Bible Study

Title: A New Father
Date: Aug 22, 2005
Topic(s): Relationships
Scripture: Malachi 2:15, Ephesians 5:15-16, Ephesians 6:4, Psalm 127:1-3, Psalm 101:1-2

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You've looked forward to this day ever since you found out you were going to be a parent. Now, your baby is finally here, and you get to bring this little one home from the hospital. But as you walk through the door into the nursery, you get an overwhelming feeling of "what now?" God has given you this child to nurture, care for and train for at least the next 18 years. What are you supposed to do next?

What Does God Say?

God not only has a lot to say in the Bible about parenting, He also spells out His purpose for entrusting a new life to us.

"Didn't the LORD make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard yourself; remain loyal to the wife of your youth" (Malachi 2:15, NLT).

Write in your own words God's purpose for your child.

My Thoughts

• Look at Malachi 2:15 again. What's the first step in raising a godly child? (Hint: It has to do with your relationship with the mother of your child.)
• What's the second step from this Scripture in raising a godly child? (Hint: It has to do with family devotions and also with being a part of a church family.)

"And now a word to you fathers. Don't make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4, NLT).

• What's the third step in raising a godly child?

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16, NASB).

Don't fall for the quality/quantity myth: that you're doing right by your kids when you give them quality time even though there may not be much of it.

• The fourth step in raising a godly child is given by the psalmist. List the ways God encourages you in the overwhelming responsibility of being a godly father and husband. Put a star by the two most important ways for you personally.

"Unless the LORD builds a house,
the work of the builders is useless.
Unless the LORD protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good.
It is useless for you to work so hard
from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
for God gives rest to His loved ones.
Children are a gift from the LORD;
they are a reward from Him" (Psalm 127:1-3, NLT).

• The final step in raising a godly child is to make a commitment of yourself to the Lord, thanking Him for teaching you His ways and for being your Heavenly Father. No matter how much you love your child, the Lord loves him or her so much more.

"I will sing of your love and justice;
to you, O LORD, I will sing praise.
I will be careful to lead a blameless life--
when will you come to me?
I will walk in my house
with blameless heart" (Psalm 101:1-2, NIV).

My Part

Commit yourself to being an example of one who obeys the Lord...

• in every situation
• in every relationship
• immediately
• joyfully

Write out your commitment as a new father to your Heavenly Father.

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