Embracing Fatherhood: Faith, Trust, and Divine Adoption
Summary
### Summary
Brothers and sisters, today we gathered to celebrate the unity and mission of our churches, recognizing that the kingdom of God is too vast for any one church to tackle alone. We work together, encourage one another, and ultimately exalt our Lord and Savior. As we approach Father’s Day, we acknowledge the mixed emotions it brings. Some celebrate, while others face pain and loss. Yet, God's goodness surpasses all human failings. Whether you had a wonderful father, a hurtful one, or long to be a father yourself, know that our Heavenly Father never fails us.
Today, we delve into the impact of fatherhood on faith, using the book of Jude, specifically verses 24 and 25, as our guide. Fatherhood has brought me immense joy and deep suffering, revealing my own flaws and shortcomings. Yet, in every experience, God has been faithful. Jude reminds us that only God can keep us from stumbling, present us blameless, and is worthy of all glory, majesty, dominion, and authority.
Parenting is challenging, often bringing us to the brink of despair. But God keeps us on our feet, even in the midst of chaos, like the Elmo slide toy analogy. He is with us in our troubles, just as He was with Abraham, Joseph, and the Israelites. When hope seems lost, God is at work. He presents us blameless, adopting us as His children through Christ’s sacrifice. This adoption is far more profound than any earthly adoption.
Passing down our faith to our children is crucial. We must intentionally and unintentionally show them the faith, teaching them to pray, study Scripture, and worship. The decline in church attendance highlights the urgency of this task. Fathers, we must step up and lead by example, ensuring our children see us living out our faith.
Finally, God is worthy of our trust. My own experiences, like the unexpected blessing of our daughter Sophie amidst an adoption process, remind me of God’s faithfulness. We must trust Him, knowing He is the author of our stories. Let us live as sons and daughters of God, passing down this faith to future generations.
### Key Takeaways
1. God’s Goodness Surpasses Human Failings: Regardless of our earthly fathers' actions, God's goodness remains undiminished. He is a perfect Heavenly Father who never fails us, offering comfort and hope even in our deepest pains and longings. [31:31]
2. God Keeps Us on Our Feet: Parenting is fraught with challenges, but God sustains us through every trial. Like the Elmo slide toy, we may be knocked down, but God keeps us on our feet, ensuring we stand firm in times of trouble and despair. [38:19]
3. God Presents Us Blameless: Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are adopted as God’s children, presented blameless before Him. This divine adoption surpasses any earthly adoption, erasing our shame and insecurities, and affirming our identity as beloved children of God. [46:09]
4. Passing Down Faith is Essential: The most important legacy we can leave our children is our faith. We must intentionally and unintentionally demonstrate our faith, teaching them to pray, study Scripture, and worship, ensuring they see us living out our faith daily. [53:42]
5. Trust in God’s Faithfulness: Reflecting on past experiences of God’s provision strengthens our trust in Him today. Sharing these stories with others encourages mutual faith, reminding us that God, the author of our stories, is always at work, even when we cannot see it. [01:02:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:09] - Invitation to Earl Trent Assembly
[30:41] - Acknowledging Mixed Emotions on Father’s Day
[32:18] - Worshiping the Perfect Heavenly Father
[33:08] - Introduction to My Family
[34:11] - Impact of Fatherhood on Faith
[35:23] - Prayer for Wisdom and Understanding
[36:50] - Only God Keeps Us from Stumbling
[38:19] - The Elmo Slide Analogy
[40:03] - God’s Work in Dire Situations
[42:04] - Examples of God’s Faithfulness
[44:37] - Only God Presents Us Blameless
[46:09] - Divine Adoption Through Christ
[49:34] - Only God is Worthy of Glory
[53:42] - Passing Down Our Faith
[57:12] - God is Worthy of Obedience
[58:50] - God is Worthy of Our Trust
[01:02:50] - Trusting God’s Faithfulness
[01:04:31] - Living as Sons and Daughters of God
[01:05:15] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Jude 24-25 (ESV): "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Jude 24-25, what are the attributes and actions of God mentioned in these verses?
2. In the sermon, the pastor used an analogy involving an Elmo slide toy. What was the purpose of this analogy, and how does it relate to God's ability to keep us from stumbling? [38:19]
3. The pastor shared personal stories about his experiences with fatherhood. What were some of the challenges and joys he mentioned, and how did these experiences impact his faith? [34:11]
4. How does the pastor describe the significance of divine adoption compared to earthly adoption? [46:09]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Jude 24-25 speaks of God presenting us blameless. What does it mean to be presented blameless before God, and how does this concept impact our understanding of salvation and grace? [46:09]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of passing down faith to our children. Why is this considered the most important legacy, and what are some practical ways to achieve this? [53:42]
3. Reflecting on the pastor's story about the unexpected blessing of his daughter Sophie, how can past experiences of God's faithfulness strengthen our trust in Him today? [01:02:50]
4. The pastor mentioned that God's goodness surpasses human failings. How can this truth provide comfort and hope in the face of personal or familial shortcomings? [31:31]
### Application Questions
1. The pastor mentioned that God's goodness is not diminished by our earthly fathers' actions. How can you find comfort in God's perfect fatherhood, especially if you have experienced pain or loss related to your earthly father? [31:31]
2. Parenting can be challenging and often brings us to the brink of despair. How can you rely on God's strength to keep you on your feet during difficult times? Are there specific prayers or practices that help you stay grounded in faith? [38:19]
3. The sermon highlighted the importance of passing down faith to our children. What intentional steps can you take this week to demonstrate your faith to your children or those you mentor? [53:42]
4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can you share this story with others to encourage their faith? [01:02:50]
5. The pastor emphasized the need for fathers to lead by example in living out their faith. How can you model a life of faith, prayer, and worship for your family or community? [53:42]
6. Trusting in God's faithfulness can be challenging, especially in uncertain times. What specific areas of your life do you need to surrender to God's control, and how can you remind yourself of His past faithfulness to build your trust? [01:02:50]
7. The pastor mentioned that we are teaching our kids to worship something. What are some ways you can ensure that what you are passing down to your children is the worship of God and not something else? [57:12]
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Perfect Fatherhood
God’s goodness surpasses all human failings. Whether you had a wonderful father, a hurtful one, or long to be a father yourself, know that our Heavenly Father never fails us. His love and care are perfect, offering comfort and hope even in our deepest pains and longings. Earthly fathers may falter, but God’s goodness remains undiminished. He is always there to guide, support, and love us unconditionally.
In times of joy and sorrow, we can turn to God, our perfect Heavenly Father, who understands our struggles and meets us where we are. His faithfulness and love are constant, providing a foundation of hope and security. Let us embrace His goodness and allow it to heal our hearts and guide our lives. [31:31]
Psalm 68:5-6 (ESV): "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land."
Reflection: Think about your relationship with your earthly father. How can you allow God’s perfect fatherhood to bring healing and hope to any areas of pain or longing?
Day 2: Sustained by God’s Strength
Parenting is fraught with challenges, often bringing us to the brink of despair. Yet, God sustains us through every trial. Like the Elmo slide toy analogy, we may be knocked down, but God keeps us on our feet, ensuring we stand firm in times of trouble and despair. He is with us in our struggles, just as He was with Abraham, Joseph, and the Israelites.
When hope seems lost, God is at work, providing strength and guidance. He helps us navigate the chaos and keeps us grounded in His love and faithfulness. Trusting in God’s strength allows us to face the challenges of parenting and life with confidence, knowing that we are never alone. [38:19]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you see God’s sustaining strength at work in that situation? How can you rely on His strength more in your daily life?
Day 3: Blameless Before God
Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are adopted as God’s children and presented blameless before Him. This divine adoption surpasses any earthly adoption, erasing our shame and insecurities, and affirming our identity as beloved children of God. We are no longer defined by our past mistakes or failures but by the love and grace of our Heavenly Father.
This profound truth transforms our lives, giving us a new identity and purpose. As God’s children, we are called to live in the freedom and joy of His love, knowing that we are fully accepted and cherished. Let us embrace this divine adoption and allow it to shape our lives and relationships. [46:09]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: How does knowing you are adopted and blameless before God change the way you see yourself and your relationship with Him? What steps can you take to live more fully in this truth?
Day 4: Legacy of Faith
Passing down our faith to our children is crucial. We must intentionally and unintentionally demonstrate our faith, teaching them to pray, study Scripture, and worship. The decline in church attendance highlights the urgency of this task. Fathers, in particular, are called to lead by example, ensuring their children see them living out their faith daily.
This legacy of faith is the most important gift we can give our children. It shapes their understanding of God and their relationship with Him. By living out our faith authentically, we inspire and guide the next generation to know and love God. Let us commit to being intentional in passing down our faith, creating a lasting impact on our children’s lives. [53:42]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can demonstrate your faith to your children or those around you? How can you be more intentional in passing down your faith?
Day 5: Trusting God’s Faithfulness
Reflecting on past experiences of God’s provision strengthens our trust in Him today. Sharing these stories with others encourages mutual faith, reminding us that God, the author of our stories, is always at work, even when we cannot see it. Trusting in God’s faithfulness allows us to face the future with confidence, knowing that He is in control.
Our personal testimonies of God’s faithfulness serve as powerful reminders of His love and care. By sharing these stories, we build a community of faith and support, encouraging one another to trust in God’s provision and guidance. Let us remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness, allowing it to strengthen our trust in Him. [01:02:50]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s faithfulness. How can you share this story with someone to encourage their faith? How does remembering God’s past faithfulness help you trust Him with your current challenges?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The goodness of God far exceeds the ways we fail to reflect that goodness. In other words, God's goodness to us is not diminished by our cruelty to each other. I had a wonderful father. I'm thankful for him. I know the Lord because he put me in a position to know the Lord. But I know for others their father was not there for them. Or maybe he was there and hurt them. If that's you in this room I want you to know that the fact that your father failed you does not mean that your heavenly father fails you." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So whatever this day brings up for you regarding your earthly father. We come together to worship the perfect heavenly father who never changes, never fails, and never turns his back on us." (13 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When the situation is dire, God is at work. When the outlook is bleakest, God is moving. Now if I'm going to tell you that this is a hallmark of the people of God, I feel that I need to present evidence. And so let's start from the beginning. The constitution of the people of God was achieved through whom? Abraham and Sarah." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our God presents us blameless with great joy. Shame does not have the final word. Our insecurities do not have the final word. The blood of the Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world has the final word." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The most important thing, the only essential thing that we pass down to our children is the faith that has been passed down to us. And we have to do it both ways, right? We have to do it on purpose, where we're intentionally setting out to show them the faith. But we've also got to do it on accident, so that they're just seeing us doing it, and they're turning those spoons upside down and doing it themselves." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "In fatherhood I've experienced joy that is deeper than I had ever encountered before but likewise I've experienced deep, deep suffering and pain. I've become acutely aware of my own shortcomings and flaws as I've parented little people and not so little people. But in every experience I've found God to be faithful and faithful to me. And that is what we get to hold up as truth this morning." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Only God is able to keep you from stumbling. Let me tell you. is dangerous work. You guys may be more sanctified than I am. I don't know. But I know that things that I thought had been put to death with my flesh, when I had kids, they came back with a vengeance. It's hard to parent." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we are in Christ, it is similarly a paradigm shift, even more so than adding a child to the mix, because we are literally a new person. The old is gone and the new has come. That means we do things differently. We spend our time differently. We spend our money differently. We evaluate things differently. We evaluate success differently. And in parenting, that means we are more concerned than our kids. We have to ask ourselves, am I more concerned that my kids are keeping up with their peers, or am I most concerned that my kids are being faithful to our God?" (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We don't only need, though, to tell our stories of God's faithfulness to ourselves, but we need to tell them to each other. I told you that story today because my hope is that you'll see, Hey, God was faithful to him. I can trust him. I'm not creative enough to have hoped for that story to play out the way that I thought that it did. I like to think of myself as a creative person. I couldn't have drawn that one up. Even as I was praying for God to work it out, I'm thinking, God, just like, begin to work in the heart of our social worker that they'll kind of look the other way and let all this work out, right? I had no way of thinking that my daughter had already been born. That I was going to meet her in just a few days. Only God does that." (55 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Parents in the room, it's time to parent like a son or daughter of God. Let that be the thing that our kids remember most about us. Let that be the thing that we give to our kids that they give to their kids that they give to their kids. If you're not a parent in the room, then the opportunity is the same. Live like a son or daughter of God. God is presenting himself to the world. And for reasons that I can never explain, he's doing it through his church, through his people. Let's be a part of that story that he is writing." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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