eternal destination is so much more important

II. Five Attributes Of A Godly Father
   A. Express Genuine Love - vs. 8
      i) need to tell our children we love them as well as show them
      ii) the Lord had no trouble showing and telling others about his love for them - Jn 11: 3
      iii) I Jn 3 says to love in deed and action - do the loving thing !
   B. Open Yourselves Up To Your Family - vs 8
      i) let your family know what's on your mind - good and bad
      ii) make it clear your children are always welcomed to come home ; come here first if you are in trouble
   C. Teach Your Children To Work Hard - vs 9
      i) Jewish Proverb : if you do not teach your children to work , you teach them to steal
      ii) teach them to work that they may be able to help others - Eph 4:28
   D. Be Spiritual - vs 10
      i) let your children hear you pray ; let them see you study your Bible
      ii) let them see a Godly life - practice what you preach
      iii) children learn best by Example , Example , and Example
   E. Be Positive - vs. 11
      i) exhort and comfort
      ii) say 3 good things for every criticism
      iii) the Prodigal knew there was comfort with his Dad - not probation !

III. Dads Our Children, In Large Part, Are What We Make Them