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THE FAILED FATHER (4 OF 6)

by Jeff Strite

Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:22-34
This content is part of a series.


Sermon: The Failed Father
Sermon Series: Dysfunctional Families & God's Grace (4 of 6)
Preacher: Jeff Strite
Text: I Samuel 2:22-34

Someone once said that everyone is an example to others - some are GOOD examples, and some are BAD. And, believe it or not, bad examples can be good examples for us. For example, Eli was a "GOOD EXAMPLE" of a bad example of how to be a father. But before we get to Eli's story (and what we can learn from it) we need talk about how important a GOOD father is to his family.

ILLUS: According to a couple of studies I've read - there's a whole list of things Fathers can do to improve the lives of their children, but I'll just list 4 here:

1) Fathers provide stimulating and exciting "rough & tumble" play - within limits. Children learn that biting and kicking and other forms of physical violence are not acceptable. They learn when enough is enough.

2) Boys learn from their fathers what it is to be a man - they learn about responsibility, achievement, assertiveness, and independence best from their fathers. A father has the authority and ability to disciple sons that women don't.


3) When a daughter enjoys her father, she experiences a healthier femininity, she feels worthy of love, and she is able to trust. Daughters who are able to trust men normally, and thus grow up to often marry trustworthy men. (Professor David Popenoe in "Life Without Father")

4) And according to another study, IF a father does not go to church, no matter how regular the mother is in her religious practices, only one child in 50 will be regular at church ("The American Church in Crisis" by David T. Olson)

Fathers ARE vital to the health of their family, and many fathers know that.

ILLUS: Family Circle Magazine did a survey of fathers in 2003 and found:

- 94% felt that building their family was the most important thing they (as men) could do.

- 71% said fatherhood was more demanding than they expected,

- BUT 88% said fatherhood ...

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