Keys to Fatherhood

Tyler shared about the calling that we have as believers to make disciples. This includes within our homes, and perhaps, it is especially meant for our homes. In addition to the statistics Tyler presented, I want us to think about this:

LifeWay Research recently reported the follows: “If a child is the first person in a household to become a Christian, there is a 3.5% probability everyone else in the household will follow. If the mother is the first to become a Christian, there is a 17% probability that everyone else in the household will follow. However, when the father is the first, there is a 93% probability that everyone else in the household will follow.” Men, we MUST acknowledge firstly that we have a calling- as believers, and as dads. Secondly, we MUST acknowledge that we have influence- over our families and culture. In light of this report, the calling we have received to disciple, and the calling to be a father...

TS: let’s examine together a few keys to biblical fatherhood highlighted in the chosen texts for today:

The first key is sacrificial obedience. (Gen. 1:2-6, 12)

God called Abraham to go to Mount Moriah and sacrifice his son, Isaac. This would have been a tough calling. Isaac was special to Abraham and Sarah. He was a part of God’s covenant with Abraham. The details surrounding this calling all make it difficult, yet Abraham exercised sacrificial obedience to God’s calling.

Our calling is not easy. While it isn’t necessarily equivalent to the calling of God to Abraham regarding Isaac, there are some similarities: the calling to disciple is difficult because it requires our own obedience and example; the calling to disciple our children requires of us sacrifice (time, personal or selfish desires, etc.)

We must understand and acknowledge that one key to fatherhood is sacrificial obedience to the calling of God.

The second key is sacrificial trust. (Gen. 22:7-15)

Even though the calling required sacrifice and came with difficulty, Abraham obeyed because he trusted God to provide.

God is Jehovah Jireh, provider.

Our calling to discipleship and fatherhood requires sacrifice, but we must trust that God will provide everything that is necessary to fulfill the calling.

God provided the sacrificial ram so that Abraham didn’t have to sacrifice his son. God will provide everything necessary to us. He only desires our obedience and trust.

We must trust that God is going to provide everything we need to fulfill our calling.

The third key is sacrificial love. (Jn. 3:16; Rm. 8:32; First John 4:9-10)

These verses remind us that God loved us so much that He sent His one Son, Jesus to die for us. God is the ultimate Father of all. Thus, as He has called us and given us the blessing of fathering, we must look to Him for the example. He is abundant in love.

We must maintain a sacrificial love because God loved us in that way, giving up His only son for you and me.

CONCLUSION and RESPONSE:

God has commissioned us and called us as fathers. Thus, we must possess the keys to fatherhood in order to respond and fulfill His calling. We are not dads just because its cool. We are not dads just because its fun. We are dads because God has called us dads and allowed us to serve in this role. Thus we must sacrificially obey Him, sacrificially trust Him, and sacrificially love Him. Galatians 2:20 reads, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, i live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This life, this fatherhood, is not about us. IT’S ALL ABOUT HIM!

This morning, by way of response and recognition, men, dads, I ask you to come down to the front to receive your gift of recognition as the Lord leads you. As you stand to come, please be reminded that your standing to come receive this gift is symbolic of your standing for Christ, rising to your calling, and choosing to be a dad that glorifies God and fulfills your calling to parent.

Related Media

Related Sermons