Text: Genesis 48:1—11

Topic: Living under the pressure of fatherhood

Introduction:

Illustration: A Father's Day card that shows one of the stresses of being a father.

Sometimes the church adds to the pressure and guilt.

Jacob experienced many of the pressures that young fathers face today.

Fathers face pressure from the failures of their past.

Jacob cheated Esau out of his birthright and inheritance.

Extend grace and forgiveness to your imperfect father.

Illustration: Russell decided not to repeat his father's mistakes.

Proverbs 19:11

Fathers face pressure of providing for their families.

Genesis 30:43

To help relieve the stress of is to be frugal and to be supportive of your father.

Illustration: Mark Farree established a family entertainment fund and his children used it to take him out to dinner.

Fathers face pressure that comes from being a single parent.

Jacob raised Rachel's children after her death.

Illustration: A USA Today article shows that fatherless homes are a problem.

Illustration: The Single Parent article "Making Visitation Work," by Bobbie Reed gives practical advice.

Proverbs 17:9

Fathers face the pressure of trying to be a positive influence at home.

Jacob gave specific blessing to each of his 12 sons.

We must learn how to bless our children and keep them following after God.

Illustration: Gary Smalley's book, The Blessing, show how to pass on the blessing.

Illustration: Russell relates his efforts at raising his sons.

Conclusion:

Illustration: Patrick Morley tells how a father chose to die with his son rather than live without him.