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A Father's Love A Father's Love 1 John 3:1—3 MAIN BODY I. God loved his children enough to sacrifice greatly for them. A. God's love for us is an example of self-sacrifice. John 3:16 B. Fathers should be willing to sacrifice all for their families. II. God loved his children enough to make plans for them. A. God planed for the well being of His children through the church. Eph. 1:3—10 B. Fathers should plan for their family's future. III. God loved his children to make time for them. A. God always hears the prayers of His children. 1 Peter 3:12 B. Fathers should not just spend "Quality" time with their families but also spend time in "Quantity." C. ILLUSTRATION: A young boy wanted to build a tree house with his father. The boy repeatedly asked his father if they could work on the tree house but the man always had an excuse for not getting involved in the project. The boy desperately wanted his father’s attention, but the man was generally focused on other things. The father’s perspective changed after his son was involved in a serious accident and lay dying in the hospital. This man, who had not taken the time to give his son ample attention before the accident, was now struggling with how to relate to his dying boy. His heart was broken when this little guy turned to him and spoke the final words his father would ever hear: “I’m sorry dad; it looks like we won’t get around to building that tree house after all.” On the surface, tree houses, ball games, and meals at McDonalds don’t seem as important as balanced checkbooks and board meetings, but don’t be deceived. A father who gives priority to his children has made the right choice. (Pastor to Pastor, Vol. 28) IV. God loved his children enough to provide for them. A. God makes sure His children are taken care of. Matt 6:25—33 B. Fathers should make sure their families are taken care of. |