1. The Character of a Godly ManPsalm 112 • Happy Father’s Day! • The Bible gives us clear characteristics of what God is looking for in a man – and in a father. • Qualifications for the position of elders or “overseers” in the church: • 1 Timothy 3:4 [NIV] - …manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect.

2. God calls us to be leaders in our home and to take that role seriously. • We often struggle to know how to do this effectively. • Psalm 112: A list of biblical characteristics that will help us be the godly fathers, husbands, and leaders in our home: • The Blessings for His Obedience • The Attributes of His Character • The Legacy of His Life

3. 1. The Blessings for His Obedience • Psalm 112:1 [NIV] – “Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man...” • “…who fears the Lord who finds delight in his commands.” • Christians misunderstand this word “fear” • To “fear God” means we acknowledge His majesty – His power – His authority • “fear” a reverent respect • He is Almighty God, our maker and master and He deserves our deepest respect; our reverent awe for who He is.

4. In response to our awe and deep respect for God, we want to live and act the way He desires for us. • v.1 “delight in His commands” • delight “take pleasure, having a willingness” • Psalm 1:1,2 [NIV] – “Blessed is the man [whose]…delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.”

5. God responds to obedience with blessing: • v.2 - His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. • v.3 - Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. • The best way to lead our families is to love our children unconditionally and be an example of godliness to them. • Key to enjoying the rich blessings of God  contentment.

6. 2. The Attributes of His Character • Psalm 112: 4-6a [NIV] - Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken; • Attributes of Godly Character: • v. 4a “Even in the darkness, light dawns for the upright.”

7. v.7 – “heart is steadfast, trusting the Lord.” • v.7 – “he doesn’t fear bad news” • v.4 - “gracious and compassionate and righteous” • v.5 – “generous and lends freely” • v.9 - “he has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor” • v.5 - “conducts his affairs with justice”

8. Do these attributes characterize your life? • Do you demonstrate trust in God when you are dealing with problems? • Are you gracious and compassionate with your family and others? • Do you give generously to those in need? • Are you a person of integrity in your business, in your finances and in the way you deal with personal conflicts? • These are the standards God’s Word holds us to.

9. 3. The Legacy of His Life • Psalm 112:6 [NIV] – “a righteous man will be remembered forever.” • v.9 - “…his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.” • God’s Word calls us to be people of influence. • Ephesians 5:15-16 [ESV] - Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. • Do you want your lives to be a legacy of faithfulness that your children remember?

10. "I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious. Vince Lombardi • We are in a battle for the hearts and minds of our children. • Joshua 24:15 [NIV] – “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… • …But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” • Will that be your choice today?