Preacher:

Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Theme: 4 Principles To Be A Disciple-Making Dad

Thesis:

Notes:

* We are called to emulate the character of our Heavenly Father and be a father to the fatherless.

* Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians to encourage the believers in Thessalonica to continue in the faith.

* Our mission is gospel-centered

* Our methods are God-dependent

* Our motives are God-glorifying

* Our manner is grace-based

 

* Our mission is gospel-centered

* Parenting is disciple-making

* God gives us children for His glory

* Our primary goal is to point them to Christ, that they would follow Him

* All other goals are secondary at best

* What you praise your children for is a good indicator of what you truly find important

* The goal:

* v12, “…that you would walk worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom….”

* Not making us or our our children happy

* Children develop their attitude toward God by how they respond to their God-ordained authorities

* Our methods are God-dependent

* vv3, 5, “…our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive…we never came with words of flattery….”

* Only Christ will empower your kids (and anyone else) to do what is right

* Lying, tricking, emotionally manipulating are all wrong methods of parenting

* Our motives are God-glorifying

* v4, “…just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel….”

* You, as a believer, has been entrusted with the gospel

* As a believer, and also as a parent, a spouse, etc.

* God-glorifying motives vs motives that rob God of glory

* Pleasing God vs pleasing ourselves, our children, or anyone else

* Doing what is best for the child vs. doing what is convenient for me

* Being concerned about what God thinks about your children, vs. being concerned about what others think about your kids and/or your parenting

* Parenting is not about us

* Children will not make us whole or complete

* Wholeness will never be supplied by anything apart from Christ–even good, Christ-given gifts

* Our children do not exist to make us feel loved

* You cannot make right, gospel-driven choices if we are slaves to our appetite for our children’s approval

 

Live It Out!

* Be honest and open about your failures

* With your kids

* With your self

* Make excuses with neither

* Embrace grace

* There is grace for your kids–and for you

* Prayerfully plan changes

* Talk to God, talk to your spouse

* Don’t overwhelm yourself

* If you realize you have a lot of changes to make, start small and be consistent

* Get help

*  Find godly people in your church

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