Colossians 3:17-25 NIV
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
Letters from Prison - Colossians 3:21
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
Our text this morning is straightforward and simple. It divides naturally into four parts:
Involved
Consistent
Aware
Nurturing
Ken Canfield calls these the I CANs of fathering. It’s a framework for what every child needs. I'll explain in the message, but here's the outline:
First there is the address, "Fathers..." Involved
Second, there is the command, "Do not exasperate, embitter, provoke…" Consistent
Third, there is the focus of the command – “your children...” Aware
Fourth, there is the purpose of the command, "That they may not lose heart." Nurturing
