January 28 2026

Wednesday January 28

The Home: The Father’s Responsibilities

Ephesians 6:4

And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath,

but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Today we continue in Ephesians chapter 6, looking at verse 4, where the Apostle Paul speaks directly to fathers about their God-given responsibilities in the home. In this one verse, God gives us both a warning and a calling. If left to themselves, children will naturally go their own way. Scripture and experience both confirm this. That is why God places the responsibility of training children squarely on the parents—especially the father. The Bible records tragic consequences when parents neglect this calling. David pampered Absalom, and it ended in rebellion and heartbreak. Eli failed to discipline his sons, and it brought disgrace to his family and defeat to Israel. Favoritism in Isaac’s and Jacob’s homes produced division and sorrow. God gives us these accounts as warnings, not merely history lessons.

In this one verse Paul outlines several responsibilities for fathers. First, a father must not provoke his children. In Paul’s day, fathers held tremendous authority. In Roman culture, a father even had the legal right to accept or reject a newborn child. Paul confronts that abuse of power directly and says, in effect, “Do not use your authority to crush your children, but to build them up.” In Colossians 3:21, Paul added, “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” The opposite of provoking is encouraging.

Fathers provoke their children when they say one thing and do another, when they criticize but rarely praise, when discipline is harsh one day and ignored the next, when favoritism exists in the home, or when promises are made but not kept. Children can also be provoked when parents dismiss problems that are very real and painful to them. Christian parents need the fullness of the Holy Spirit to respond with wisdom, patience, and sensitivity to their children’s needs.

Second, a father must nurture his children. Paul says, “Bring them up”—a phrase that means to nourish or cherish. It is the same word used earlier when husbands are told to nourish their wives. Fathers are called to nourish their children not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Providing food, clothing, and shelter is important—but it is not enough. Children also need love, encouragement, affirmation, and spiritual guidance. Jesus Himself gives us the pattern: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” That is balanced growth—mental, physical, spiritual, and social. Nowhere in Scripture does God assign the spiritual training of children to institutions outside the home. Churches and schools can assist, but the responsibility belongs to the parents.

Third, a father must discipline his children. The word translated “training” carries the idea of discipline and correction. Scripture consistently teaches that discipline is an expression of love. “Whom the Lord loves, He disciplines.” A lack of discipline does not show kindness—it shows neglect. However, discipline must be done in the right way. It must never be administered in anger. A parent who loses control cannot teach self-control. Discipline must also be fair and consistent. Children need to know where the boundaries are. Loving discipline provides security. Even when children disagree, they understand that someone cares enough to guide them. Many adults today admit they never knew where the limits were growing up because no one cared enough to discipline them. That uncertainty often leads to insecurity and poor choices later in life.

Fourth, a father must instruct and encourage his children. Paul uses the word “admonition,” which refers to verbal instruction and counsel. Parenting is not only about actions—it is also about words. The book of Proverbs is filled with a father lovingly instructing his son in the ways of wisdom. Children may not always appreciate instruction at the moment, but that does not remove the responsibility to teach. Our counsel must always be rooted in the Word of God, which equips us to guide our children wisely.

Home should be the primary place where children learn about the Lord and what it means to live the Christian life. Parents must not pass this responsibility to others. Teaching children about Christ is not the job of Sunday School alone—it begins at the kitchen table, in daily conversations, and through consistent example.

In summary, God calls fathers to lead their homes with loving authority—not provoking, but encouraging; not neglecting, but nurturing; not ignoring discipline, but practicing it with wisdom; and not remaining silent, but instructing their children in the Lord. May God help us build homes where children grow up knowing they are loved, guided, and pointed toward Christ.

God bless you and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day.