Jun. 16, 2024

Background:

• Every father should love their children, but when they do something wrong we should discipline them
• Sometimes we have to speak to them, there are times when we have to take things away from there, and then there are times when we have to bring the rod
• The Lord disciplines everyone that he accepts as his child
• If we don't discipline your child, then we do not love the child (Proverbs 13:24)
• When we discipline our child we will have peace and rest (Provers 29:17)

Key Sermon Points:

1. Eli's sons were wicked
   1. Did Eli as a father fail his sons?  Yes, he failed his responsibility as a father
   2. Are you leading your family the right way?
   3. Eli's sons were not restrained (1 Samuel 3:13)
   4. They did not have a relationship or fellowship with God (1 Samuel 2:12)
   5. We have to let our children know about the Lord
   6. God's punishment of evil is not on our time table
   7. God is long-suffering
   8. Eli lost control of his sons
   9. They would take for themselves what they wanted...they were wicked
   10. Eli was now old...we can't wait too late when we can't do anything
   11. We must pour into our children what the Lord says
   12. It is important to demonstrate what you know so that the children will see what you believe
2. God's judgment was coming
   1. You might get by, but you won't get away
   2. God will really deal with us when we sin against him
   3. God had already determined to judge against Eli's sons
   4. God's judgment is certain
3. Eli's slack hand cost him everything
   1. When we don't do what God tells us to do, it can cost us everything
   2. As fathers, we have to do a better job of leading our children to God
   3. It cost Eli:
      • His two sons (1 Samuel 4:17)
      • A great slaughter that cost other people's lives
      • The Ark of God
      • His own life
      • His daughter-in-law's life
      • The priesthood from his family line