3. Children are the blessing of God.

4. Psalm 127:3-5

5. Children are a gracious gift from God.  “Unless the L ORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it” (Ps 127:1).  “The children whom God has graciously given your servant” (Gen 33:5).  “For this child I prayed, and the L ORD has granted me my petition which I asked of Him” (1 Sam 1:27).

6. Children are the blessing of God.

7. We need fathers who pray.  If children are a blessing from God, we need to thank Him for our children.  “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Col 3:15).  “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess 5:18).  If children are a blessing from God, shouldn’t we pray for guidance as we raise them?  God expects us to raise children in His way. “Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph 6:4).  “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (Js 1:5).

8. We need fathers who prepare.  The father in Psalm 127 has well prepared his children for life.  They are “arrows.”  They speak well at the gate.  “Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph 6:4).  What do you want your children to know before they leave home?

9. We need children who protect.  This man’s children speak with their enemies at the gate.  Children today need to protect/honor their parents.  “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the L ORD your God is giving you” (Ex 20:12).  “Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord” (Col 3:20).

10. Will you honor your heavenly Father?