TITLE: Model Father

TEXT: Luke 15:11-32

PROPOSITION: God is our model for being a good father.

QUESTION: How?

KEY WORD: Attributes

INTRODUCTION:

1. Story of three men in waiting room, Twins to player for Minn. Twins, Triplets to man working for 3M

2. Third man ran out – He works for 7-Up.

3. We have all had our PANIC moments.

4. God is our Father and our model for parenting.

Approachable

1. Verse 18 – I will go to my father

2. When in trouble – where do they run first?

3. We (parents) must be approachable.

4. Even when they disappoint us, leave us.

Spiritual

1. Some may ask – How spiritual? He lost his son.

2. NOTE: Even God loses some of his children.

3. 21 I have sinned – repent, confess, seek to repair damage.

4. Proverbs 22:6 – Many think is an iron-clad guarantee for perfect kids.

5. Proverbs are general truths – not guarantees.

6. Many men depend on the wife for the spiritual training. WRONG!

Compassionate

1. Verse 20 – Ran, fell at feet, kissed, hugged

2. To Fathers – Have you shown compassion?

3. Macho – Big boys don’t cry – YES THEY DO!

4. Jesus wept – John 11:35

5. The other time Jesus wept – Matthew 23:37

6. Are we compassionate, forgiving toward our children?