I.     Introduction
       A.  For many of us, the tools our fathers used – or still use – say something about them.
           1.   Maybe you remember your father working around the house, or the garden, or the field
           2.   I listened as Brad Arnold described a sermon he had written about his father, Gene Arnold
       B.  The lessons we must learn as fathers remind us of the Heavenly Father’s nature.
            1.  He is our Father, the One Who shapes us )Isaiah 64:8)
            2.  Those things which make us effective fathers are really His handiwork.
            3.  I want to look at the themes Brad mentioned he was reminded of in the tools his father used.
            4.  In examining these, we can see how those qualities flow from the Father.
II.    The qualities of a father are often shown in his handiwork.
       A.  Purpose
            1.  When his father took up tools, it was with a purpose.
                a.  He had a vision of what he wanted to accomplish
                b.  He selected the right tool for the job.
            2.  Fathers need to have purpose in raising children for the Lord.
                a.  They need to have vision for their children (Proverbs 29:18)
                b.  They need to use the right tools (Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:7; Ephesians 6:4)
       B.  Precision, Control
            1.  When his dad put a tool to use, he used it with precision, control.
                a.  Tools require power, but also control.
                b.  If either is missing, the tool is much less effective.
            2.  His tools reflected the kind of care he took of them.
            3.  Fathers need to exercise discipline in a controlled, effective way. (Proverbs 13:24; I Timothy 3:4)
       C.  Provision
            1.  His application of tools provided benefits to the family.
            2.  My grandfather’s tools were his livelihood.
            3.  Fathers are tasked with the responsibility to provide. (II Corinthians 12:14; Ephesians 4:28)
III.   The qualities of our heavenly Father are also evident in His handiwork.
       A.  God has shown Himself to be a truly loving father through the works He has brought about.
            1.  His workmanship has demonstrated those same qualities
            2.  Our success as fathers is measured against His standard of fatherhood.
       B.  Purpose
            1.  God’s plan has been evident from the beginning. (Ephesians 3:11; 1:5)
            2.  He continues to work through those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)
       C.  Precision, Control
            1.  God’s judgements are righteous and true (Revelation 16:7; Hebrews 12:10)
            2.  He always exhibits patience (II Peter 3:9; Luke 15:20)
       D.  Provision
            1.  He provides for life here (James 1:17; Matthew 5:44-45; Acts 14:17)
            2.  He has provided for our eternal life in Jesus Christ. (II Peter 1:10-11)
IV.   Conclusion
       A.  Are you the handiwork of God?
       B.  ”Make your calling and election sure.”

Glenn Record
June 21, 2009