Sunday, June 26, 2016

A Fatherly Example


I Thessalonians 2:7-12
A passage from 1 Thessalonians 2 gives some clear principles of a man who can make a difference.  As we examine this passage we can see how the apostle Paul described himself as being as example as a father to the church in Thessalonica.  The lessons of example are the strongest teaching tools in life.

v Be an Example by Your Warmth 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

A father should be approachable.

Most men are more comfortable with discipline than love.

Fear is not a proper replacement for respect.  Fear creates walls and respect creates bridges.

v Be an Example by Your Work  1 Thessalonians 2:9

A lazy worker does not cheat their boss, they cheat themselves.

"He who does not teach his son a trade, does the same as if he taught him to be a thief.”  Ancient Hebrew saying
Fathers who feel enslaved and bitter about work raise up children with no initiative.

v Be an Example by Your Walk  1 Thessalonians 2:10

“Example is not the main thing in life - it is the only thing.”Albert Schweitzer
Learning to deal with negative emotions is a vital life lesson.
Children are receptors and reflectors.

v Be An Example By Your Words 1 Thessalonians 2:10

The effectiveness of any organization is equal to its level of communication.
Hearing what your children think is more important than telling them what you think.

v Be an Example by Your Will  I Thessalonians 2:12

Intentionality is key to successful parenting.

More important than what you want your child to do is who you want your child to be.

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