The First FatherGenesis 2:4-9

Introduction • Back to the beginning

– Change over time– Helpful review of original goal– Consider the following facts from

“Fatherhood- Making a Lifetime of Difference, Rose Publishing”

Risks • Absent fathers

– Higher drop out rate– Increased risk of emotional

instability, depression, substance abuse, suicide

– Higher risk of behavior problems: truancy, stealing, early sexual activity, teen pregnancy

Introduction • Man’s beginning

– Genesis: A book of beginnings– Review God’s intentions

Subdue The Earth• Man more important than

nature– Saved the “best for last”– Mankind was last (Genesis 1:26-

31)– Intentional on God’s part

Subdue The Earth• In control of the world

– A paradise home (Genesis 2:15-17)– To subdue the earth (Genesis 1:28)– Responsible use of earth’s resources– The influence of worldly philosophies

Rule Over His Wife• This role often overlooked

– Clouding the issue by feminists– Men wonder what to do– Marriage viewed by some as a slave

relationship, equal partnership, etc.– Definition of marriage under assault

Rule Over His Wife• Head of his wife

– By order of creation (1 Timothy 2:13)

– Eve sinned first (Genesis 3:16)– Repeated in the New Testament

(1 Corinthians 11:7-12)– Plain (Ephesians 5:23-25, 33)

Lead His Family• Role abandoned by many

– Feminist movement– Damage by government policies– Harming our culture

Lead His Family• Bible is clear

– God’s confidence in Abraham (Genesis 18:16-21)

– Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 6:1-3)– Given the job of leading

(Ephesians 6:4)– Cannot be guided by the world

Conclusion • Beware of the world’s

influence• Souls are at stake