Spiritual Work of a Dad

1 September 2013 AM – Psalm 78:1-8 – Father’s Day – Scott Childs

Introduction: The work of a prime minister is very important. The work of a CEO is influential. The work of police officers is vital. The work of a teacher is essential. The work of farmers who feed the world is crucial. However, in many ways the spiritual work of a dad is more important than any of these jobs. Dads prepare the next generation for life and eternity. (Read text)

Transition: In our text this morning, God gives every Dad a three-part spiritual work that can reap eternal benefits.

I. Dad’s Have Duties to Perform (2-4)

A.     You have a duty to know the truth

1.      You must know something before you can explain it to others.

If I asked Rani to come up and teach us how to knit baby slippers, he would have a hard time. But if I asked him to teach us something about inspecting pipe welding, he would do a good job. Why? He knows welding but not knitting.

2.      Dads, you must know the truth about God before you can show it to your children.

a)      If you did not grow up in a godly home and attend a fundamental church from your youth, you have a handicap. Read Ps 78:3 again.

b)      You must read the Bible faithfully. Study it carefully. Meditate on it regularly. Apply it prayerfully. God accepts no excuses. Dig in and learn the word of God. It’s your duty!

c)      Let it be your map to guide your decisions. Let it be your compass give you direction. Let it be your authority to keep you in line.

3.      This is not an option. Your family is depending on you. The eternal destiny of your children may hinge on your performance of this duty.

B.     You have a duty to show the truth

1.      You dare not hide truth from your children (v.4). Start when they are infants as Timothy’s mother did.

2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2.      You must show truth to the next generation. In other words, recount what you have heard and learned to your children. This cannot be a one-off talk. It must be a daily practice.

Deuteronomy 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt 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.

Psalm 71:18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.

3.      Are you daily teaching your children the truths you have learned about God? Do you have a plan? Do you have a time? Is what you are doing working? Remember, this is a duty not an option.

II. Dad’s Have Truths to Recount (4-6)

A.     Recount the truth of God’s character (4)

1.      The word translated “showing” means to recount or talk about something intensively or intentionally.

2.      Recount to your children why and how to praise the Lord.

3.      Recount them of God’s strength and might.

a)      History is helpful, but personal examples are powerful.

b)      See God’s might in nature. Note his power in answers to prayer. Explain these to your children.

4.      Recount the wonderful works God has done. These are the marvels of our miracle-working God like the plagues of Egypt and the opening the Jordan River for Israel to cross. Be sure to highlight the wonders that God does in your life and family.

B.     Recount the truth of God’s commands (5)

1.      The Bible is a testimony of God’s character and revelation of His expectations for us.

2.      Build your home on the Bible and your home rules on God’s commands. Let the children know this.

3.      Talk about God’s commands. Help your children see that obeying you is obeying God, and that obedience is for our good and God’s glory.

4.      If you make the character of God a reality, your children will not choke on God’s commands.

C.     Recount the truth of God’s concerns (6)

1.      God wants our children and future generations to know His word and His will.

a)      God warns us that in the last days people will live selfish sinful lives.

2 Timothy 3:1-4 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

b)      The saddest part is the next verse.

2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

2.      It only takes one ignorant or apathetic generation to break the chain of godliness. Do not settle for behaviour modification in your children. God does not just want your children to be good. God wants them to be godly in their hearts and actions.

III. Dad’s Have a Faith to Pass On (7-8)

As an athlete running a relay race must successfully pass the baton to the next runner, so Dads must successfully pass the spiritual baton to their children.

A.     Pass on hope in God

1.      Make it your goal to pass to your child a genuine hope or confidence in God.

a)      This confidence will draw them to personal faith in Christ for salvation.

b)      This confidence will keep them strong when they are tempted to doubt.

c)      This confidence will strengthen them in times of trial and persecution.

Psalm 43:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

2.      The goals of these verses hinge on verses 2-6. Dads must perform their duty of knowing and showing the truth. You must recount the truth of God’s character, His commands, and his concerns. This is how you can help your children hope in God.

B.     Pass on obedience to God

1.      Your children must not forget the works or deeds of God, but rather keep God’s commands.

2.      Remember, you cannot pass on a baton that you do not have in your hand. Faithfully obey God yourself so you can pass on the baton of obedience to your children. Your actions speak louder than words.

C.     Pass on a heart for God

1.      Many have become stubborn and rebellious because their Dad failed to pass on a genuine heart for God.

2.      God wants your children to have a heart that is right with God. You must reach their heart. You must help them develop a heart that wants to do right to please God.

3.      God also wants your children to have a spirit that is steadfast or faithful to God.

Conclusion: Dad, you usually have 18-20 years to pass on the spiritual baton to your children. If your children are young, that may sound like a long time, but I assure you, it will pass in a flash. Do not waste another day.

You have duties to perform: you must know the truth and show the truth to your children. You have truths to recount: recount God’s character, God’s commands, and God’s concerns. You have a faith to pass on: pass on hope in God, obedience to God, and a heart for God.

The work before you is great, but your God is GREATER. If you have been slack in some area of your work, now is the time to confess it to God and seek His help to do the job.

If Christ has not yet saved you, that is where you must begin. Trust Him today.

Song: I Need They Every Hour 318