Summary
This sermon emphasizes the sacred responsibility of fathers to train their children spiritually and with discipline while expressing love. Drawing from Malachi 2:15, Deuteronomy 6:1-2, and Proverbs 22:6, the speaker underscores the need for fathers to be role models who instill biblical values through action, not just words. He highlights three core principles—training in righteousness, nurturing through love, and guiding with discipline—and stresses that the home is the foundational setting for spiritual growth. Importantly, the message warns against shallow faith in children, urging adults to prioritize consistent, intentional teaching that prepares them for a world of secular influence. The pastor also addresses the misconception that discipline and punishment are the same, clarifying that godly discipline is redemptive and Christ-like. The sermon concludes with an appeal to prayer as the ultimate tool for parental guidance.
Sermon transcription
As he speaks to his son as a father, remember he is a king. So he can speak to even his children as a king. But at this time, he was talking to his sons as their father, and this shows that this is a personal matter to him. To give instructions as a father to his son.
Now going back to the word "sons"—if you notice, it was in the plural. But the scripture only mentioned one son, that is Rehoboam, the one who succeeded him on the throne. Was he referring also to his two daughters, Tebat and Basmat, mentioned in 1 Kings chapter 4. Well, I think that might be the case. Since the KJV used the word "children" instead of "sons," it includes daughters as well. And here is another question that gets my curiosity: Did Solomon have other sons considering he had a thousand women in his life? You’ve even thought of that. Even the 700 wives—you know, only one of them got pregnant, Naamah from the Ammonite. This is the mother of Rehoboam. But again, the scripture is silent on that. There’s also a story among the Ethiopians that says Solomon had a son with the Queen of Sheba. They were so close, so intimate, and they believed the Queen had a son with Solomon. They called him Menelik. Then again, it seems to be a legend in their place. Whether it is true or not, this is not our concern here. Our text merely illustrates the importance and responsibility of a father toward his children.
How many fathers do we have here. Oh, we have so many! Yeah, yeah, yeah. And this message is for you, of course, as well as the mothers, who are also part of the parents. The mothers are an important part of this responsibility, mentioned in our text. But we want to place more emphasis on the father, especially since this month is dedicated to fathers. As the father, the authority in the home, the responsibility of raising god-fearing sons and daughters falls upon you.
For fathers, your role in cultivating godly offspring is crucial. Starting with the foundational years when they are still young, this is what God requires. In Malachi 2:15, this is what it states: “Has not the one God made you the fathers? You belong to him in body and spirit.” God seeks godly offspring. So be on your guard and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.
Notice that the passage addresses men both as fathers and as husbands to their wives. From whom does God seek godly offspring. A father who belongs to him in body and spirit. What this means is that raising godly children does not happen solely through verbal instruction. Children observe actions that can imitate. It means we need to “walk the talk,” to show them how we live out all the things we teach. They need to see the fathers living what they preach. Our kids are incredibly sensitive to hypocrisy. Yes, children can easily detect fake love. We must be genuinely involved with them, giving them comfort, assurance, and time. When parents share their lives with their children, talk to them about life’s challenges, and listen to their concerns, the child learns to trust, which strengthens their willingness to embrace faith.
A loving relationship with your children empowers them to take spiritual matters seriously. If they see their parents leading faithful lives, they will mirror that commitment. This is how love and teaching intertwine. Now the third principle is to discipline them. Proverbs 13:24 reads: “Whoever spares the rod hates their children but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”
Among those here, how many were raised in homes where they experienced some form of correction. For the young, the word “rod” might be unfamiliar, but for older generations, it was real. In my memory, the bronze rod, often called the “guava rod,” was my grandmother’s favorite. It was always on display. Once, I even saw my older brother placed in a sack as punishment for playing with arrows. He was disobedient—he was meant to avoid dangerous toys. My father, frustrated, put him in the sack to teach a lesson. Though this might be considered harsh by modern standards, I can testify that disciplined children often grow into more resilient adults. However, discipline is not meant to leave lasting scars. It is not about punishment but about redirection—to guide their behavior with the holistic care of a parent who loves them. As Ephesians 6:4 says: “Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Teaching and discipline are inseparable in a child’s growth.
Discipline today need not include physical reprimand. Grounding, limiting access to technologies like Wi-Fi, or suspending allowances are effective methods in the modern age. Verbal corrections are also valid. The key is consistency and fairness. Let me share a rule at home: When a child does something wrong, we address it the first time. Delaying correction creates confusion. The child thinks, “I did this before, why is it a problem now.” Consistency builds trust and reinforces boundaries.
Take, for example, the chronology of Israelite kings recorded in the Old Testament. A godly king who trains his sons in faith contributes to a lineage of righteous leaders. However, an ungodly king who fails to raise his children spiritually leaves a legacy of unfaithfulness. Thus, each generation of parenting determines the spiritual trajectory of the next. Let us commit to training and disciplining our children to prepare them for the world’s challenges. No child should face life’s crossroads unprepared, alone, or without the tools to discern truth. When we fulfill our part, we honor our role as stewards of God’s covenant. We are accountable to the Lord for our parenting.
Beyond these three pillars—training, love, and discipline—prayer is the backbone of godly parenting. The speaker acknowledges that raising children in faith is no small task. While believers need godly families to learn from, it is equally vital for parents to seek divine guidance. The world is a powerful teacher, and many outside influences seek to shape our children in ways that contradict God’s design. We must be proactive in training their minds, discouraging isolation in their spiritual development, and equipping them to navigate life with strong biblical foundations.
This means engaging them early in Sunday school, intertwining faith with daily conversations, and allowing the Holy Spirit to imprint these truths in their hearts. Parents must not fear overloading their children with theology. Their capacity to understand is remarkable, far greater than some adults might think. For instance, I recall vividly the Sunday school lessons I learned as a child—that teaching helped anchor my faith even when external pressures arose. Today’s youth face intense peer pressure, digital allure, and cultural shifts that dilute biblical values. If parents have not laid a robust foundation, these pressures can erode their spiritual identity.
How then do we help the next generation grow mature in faith. By modeling conviction, teaching with clarity, and loving unconditionally. Our kids must wrestle with spiritual concepts to develop their own convictions, rather than passively accepting ours. They should know not just basic facts but how Christianity intersects with culture, challenges their thinking, and forms their character. Similarly, parents must discipline without emotionally or physically harming their children, because a godly legacy is a goal of every faithful father.
Let us not collapse the hypocrisy of “acting like a father,” especially if we live in the home as a spiritually barren environment. Consistency matters. A father’s presence today, neglect tomorrow, or casual religion cannot produce strong faith in the long term. If we do not assume this mantle, others will. The church and community can assist, but the primary instruction begins in the family. Our stewardship as parents shapes the moral compass of the next generation.
You may say, “Pastor, this is a heavy task for us. But biblical principles are for adults only.” No, we must not underestimate our children’s ability to learn. Often, they grasp spiritual truths deeper than many adults. That is why education must start early, using tools like Sunday school guided by skilled teachers to reinforce what the parents teach.
A young child with a strong sense of right and wrong will later push back even when the world tempts them. For example, in my own journey, the Sunday school lessons I learned remain etched into my mind. While I do not claim absolute immunity from doubt, that early formative experience helps me discern truth in life’s storms. Faith becomes unshakeable when it is rooted in personal understanding.
Thus, our task is clear. Train your children early and consistently. Love them daily through time, affection, and empathy. Discipline with purpose, always aligning with theology. Remember also to pray fervently for their growth. Lastly, relinquish the burdens of parenting to God, trusting that He will empower you.
Take-aways
Food for thought:
- How does your lifestyle reflect the values you want to instill in your children. Are your actions as intentional as your words.
- What practical steps can you take to make spiritual conversations a natural part of daily life with your child.
- Is there a line between discipline and harm in your parenting style. How can you ensure your corrections honor God’s design.
- Do you fear overcorrecting your child if you avoid physical discipline. How can you redirect bad behavior in a loving but firm manner.
- How has your own foundational faith been shaped by the people around you. What lessons from your younger years can you now apply in parenting.