The fatherhood challenge

Relationships that work (and those that don’t), part 8 of 8

“For you know that we dealt with each of you
as a father deals with his own children.” (1 Thessalonians 2:11, NIV)

I. The challenge: men under attack!

The pressures of being a man

1. Cultural pressure: men are basically belittled

2. Gender pressure: men are constantly confused

3. Parenting pressure: men are not learning leadership.

4. Marriage pressure: men are treacherously tempted.

“Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance… Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” (Titus 2:2,6-7a, NIV)

II. Facing the fatherhood challenge

Learning to be a great man, husband and father

1. Learn your identity based on the way God sees you

“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him;
male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be
fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:27-28a, NIV)

2. Love your wife in ways that build into her life

“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” (1 Peter 3:7, NIV)

3. Lead your children in ways that model godliness

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4, NIV)

4. Live your life in ways that show you live for God

“You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12, NIV)