Introduction
A. Definition: Godly – Piously (Strong and Thayer Greek definition). 2 Tim 3:12.
B. Godly - Conveys the idea of a personal attitude toward God that results in actions that are pleasing to Him.
C. Godliness is more than Christian character: It is Christian character that springs from a devotion to God. True devotion to God always results in godly character.
D. When we say someone is a very pious person, we mean he is very religious and it is seen in his daily life.
Discussion
A. It is a command: A godly man leads his family. Gen 3:16; Eph 5:23
Husband - the "house-band," connecting and keeping together the whole family.
B. Reasons why some won’t lead:
Some don’t realize that God has ordained them for this role. Eph 5:23
Some don’t understand how they should lead. Eg. Barak. Judg 4:8
a. Most men are followers like Barak but in the family, they must lead.
Some refuse to lead. Eg. Eli. 1 Sam 3:13
a. Do you leave the discipline to your wife?
b. Do you leave the decision making to your wife?
Some are lazy and leave it to their wives. Eg. Abram. Gen 16:2, 6
a. Too lazy to think and manage.
b. Too fearful of making decision.
Some are challenged by their wives. Eg. Jacob. Gen 30:16
a. Some have a tigress at home or an unsubmissive wife.
Some are weak and manipulated by the wife. Eg. Ahad. 1 Kgs 21:25
a. Choose your wife with eyes open – if you know the girl you are dating is bossy, authoritarian, impatient, rebellious, hot tempered, unforgiving, unsubmissive, likes to argue - think again. She will bring them into the marriage.
C. How Godly Man Are To Lead The Family.
With Love.
a. As describes in 1 Cor 13:4-8.
b. Towards his wife: “The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” Eph 5:25 Treat her like you are still trying to win her. Pro 5:18
c. Towards others Showing Compassion. Jas 2:15-16 Showing Hospitality. Gal 6:10
With Honesty, Integrity and Diligence.
a. “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” Pro 23:26
b. “Like father, like son.” - Our children are watching. Your son is watching how you treat your wife. Your daughter is taught how a lady should be treated. They are watching your manner of life - Honesty, Integrity and Diligence.
In Leadership.
a. A godly husband leads his family (1 Tim 3:4). As a husband you are to be the manager of your entire family. This doesn’t mean that you do everything in your family but you make sure it all gets done.
b. Make wise decisions for the family.
c. Responsible for the team – love, protect, provide, point them to Christ.
d. In Godliness. Deut 6:7; Eph 6:4 Provides spiritual leadership. Josh 24:15
D. A Godly Man Leads His Family Spiritually.
Warning to fathers: When fathers fail to lead the family spiritually, children become unfaithful as they grow up.
Train up the child when he is young. Pro 22:6
E. Areas Fathers Are To Lead the Family Spiritually.
In Worship. The godly husband leads his family in worship. He ensures that the family members are worshiping and that they are worshiping in a way that is consistent with the Scripture.
a. Godly examples - Joshua, Cornelius and the Philippian jailor.
b. The godly father ensures his children are worshipping God in the spirit. John 4:24
c. He ensures his family are punctual for worship.
d. He reinforces the importance of worship in the family.
In Serving God - He does it first, does it best, and does it cheerfully. Col 3:17, 23
a. Active fathers equal active children. A godly gather encourages his children to serve by serving.
b. Active children ensure steadfastness and faithfulness. Jas 2:17 Faith without works is dead – this faith will become dead.
In Spirituality – A godly fathers leads his family in Prayers and Bible study. Eph 6:4
a. Family devotion - This is a good practice to begin as soon as you get married. If you have not yet begun this practice, do so today! Family devotion does not need to be long or intricate but should consist at least of the reading of Scripture and prayer. This is an ideal opportunity for a man to spend time reading the Bible to his family and to ensure that they understand and apply that Word. It is a great time to spend in prayer, teaching your children to pray, and praying together for common concerns.
In Holiness – A godly father leads his family to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Titus 2:11
Conclusion
A. Be a spiritual leader that God intends you to be.
B. You bring them up in this world; you must bring them up to heaven.