In this lesson, God has called fathers to a more profound task than simply being a care-provider. They are commanded not to provoke their children to anger through harsh treatment, but instead to “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Fathers are to shepherd and guide their children on God’s behalf, while leading them toward God and His Word, and to salvation through the finished work of Christ. As the head and spiritual leader of the home, the father is to know and love God first—modeling authentic faith and building a biblical foundation so his children trust Christ and grow in godliness.