Father: A Godly Man

June 17, 2012

by Shawn Brasseaux

Today is Father’s Day, so we dedicate this Bible study to godly men (specifically fathers).

* * *

WHAT KING SOLOMON WROTE ABOUT FATHERS/MEN OF GOD

The book of Proverbs uses the phrase “my son” nearly two-dozen times. This is because Proverbs contains many sayings spoken from a parent’s perspective (either by David, or Solomon, and Solomon’s mother’s comments about the godly wife). Notice a few of these proverbs written by a father:

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:…. My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not…. My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:” (Proverbs 1:8,10,15 KJV).

Proverbs 2:1-5 KJV says:

“1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.”

 

Proverbs 3:1,2,19-23 KJV:

“1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee….
19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.”

“Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many…. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings” (Proverbs 4:10,20 KJV).

“My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: that thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge” (Proverbs 5:1,2 KJV).

“My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:” (Proverbs 6:20 KJV).

“My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye” (Proverbs 7:1,2 KJV).

Proverbs 23:22,24,25 KJV:

“22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee….
24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.”

“My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways” (Proverbs 23:26 KJV).

“A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent” (Proverbs 15:5 KJV).

“The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother” (Proverbs 10:1 KJV).

Just as Proverbs records instructions that fathers give to their children, Proverbs instructs fathers to discipline their children when their children refuse to obey their father’s instructions.

“A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke…. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes” (Proverbs 13:1,24 KJV).

“Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying” (Proverbs 19:18 KJV).

“Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell” (Proverbs 23:13,14 KJV).

“My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: for whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth” (Proverbs 3:11,12 KJV). (God repeats this to Israel in Hebrews 12:5-11).

“Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul” (Proverbs 29:17 KJV).

 

WHAT THE APOSTLE PAUL WROTE ABOUT CHRISTIAN FATHERS/MEN

Bishops and deacons were to be model citizens, men of exceptional character and actions. Notice what God through the Apostle Paul had to say about bishops and deacons, especially their fatherhood, as noted in 1 Timothy chapter 3 KJV:

“2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)….
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.”

Compare that to Titus 1:5-9 KJV:

“5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

And finally Titus chapter 2 KJV:

“1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience….
6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”

As the above passages teach, bishops and deacons—and all Christian fathers in general—need to discipline their children. Christian husbands-fathers are ordained of God to be spiritual leaders of the household. Ephesians 6:4 agrees with what Solomon wrote earlier: “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Compare to Colossians 3:21 KJV: “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”

On one hand, the Christian father is to “bring [his children] up in the nurture of the Lord.” “Nurture” is simply defined as “caring for and encouraging their growth or development.” All too often, fathers (sadly) ignore this, usually being too rough, or even, apathetic (unconcerned). On the other hand, the Christian father is to “bring [his children] up in the admonition of the Lord.” “Admonition” is simply defined as “authoritative counsel or warning.” He is to lovingly guide them in life, instructing them from God’s Word rightly divided.

And finally 1 Thessalonians 2:11 KJV: “As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,….” Again, a father is to be both a leader of his children and an encouragement to his children: he is neither a tyrannical monster nor an unconcerned parent. He lovingly teaches his children the things of God.

Lastly, the father should also provide for his children and family, fulfilling their physical and material needs: “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1 Timothy 5:8 KJV).

 

CONCLUSION

Oftentimes, fathers are either too authoritative (very strict) or too carefree (little to no concern for their children). According to the Bible, fathers must have a balance between setting boundaries and enforcing them, and refraining from being a heartless tyrant. A father is not simply one who procreates. God’s Word makes it very clear that fathers should be more than just “sperm donors.” They should serve a lifelong, active role in their children’s lives. Fathers need to instruct their children in the Word of God rightly divided.

A Christian man, especially a father, should be a godly man in beliefs as well as in deed. He needs to set an example for his children (especially his sons): it is his duty as an older Christian man to set an example for younger men.

He should be a hard worker, he should meditate on the things of God (the Bible), his speech should conform to sound Bible doctrine, he should be hospitable and caring, kind and loving, he should respect and love his wife, he should love his children, and he should be reserved and cautious in his actions.

A Christian man need not try to meet the Bible’s standards of manhood/fatherhood in his own strength, for he cannot meet them in his own strength. In the person of Jesus Christ, God has equipped the Christian man to become a virtuous man, a man who values the things of God, and who places his faith in the Word of God.

When a Christian man and/or Christian father places his faith in this sound Bible doctrine, the indwelling Holy Spirit will then take that doctrine and transform him for God’s glory (1 Thessalonians 2:13). His mind will be renewed by sound Bible doctrine, and that will transform his outward activity (Romans 12:1,2).

Are you a Christian man or Christian father who desires to be the man God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest! Then, you will become the godly man described on the pages of Scripture, thus bringing glory and honor to the great God and our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Posted by Christian ambassador (Shawn Brasseaux)

Mother: A Virtuous Woman

May 13, 2012

by Shawn Brasseaux

Today is Mother’s Day, so we dedicate this Bible study to godly women (specifically mothers). I especially dedicate this to the virtuous woman who has been in my life for almost 24 years… my mom!

WHAT KING SOLOMON WROTE ABOUT MOTHERS/WOMEN OF GOD

Proverbs 31 is often called the Bible’s “Virtuous Woman” chapter. Let us begin reading Proverbs 31 at verse 10:

“10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”

The virtuous (godly) woman is priceless—“her price is far above rubies”—for she is quite rare! Her husband safely trusts her. He has no need for material riches, for he is rich by having her as his wife! The virtuous woman will not harm her husband. She will submit to his headship and leadership (Ephesians 5:22-24; Titus 2:5). She will treat him with respect: as long as she lives, she will not abuse him or belittle him.

“13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.”
14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.”
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.”
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.”
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.”

The virtuous woman is a hard worker: she does not sit around and do nothing. She seeks wool and linen to sew and weave. She cooks for and feeds her household. She contemplates a field, and buys it in order to plant a vineyard. Again, the virtuous woman is not lazy: she works hard.

“18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.”

According to the Bible, the virtuous woman weaves and sews to make merchandise to sell or trade. She stays up late working hard. The virtuous woman is compassionate: she pities the poor people who have little to nothing. She provides her family with clothes that keep them warm, so she does not fear snowfall. She makes herself clothing of silk and purple.

“23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.”

This verse means just what it says. Her husband is famous for being married to her. She has such a distinct lifestyle that others marvel at those who know her (especially her husband!).

“24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.”

As we said regarding verses 18-22, the virtuous woman works hard. She produces goods (clothing, fabrics, et cetera) in order to sell them to make a living. What an expression—“Strength and honour are her clothing.” Strength and honor are her very nature! The virtuous woman speaks wisdom (God’s Word), and her speech is kind and gentle. She meets the needs of her household: again, she is not lazy (“[she] eateth not the bread of idleness”).

“28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

The children of the virtuous woman praise her for her godly living. Her husband speaks well of her; he is proud to be her husband. The virtuous woman is a role model—she does not need to be sinless because she cannot be sinless. What is the virtuous woman, according to God’s Word? She is defined in verse 30 as “a woman that feareth the LORD.” The works of the virtuous woman praise her, for they reflect her godly beliefs and high values (her inner man).

WHAT THE APOSTLE PAUL WROTE ABOUT CHRISTIAN MOTHERS/WOMEN

We would also do well if we read what the Apostle Paul wrote about older Christian women and/or women who were mother-like figures to younger women. The Bible says in Titus 2:3-5 KJV:

“3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”

The virtuous woman should not slander/gossip, not be controlled by alcohol and emotions (sober minded), be a teacher of good things, love her husbands and children, be cautious and modest, maintain the home, be “good,” and should obey (respect) her husband… “that the word of God be not blasphemed.”

CONCLUSION

A Christian woman, especially a mother, should be a virtuous woman in beliefs as well as in deed. She needs to set an example for her children (especially her daughters): it is her duty as an older Christian woman to set an example for younger women.

She should be a hard worker, she should meditate on the things of God (the Bible), her speech should conform to sound Bible doctrine, she should be hospitable and caring, kind and loving, she should respect and love her husband, she should love her children, and she should be modest and cautious in her actions—“that the word of God be not blasphemed.”

A Christian woman need not try to meet the Bible’s standards of womanhood/motherhood in her own strength, for she cannot meet them in her own strength. In the person of Jesus Christ, God has equipped the Christian woman to become a virtuous woman, a woman who values the things of God, and who places her faith in the Word of God.

When a Christian woman and/or Christian mother places her faith in this sound Bible doctrine, the indwelling Holy Spirit will then take that doctrine and transform her for God’s glory (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Her mind will be renewed by sound Bible doctrine, and that will transform her outward activity (Romans 12:1,2).

Are you a Christian woman or Christian mother who desires to be the woman God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest! Then, you will become the virtuous woman described on the pages of Scripture, thus bringing glory and honor to the great God and our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Comment | Mother: A Virtuous Woman | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Christian ambassador (Shawn Brasseaux)