Building a Legacy of Faithful Fatherhood
Summary
Today, we gathered to honor fathers—both biological and spiritual—and to reflect on the vital role they play in our families, our church, and our society. While Father’s Day can be a joyful celebration for many, it can also be a difficult time for those who have lost fathers or had challenging relationships. Yet, regardless of our personal experiences, we are reminded that God is the perfect Father, and He calls us to encourage and build one another up, just as a strong house is built brick by brick.
Being a father is more than just a biological role; it’s about loving, nurturing, and guiding children—whether they are our own or those in our church family. Spiritual fatherhood is just as important, as godly men serve as role models for the next generation. Our Junior Deacons program is one way we foster these relationships, showing young men what it means to live as godly men through simple acts of fellowship and mentorship.
We looked at the life of Noah as an example of a godly father. Noah lived in a time of great wickedness, yet he walked faithfully with God, refusing to conform to the world around him. His obedience, even when it was inconvenient or unpopular, not only saved his family but set a legacy of faithfulness for generations to come. Our daily actions—praying with our children, reading scripture, and living out our faith—speak louder than any lecture we could give.
We all fall short at times, but God is in the business of restoration. No matter our past, we can choose today to change the course of our family’s story. The call is not just for fathers, but for mothers and all believers: to encourage, build up, and leave a legacy of faith. Our children and the children of our church are watching us, learning what it means to follow Christ.
Ultimately, none of us will be perfect fathers or mothers, but we have a perfect Father in heaven who loves us, restores us, and invites us to come to Him for rest. Jesus is the only way to the Father, and He welcomes us as we are, offering grace and redemption. Let us strive to walk with God daily, lead our families in faith, and encourage one another as we build a legacy that honors Him.
Key Takeaways
- Encouragement and Building Up: The call to encourage and build one another up is foundational to Christian community. Just as a house is built brick by brick, our words and actions can strengthen or weaken those around us. True encouragement is not flattery, but a recognition of God’s work in each other, spurring us on to greater faithfulness. [29:03]
- The Power of Spiritual Fatherhood: Fatherhood is not limited to biology; spiritual fathers play a crucial role in shaping the next generation. By modeling godliness, integrity, and love, men can impact not only their own children but also the youth of the church, leaving a legacy that extends beyond their own family. [32:12]
- Breaking the Cycle: Our past does not determine our future. Like the story of the two brothers raised by an abusive father, we each have a choice: to repeat the patterns we’ve inherited or to forge a new path of faithfulness. Blaming, complaining, and discontentment will keep us stuck, but God empowers us to change the trajectory of our lives and families. [37:19]
- Obedience Over Popularity: Noah’s life teaches us that obedience to God often requires going against the grain of culture and comfort. True faith is demonstrated not just in what we say, but in our willingness to act on God’s word, even when it’s inconvenient or misunderstood. Our children learn far more from our daily obedience than from our words alone. [45:50]
- Legacy of Faithfulness: The legacy we leave is built on the foundation of our faith and obedience. Whether as fathers, mothers, or spiritual mentors, our influence shapes future generations. God’s desire is not perfection, but a heart that seeks Him and is willing to be restored, so that our families and church may flourish in His blessing. [51:11]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[29:03] - The Call to Encourage and Build Up
[30:14] - What Makes a True Father
[32:12] - Spiritual Fatherhood and Mentorship
[33:35] - God Restores and Strengthens Fathers
[35:00] - The Need for Godly Fathers Today
[35:58] - The Story of Two Brothers: Breaking the Cycle
[37:19] - Three Ways to Fail at Everything
[39:10] - Evaluating Ourselves as Fathers
[40:43] - Noah: Walking with God in a Wicked Generation
[45:50] - Obedience and the Example of Noah
[47:48] - Leading the Family by Faith
[50:14] - Preparing for the Future
[51:11] - Leaving a Legacy of Faithfulness
[52:16] - Encouragement in Marriage and Community
[55:52] - God’s Restoration and Our Perfect Father
[58:25] - Jesus Invites Us to Rest
[59:50] - The Only Way to the Father
[01:04:53] - Announcements and Closing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Building a Legacy of Faithfulness (Father’s Day)
---
### Bible Reading
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
- Genesis 6:5, 6:9, 6:22
“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth... But Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God... Noah did everything just as God commanded him.”
- Hebrews 11:7
“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:11, what are believers called to do for one another?
(see [29:03])
2. What does the Bible say about Noah’s character and his relationship with God in Genesis 6:9?
(see [40:43])
3. In the sermon, what simple daily actions did the pastor mention as ways fathers can show their faith to their children?
(see [44:05])
4. What was the result of Noah’s obedience, according to Hebrews 11:7?
(see [47:48])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think encouragement and building each other up is compared to building a house, both in the Bible and in the sermon?
(see [29:03])
2. The sermon says that spiritual fatherhood is just as important as biological fatherhood. What does it mean to be a spiritual father or mother in the church?
(see [32:12])
3. The story of the two brothers raised by an abusive father shows two different responses to a difficult past. What does this teach us about personal responsibility and breaking negative cycles?
(see [35:58])
4. Why is daily obedience to God more powerful than giving lectures, especially in the context of parenting or mentoring?
(see [46:58])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about encouraging and building up others, not just in church but at home. Who in your life needs encouragement right now, and what is one specific thing you could say or do for them this week?
(see [29:03])
2. If you are a parent or mentor, what is one daily habit you could start (or restart) to show your faith to the next generation—like praying with your kids, reading scripture, or something else?
(see [44:05])
3. The story of the two brothers reminds us that our past does not have to define our future. Is there a pattern or habit from your family or upbringing that you want to break? What step could you take this week to move in a new direction?
(see [35:58])
4. Noah obeyed God even when it was inconvenient or unpopular. Is there something God is asking you to do right now that feels uncomfortable or goes against the flow? What would it look like to take a step of obedience this week?
(see [45:50])
5. The sermon said, “Our daily obedience teaches louder than our lectures.” Think of a recent situation where your actions spoke louder than your words—was it a good example or a bad one? What would you want to do differently next time?
(see [46:58])
6. The pastor reminded us that none of us are perfect, but God is in the business of restoration. Is there an area where you feel like you’ve failed as a parent, spouse, or mentor? How can you invite God’s restoration into that area?
(see [55:52])
7. Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest when we are tired and worn out. What is making you weary right now, and how can you bring that to Jesus this week?
(see [58:25])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Thank God for being our perfect Father, for His grace and restoration, and ask for strength to encourage, build up, and leave a legacy of faith for those who come after us.
Devotional
Day 1: Encourage and Build One Another Up
As followers of Christ, we are called to encourage and build each other up, much like constructing a sturdy house that can withstand any storm. This means noticing the good in others, cheering them on, and offering words and actions that strengthen their faith and hope. Whether it’s a special occasion like Father’s Day or an ordinary Sunday, our gatherings should leave us feeling uplifted and supported, not because we ignore life’s challenges, but because we remind each other of God’s faithfulness and the value of community. When we encourage one another, we help create an unshakable foundation for our families, our church, and our lives. [29:03]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Reflection: Who is one person in your church or family you can intentionally encourage today with a specific word or act that will help build them up?
Day 2: Walk with God Personally
A godly father—and every believer—must walk with God personally, not just in public but in the daily rhythms of life. Noah lived in a time of great wickedness, yet he stood out because he faithfully walked with God, refusing to conform to the world around him. Our children and those we influence are watching to see if our faith is genuine and lived out. Simple acts like praying with your children, reading Scripture, and making time for God each day are powerful testimonies. Even when we fall short, today can be the day we draw a line in the sand and choose to walk closely with God, setting an example for those who look up to us. [42:43]
Genesis 6:9 (ESV)
These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can show your family or those around you what it looks like to walk with God today?
Day 3: Obey God’s Word, Not Just Hear It
Obedience to God’s Word is more powerful than any lecture or instruction we can give. Noah’s story reminds us that true faith is shown in action—he built the ark even when it seemed unnecessary and unpopular, simply because God commanded it. Our children and those we mentor learn more from our daily obedience than from our words. When we do what God asks, even when it’s inconvenient or misunderstood, we teach those around us what it means to trust and follow God wholeheartedly. [45:50]
James 1:22 (ESV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Reflection: Is there something God has been prompting you to do that you’ve been putting off? What step of obedience can you take today, even if it feels inconvenient?
Day 4: Lead Your Family by Faith
When a father or spiritual leader chooses to follow God by faith, it has a ripple effect on the entire family and community. Noah’s faith didn’t just save himself; it saved his whole family. The decision to lead spiritually—bringing your family to church, praying together, and making Christ the center of your home—sets a legacy that can impact generations. As Joshua declared, choosing to serve the Lord as a household is a powerful commitment that shapes the future. [49:20]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV)
And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Reflection: What is one intentional way you can lead your family or those you influence toward Christ this week?
Day 5: God Restores and Strengthens the Weary
No matter how much we feel we’ve fallen short as parents, leaders, or believers, God is a perfect Father who loves us, restores us, and invites us to come to Him for rest. Jesus calls all who are weary and burdened to Himself, promising rest and redemption. We don’t have to be perfect to be accepted by God; He meets us where we are and helps us become who He’s called us to be. When we feel tired, inadequate, or overwhelmed, we can come to Jesus, knowing He is the only way to the Father and the source of true strength and restoration. [58:25]
Matthew 11:28 (ESV)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Reflection: Are you carrying a burden or feeling weary in your role as a parent, spouse, or believer? Take a moment today to bring that to Jesus in prayer and ask Him for His rest and restoration.
Quotes
Fathers are the foundation of the family. They should be. I mean, I'm in 2025 to stand up here and say things like this is kind of in the minority. But the truth of it is, is the Bible teaches us and the word of God teaches us that the father is the foundation of the family and the health of the family. And when the father is healthy, the family is healthy. When the Christian father is healthy, the church is healthy. [00:34:06] (34 seconds)
Noah stood tall because he walked with the Lord. He walked with God. He had a personal walk with God. And he did not let the behaviors of the world change his mind. We need to do the same thing. [00:42:08] (21 seconds)
Our daily obedience teaches louder than our lectures. How many of us like to be lectured? Raise your hand if you like to be lectured. How many of us like to lecture our kids? Right? And I'm sitting here thinking, I hate being lectured, but yet I'm going to lecture my kid. He checked out like 10 minutes ago. All right? They're not even listening to me. But man, I sure like to lecture. I'm going to get that last lecture in there. So, I've had to learn that my daily obedience is way louder than a lecture. They're watching me and they're watching how I live. Kids are going to follow your example. Fathers, what are our children seeing? [00:46:47] (44 seconds)
When God wins the heart of a man, God wins the whole family. When God wins the heart of a man, God wins the family. The man, when the man decides that he's going to be a godly man, more than most likely, the rest of the family will follow the dad. [00:47:54] (22 seconds)
A godly father prepares for the future. Noah's obedience positioned his family, not just for the rain that was coming, but the protection and the flood. And they overcame that and when they were done, he prepared them for the future, he set them up. Fathers, we can never prepare the future, but we can prepare your family in faith. [00:50:15] (29 seconds)
So we've got to go all the way back to the very beginning where I said, therefore, encourage one another and build each other up. Women, when you encourage the men, the men become more godly. And men, when you encourage the women, the women become more godly. We need to encourage each other. [00:52:06] (29 seconds)
All of the things that I just talked about is, is a guideline that you should have and say, does this guy walk with the Lord? Does this guy listen to the Lord? Is this guy a godly, is this guy a godly guy that's going to take care of me and my children? And he does, and you don't just get to check one or two of them. It should be a check of all of them. [00:54:57] (25 seconds)
But here's the great news with, with God, with our father, because we have a perfect father who lives in heaven. We have a perfect father who has created us. We have this perfect father that looks down at us and looks at our failures and is ready to restore us. [00:56:11] (19 seconds)
Jesus says, come to me, all who are tired and burdened. I bet you if I asked today to raise your hand to how many of you were tired and lost some sleep this week and worrying about things, a lot of people would probably raise their hands. Jesus says, come to me and I'll give you rest. Jesus says, come to me and I will take your burdens. [00:58:01] (34 seconds)
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