Fathers should be models of self-sacrifice for their children, teaching them how to serve others through their own example. In this way, fathers can instill in their children a love for God and a desire to do His will.
The Bible says that fatherhood is a sacred responsibility. It’s a job that demands much from the father, and it’s one that he can never truly complete. Fathers are called to love their children unconditionally, to provide for them and protect them, and to teach them the ways of God. Fathers are also called to lead their families in worship and prayer, and even to provide guidance for other members of the family who need help navigating their way through life.
Fathers should also strive to be good examples for their children in all areas of life: they should strive toward holiness themselves so that they can teach their kids how to live holy lives too!
What Does The Bible Say About Fathers?
What Does The Bible Say About Fathers? Knowing what the Bible says about fathers will guide you into rightly doing God’s will as the head of a family. In our write-up, you’ll also find the Best Bible Verses About Becoming A Christian Father. Truth be told, there is nothing easy about being a father. This truth holds especially these days that the society makes it easier for children to go wayward. It is without doubt that the waywardness of some children have brought much pain and sadness into the hearts of many parents. Whatever the case, there is always a way out whenever we involve God in the midst of our challenges. Note that God is still saying something about how father’s can rightly bring-up their children and fulfill their role as head of the Christian family unit after Christ.
The Bible says much about what it takes to become a successful Christian father. God in His unconditional love, unmerited favor, mercy and sovereignty has listed a good number of principles in the Bible which fathers can actively embrace in successfully playing their role in the family. It is in this light that we hereby write to present the Best Bible Verses About Becoming a Christian Father. A father who teaches his children the ways of God is likely to call on God’s mercy and favor on his entire generation. Note that a child who is given a direction in his early years is likely to grow following that direction all through his/her life. Also remember that as a father, you’ll give an account to God on the last day concerning the teachings that you gave to your children.
What Does The Bible Say About Christian Fathers?
Israelite history clearly reveals that a father was to diligently instruct his children in the ways of God Almighty. He was to teach them about the laws of God at all times so that they grow with it in their hearts. The children of Israel learned the ways and laws of God for their spiritual growth, development, and well-being. Every parent who obeyed the scriptures did his best to teach his children the laws of God in the morning, afternoon, and evening. God was pleased with such fathers and located them and their generations in His line of favor as we can read from the Bible verses about the father.
We can as well support the command for parents to train their children in the ways of God by reading from Proverbs 22:6 – “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” The word “train” which is used here eventually indicates the first education that parents give to their children. This primary education is intended to teach the child the convictions of his father on the existence, fear, and laws of God. Starting a child’s education by teaching him/her about the fear of God is of utmost importance.
What the Scriptures say about becoming a Christian father
Although becoming a successful Christian father can be challenging, it is not impossible. Through the scriptures, God teaches us how to go about this task successfully. Whenever we are asked what the scriptures say about becoming a Christian father, we point to a clear answer which happens to be the greatest commandment in the scriptures; “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5). A slight move back to verse 2 (Deuteronomy 6:2) clearly says; “So that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life.”
In simple terms, we get the summary of what God truly wants from fathers in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” We can as well capture a summary of instructions to the Christian father from Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” In this scriptural verse, the negative part is calling on Christian fathers not to foster negativity into their children by severity, partiality, injustice, or any kind of unreasonable exercise of authority. Note as a father that harsh or unreasonable conduct towards a child will only serve to nurture evil in his/her heart.
Understanding the meaning of the word exasperate or provoke in Ephesians 6:4
In simple terms, the word “provoke” means “to exasperate, irritate, rub the wrong the wrong way, or incite.” Such is influenced by a wrong spirit and wrong methods which could include unreasonableness, severity, needless restrictions, sternness, cruel demands, harshness, and selfish insistence upon dictatorial authority. It is without doubt that such provocations are likely to produce adverse reactions, reducing the children’s desire for holiness, making away with their affection, and giving them an impression that they cannot possibly please their parents no matter how hard they try. Through love, a wise parent makes obedience desirable and attainable by their children.
On the other hand which deals with the positive part of Ephesians 6:4, we perceive a clear expression of a comprehensive guide in bringing-up children in the ways of God. That is, educating them, teaching them, and developing their character to embrace a lifestyle that is pleasing to God Almighty. In other words, we can talk of contributing to their conduct in all of life by the instruction and admonition of the Lord. This makes up for the whole process of educating and disciplining a child. Still on what the Bible says about Fathers, the word “admonition” carries the whole idea of regularly reminding the child of his/her faults (constructively) and duties (responsibilities). That’s why it is said that the Christian father is an instrument in the hands of God.
Where should I look to begin studying prayer? The first step is to understand that prayer simply involves conversing with God. It really is that easy. Spending time with Jesus is like maintaining any other close friendship or relationship. There is no silver bullet, no set schedule, and no magic formulas. Praying is talking to God about anything, at any time, in any place.
Here are some easy guidelines for organizing our prayers.
Adore God by giving Him your whole attention and thanks. Recognize that He is God. Honor Him for being dependable, good, powerful, merciful, and loving. From the depths of my soul, I will sing his praises: “LORD, who is like you?” Who else but God saves the vulnerable from the powerful? And who else safeguards the helpless from their oppressors but you? (Psalm 35:10).
The Lord always forgives those who come to Him with contrition and repentance.
Daily confession is a spiritual bath. And if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us, and to purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9).
Give thanks to God for all of the good things in your life. We owe Him gratitude for every blessing, great and little. These are the benefits that we frequently ignore. The LORD is good; thank him often. His steadfast love lasts without end. According to 1 Kings 16:34.
Praying: Tell God what we need. God is our Father, and He takes great pleasure in hearing from His children. “Pray about everything rather than worrying about it. Communicate your needs to God and express gratitude for all he has done (Philippians 4:6).
The aforementioned methods are just a few of numerous options available for teaching oneself prayer. Some people find it most convenient to pray first thing in the morning, while others favor the quiet of the night. Some people like to have quiet conversations with God while walking, while others prefer to jot down prayers in journals. Many people pray by reading Bible verses. A quick prayer to God, even in the midst of our hectic schedules, will not go unheard.
When we come to God in prayer, I think He treats us with respect. When we understand that Christianity is a relationship rather than a simple religion, we have a whole new perspective on the power of prayer. Sharing strengthens relationships. The love we have for Jesus is strengthened as well as our faith via prayer. Prayer is the sole tool necessary for success. Stay with me, and I’ll stay with you. You see, John 15:4 says, “Just as a branch cannot bear fruit if it is cut off from the vine, so neither can you.
Understanding The Father’s Role In Bringing-Up A Child God’s Way
It is without doubt that the Christian Father is an instrument in the hands of God. He teaches his/her child the importance of a Sincere Repentance and the need to obey the Key Teachings of Jesus Christ in achieving Eternal Life as oppose to Eternal Punishment which awaits the wicked in the Lake of Fire. However, the entire process of instruction and discipline must be in line with that which God commands and which He administers. This will bring God’s authority into constant and immediate contact with the Child’s mind, heart, and conscience. In this way, the child is more likely to willingly go after the ways of God in love and faithfulness. The human father should never present himself as the ultimate authority to determine truth and duty. The goals of education are best attained by making God the teacher and ruler on whose authority everything is done.
Characteristics of A Father According To The Bible
10 Things Scripture Says About Becoming A Christian Father
1. Be your child’s “first teacher” (Proverbs 22:6)
Proverbs 22:6 – “Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their lives.” It is a Christian parent’s duty to teach or train a child the way he/she should go about living life. Here, we are not talking about the school, the neighbor, or the government but you. It’s your responsibility which comes as a command from God.
2. A father needs to exemplify a good lifestyle (2 Corinthians 3:2-3)
2 Corinthians 3:2-3 – “You yourselves are the letter we have, written in our hearts for everyone to know and read. It is clear that Christ himself wrote this letter and sent it by us, It is written, not with ink but with the spirit of the living God, and not on stone tablets but on human hearts.” It is important to understand here that our children are reading us on daily basis since we are letters from God. They are more likely to do what they see us doing and speak the things they hear us speaking. That’s why as Christian parents, we must pay attention to our thoughts, words, and actions; always making sure that they are aligned with the will of God. In this way, we’ll teach our children with words and actions.
3. Provide for your family (1 Timothy 5:8)
1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if anyone does not take care of his relatives, especially the members of his own family, he has denied the faith and is worst than an unbeliever.” This scripture makes it clear that as a father, it’s your responsibility in the light of God’s ways to provide the needs of your family. However, this is not call for you to look down on yourself if you are struggling to pickup a job. Remember that what matters most before God is the mind, intentions, and desires of human beings. Being a responsible father who provides the needs of His family covers more than merely keeping food on the table and providing shelter. However, you must work hard as a dad to meet-up with your family’s needs. Remain focus and courageous enough to provide for your family even when times are financially difficult.
4. A father should spend quantitative and qualitative time with his children (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – “Never forget these commands that I am giving you today. Teach them to your children. Repeat them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working. Tie them on your arms and wear them on your foreheads as a reminder. Write them on the doorpost of your houses and on your gates.” Spending time with children these days is something that has eluded the minds of many fathers due to the busy schedule that the society subject them to. However, this is no-excuse for you to fail in respecting God’s command. Note that it is not just about spending time with your children but spending quality time with them. That is, using the time to teach them the ways and laws of God. Teach them wisdom and they’ll grow to make good use of it.
5. A Christian father never fails to discipline his children (Proverbs 13:24)
Proverbs 13:24 – “If you don’t punish your son, you don’t love him. If you do love him, you will correct him.” Any father who truly loves his child is careful to discipline him/her whenever need arises. This also has to do with the proactive leadership in our homes.
6. A Christian father should be compassionate (Psalm 103:13)
Psalm 103:13 – “As a father is kind to his children, so the Lord is kind to those who honor Him.” It is right for a father to have for his children. However, this compassion should not blind him from justly disciplining and maintaining them on the right path that leads to success and eternal life.
7. A Christian father should not provoke his children (Ephesians 6:4)
Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” As a father, instead of presenting yourself as the ultimate authority for truth and duty, rather lean on God who is the true teacher and guide in bringing up your children successfully. In love and compassion, discipline and bring them back to the right path without necessarily making them detest holiness.
8. Display or put into practice the values that you are teaching your children (James 1:22)
James 1:22 – “Do not deceive yourself by just listening to His word; instead put it into practice.” This scripture clearly points out that it is of no good for us to listen to God’s word without putting it into practice. In the same light, we shouldn’t just be telling our children what is right without actually practicing it ourselves.
9. Never give up on your children as a Christian father (Luke 15:20-24)
Luke 15:20-22 – ““20 So he got up and went to his father.“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’”
Luke 15:22-24 – “22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” This is the story of “The Prodigal Son” went against his fathers principles but when he realized himself and came back, he was welcomed with compassion and love. In the same light, we should avoid giving up on our children.
10. A Christian father should regularly pray for his children (1 Chronicles 29:19)
1 Chronicles 29:19 – “Give my son Solomon a wholehearted desire to obey everything that you command and to build the Temple for which I have made these preparations.” In this scripture, we perceive king David praying for his son, Solomon, to be successful in keeping God’s commands and to be able to build God’s Temple. It is in this light that we hereby invite all Christian parents to regularly pray for their children so that God can guide and maintain them on the right path. In addition, even if your child is wayward, instead of giving-up, you should rather get on your kneels praying God for His intervention. And God who never fails will hear and answer you just as He promised in Jeremiah 29:12.
What Does The Bible Say About Fathers Responsibilities
What The Bible Says About Christian Fathers
Matthew 6:6 – “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
1 John 3:1 – “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
Proverbs 3:11-12 – “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,and do not resent his rebuke,because the Lord disciplines those he loves,as a father the son he delights in.”
Psalm 103:13 – “As a father has compassion on his children,so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”
Proverbs 15:5 – “A fool spurns a parent’s discipline,but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”
John 10:28-30 – “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
Matthew 6:26 – “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
John 17:24 – “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”
Group 1 – What The Bible Says About Christian Fathers
John 1:12 – “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Philippians 4:20 – “To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
John 14:23 – Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”
John 1:12 – “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Philippians 4:20 – “To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
1 John 2:15 – “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.”
John 14:6 – Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Luke 12:32 – “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”
Matthew 10:29-31 – “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Group 2 – What The Bible Says About Christian Fathers
Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born,to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Romans 8:32 – “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?“
John 14:21 – “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Matthew 26:53 – “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”
John 14:13 – “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
Matthew 6:17-18 – “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
John 1:18 – “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.”
John 14:2 – “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”
Group 3 – What The Bible Says About Christian Fathers
Genesis 18:19 – “For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.”
Colossians 3:21 – “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”
Proverbs 20:7 – “The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!”
Psalm 103:13 – “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.”
Proverbs 19:18 – “Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.”
3 John 1:4 – “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
Proverbs 3:11-12 – “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”
Proverbs 13:24 – “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”
Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Group 4 – What The Bible Says About Christian Fathers
Luke 15:20-24 – “And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.”
Proverbs 14:26 – “In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.”
Proverbs 10:1 – “The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.”
Matthew 23:9 – “And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.”
Psalm 127:3-5 – “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”
Group 5 – What The Bible Says About Fathers
Proverbs 14:26 – “In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.”
Matthew 7:9-11 – “Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
Joshua 24:15 – “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Proverbs 13:22 – “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise, You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
Psalm 68:5-6 – “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.”
