Bible Text: Psalm 127 | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: A Song For Workaholics, Psalms

1.  Psalm 127 is a wisdom psalm, called a Song of Ascents because it was sung or chanted on the way up to Jerusalem for the three great festivals each year:  the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover), the Feast of Pentecost (Harvest), and the Feast of Tabernacles.  The psalm is ascribed to Solomon, as is Psalm 72.  A wisdom psalm stressed the importance of living by the Word of God.

2.  The theme of Psalm 127 can be stated this way: the vitality and security of our homes (our families), of our nation (cities, states), and of our work, will suffer if we leave God out of our lives.

3.  What does the Lord expect of fathers?

-to teach our children about God’s Word, both formally and informally (“teachable moments.”). Deuteronomy 6:4-9

-that we discipline our children (discipline is Hebrew “masar,” meaning “moral correction-both verbal and physical”) Discipline is an evidence of our love for our children, as God’s discipline is an evidence of His love for us.  Proverbs 3:11,12; 23:13,14)

-Integrity/Honesty – Proverbs 10:9, that we act the same at work, home, school, and church.

-that we don’t make capricious rules or unreasonable demands of our children. Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21

-that we pass on the stories of God’s dealings, lessons, and experiences of our lives; what we have learned in our walk Joel 1:3

-that we respect God, it’s a safe refuge for our children,  Proverbs 14:26

-not that we be perfect but that we be moving in the right direction

4.  What does God expect of children?

-that they respect their parent’s authority and God’s order in the home (Ephesians 5-6; Colossians 3; 1 Corinthians 11

-obedience, Proverbs 1:8; Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20

-honor – Ephesians 6:2,3

-that they be proud of their parents, Proverbs 17:6