Be That Dude!

                                        Proverbs 23:24

Introduction: The Bible is a handbook for anyone who desires to be a godly man or woman. God created man and woman after His own image (Genesis 1:27), and part of being in His image is that we are to reflect His character. However, sin marred that image in us and distorted that character (Romans 5:12). God’s choice of Abraham to be the father of a new nation (Genesis 17:5–8) was made, in part, to establish a people group through which He could once again see His character reflected (Leviticus 26:11–12). Reflecting the heart, wisdom, and nature of God is the goal of everyone who seeks to be a godly man or woman.

Proverbs 23:24, ‘

I. Authentically Spiritual & Godly

Authentic in Morals, Values:

WHAT IS SPIRITUAL AUTHENTICITY? – Andrew Gray (1633-1653) was a gifted young preacher who died after a ministry of only 27 months in Glasgow

https://www.reformationscotland.org/2016/11/05/are-you-spiritually-authentic/

1. Our practice conforms to our profession. Usually, we profess more than we practice (Matthew 23:5). Most of us come very short not only of what we ought to be, but also of what we seem to be.
   
   
2. We are as much exercised in spiritual duties on our own as in company. Many commend Christ to others. Yet if the walls of their houses could speak, they would testify that they do not watch in prayer. They “love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men” (Matthew 6:5). They do not love to pray much in private.

3. Our hearts conform to our words. Our blessed Lord Jesus was commended for having no guile in His mouth and His spirit. He spoke nothing with His mouth that was not in His heart.

4. We act for the glory of God as well as out of faith and love.

In short, Authenticity is Christian sincerity is a sweet agreement between our profession and practice, our heart and our walk and our walk and our hope. Every Christian grace can be counterfeited by a hypocrite. Whatever we do, have or can have, is empty and pointless without this precious and excellent grace of sincerity. Sincerity is to other graces what the sun is to the planets. They cannot be seen without it.

Transition: Secondly, I want to remind and encourage all fathers to be consistent and reliable.

II. Consistent and Reliable

• According to the dictionary, consistency is being in the habit of doing the same thing on a regular basis.
  
• When you are consistent with whatever you do, people can depend on you. 
  
• Consistency is adhering to the same principles in a steadfast and unwavering way.

Benefits?

• People know what to expect from you.
• People can depend on you.
• People who are consistent are good witnesses for God.
• Consistency keeps people close to God by having an intimate relationship with Him

Transition: Thirdly,

III. Courageous & Valiant

We’re dads first, not friends first!

I DO solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children.

I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.

I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and honor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me.

I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.

I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly.

I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy.

I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion.

I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family.

I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged.

I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.

I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.

I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. —Joshua 24:15

http://wisdomandfaith.com/courageous-fathers-courageous-families-scripture-memory-12/

IV. Wise in Managing the Feelings / Emotions of Children

Sensitive to the differences of their children. Genesis: One dad, four kids all different.

Don’t provoke to anger.