A FATHER’S DISCIPLINE: FIRM BUT NOT A FUHRER

•    Missing In Action: father role models
•    show the person who’s wronged you their fault privately
•    if won’t listen, draw in others: keeps it objective, unbiased
•    separation from fellowship if others are ‘joined to idols’
•    respect human fathers who provide discipline
•    Eli rebuked for refusal to discipline sons: dishonoring God

A FATHER’S AUTHORITY: ANCHORED, BUT NOT ABSOLUTE

•    modern parents can be reluctant to assume authority, say “no”
•    Peter / Ananias startling example of declared authority
•    New Testament identifies unique responsibility for men in the family
•    yet, recognize our need for Lord to “help my unbelief”

A FATHER’S INTERCESSION: ARDENT, YET ALLIED

•    assurance of being heard when agree on what to ask for
•    Heavenly Father views request as if came from His Son
•    Prayer-partners with wife, as in a symphony
•    Job routinely interceded for his children
•    David pleaded with God for his sick son
•    Jairus pleaded earnestly on behalf of his dying daughter, was heard

A FATHER’S BEST GIFT

•    showing up: need to “be there” for our kids