Embracing Godly Influence: The Role of Fathers

Summary

Today, we celebrate the vital and multifaceted role of fathers and father figures—biological, adoptive, step, foster, spiritual, academic, and even political. Every man, in some way, is called to be a mentor and influencer, for good or for ill. The legacy we leave is shaped by the voices we listen to and the source we draw from. In a world filled with competing voices and sources of advice, it is essential to look to the Lord as our ultimate source. Psalm 32:8 reminds us of God’s promise: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” These three promises—God’s instruction, teaching, and counsel—are the foundation for a life of godly influence.

Looking at the life of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, we see the power of faithful instruction. Though not Jesus’ biological father, Joseph’s obedience and faithfulness laid a spiritual foundation for Jesus’ growth in wisdom and stature. Similarly, the Apostle Paul’s mentorship of Timothy shows that spiritual fatherhood is not limited by age or biology; it is about imparting wisdom, character, and faith. God’s promise to instruct and teach is not just for a select few, but for all who are willing and teachable.

A teachable spirit is essential. Even when we lack earthly examples or have made mistakes, God redeems our time and uses us as influencers, no matter our stage of life. The Lord is not bound by our past; He is able to restore and bless, even across generations. Our faithfulness as fathers and mentors can break cycles of brokenness and release generational blessing.

God’s counsel is trustworthy. He is our Wonderful Counselor, and His Word is our compass, illuminating our path and keeping us on course. When we stray from His Word, we lose our way; but when we cling to it, we find hope, direction, and strength—even in the darkest valleys. God’s desire is for every man to succeed, to be a priest and spiritual covering for his home, and to leave a legacy of blessing. The call is simple but profound: say yes to the Source, remain teachable, and let God use you as an influencer for His glory.

Key Takeaways

- The Power of Godly Influence: Every man is called to be a mentor and influencer, whether as a biological, spiritual, or community father. The legacy we leave is determined by the voices we heed and the source we draw from. When we choose God as our source, our influence can shape generations for good. [01:57]

- Instruction and Teachability: God promises to instruct and teach us, but this requires a heart that is open and teachable. Even when we lack perfect earthly examples, God Himself steps in to guide and mentor us, redeeming our past and equipping us for the future. A teachable spirit is the gateway to transformation and generational blessing. [16:24]

- Redemption Beyond Regret: It is never too late to become a godly influence. Even if our children are grown or we feel we have failed, God is not limited by time. When we surrender our lives to Him, He can restore lost years and use us to impact our families and others, regardless of our past mistakes. [17:21]

- God’s Counsel as Our Compass: The counsel of the Lord is trustworthy and unchanging. His Word is our spiritual compass, keeping us oriented toward true north. When we drift from His Word, confusion and misdirection follow, but when we hold fast to it, we find clarity, hope, and steadfastness, even in adversity. [31:42]

- A Legacy of Blessing: God’s desire is for every man to succeed and to pass on a legacy of blessing, not just to his children, but to future generations. Our faithfulness as spiritual leaders in our homes can break cycles of brokenness and release generational favor. The call is to say yes to God, remain teachable, and trust Him to use us as vessels of His blessing. [25:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - The Many Faces of Fatherhood
[02:42] - The Importance of the Right Source
[04:04] - The Necessity of Good Instruction
[05:30] - Joseph: A Model of Faithful Fatherhood
[07:05] - Spiritual Foundations and Dedication
[08:52] - Paul and Timothy: Spiritual Fatherhood
[10:31] - God’s Absolute Promise to Instruct
[13:01] - The Need for a Teachable Spirit
[14:28] - Overcoming Fear and Embracing God’s Mentorship
[17:21] - God Redeems Time and Restores Families
[19:51] - Jesus as the Ultimate Demonstration
[24:13] - God’s Plans and Breaking the Black Sheep Mentality
[27:09] - The Heart of a Coach: God Wants You to Succeed
[29:35] - God’s Counsel and the Power of His Word
[34:38] - Standing on God’s Word Through Trials
[36:33] - The Call to Godly Influence
[38:01] - Responding to the Call and Blessing the Men
[40:26] - Prayer of Blessing and New Beginnings
[41:16] - Conclusion and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power and Legacy of Godly Influence

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### Bible Reading

- Psalm 32:8
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Psalm 32:8, what three things does God promise to do for us?
2. In the sermon, what are some of the different types of fatherhood and mentorship mentioned? ([01:10])
3. How did Joseph, though not Jesus’ biological father, influence Jesus’ life and growth? ([05:30])
4. What does the sermon say about the importance of having a teachable spirit? ([13:01])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does the pastor emphasize that every man is called to be a mentor or influencer, regardless of biological connection? ([01:57])
2. What does it mean for God to be our “source,” and how does this affect the legacy we leave? ([02:42])
3. How does the example of Joseph and Paul show that spiritual fatherhood is not limited by age or biology? ([08:52])
4. The sermon says God can redeem lost time and restore families. What does this suggest about God’s ability to work through our past mistakes? ([17:21])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says that every man is an influencer, whether he realizes it or not. Who are some people in your life that you may be influencing right now, even if you haven’t thought of yourself as a mentor? ([01:10])
2. Psalm 32:8 promises God’s instruction, teaching, and counsel. In what area of your life do you most need God’s guidance right now? How can you intentionally seek His counsel this week? ([02:42])
3. The pastor shared about his own fears of repeating his father’s mistakes. Are there any fears or regrets from your past that affect how you lead or mentor others? What would it look like to surrender those to God? ([15:22])
4. The sermon highlights the importance of a teachable spirit. What is one area where you find it hard to be teachable? How can you open yourself up to God’s instruction or correction in that area? ([13:01])
5. God’s Word is described as a compass that keeps us on course. Are there any “voices” or sources of advice in your life that compete with God’s Word? How can you make God’s Word your primary guide this week? ([31:42])
6. The pastor said it’s never too late to become a godly influence, even if your children are grown or you feel you’ve failed. Is there a relationship where you want to start being a more positive influence? What is one step you can take this week? ([17:21])
7. The sermon calls men to say “yes” to God’s call and remain teachable. What does saying “yes” to God look like for you right now? Is there a specific area where you need to trust Him more or step out in faith? ([36:33])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another, especially for the men in the group, that they would receive God’s instruction, remain teachable, and leave a legacy of blessing.

Devotional

Day 1: God Promises to Instruct, Teach, and Counsel Us

God’s heart is to personally guide, instruct, and counsel His children, equipping us for every role and challenge we face—especially as fathers and influencers. He does not leave us to figure things out alone, but promises to be our source of wisdom and direction. When we seek Him, He will show us the way, provide insight, and walk with us through every season. No matter our starting point or past mistakes, God’s commitment is unwavering: He will instruct, teach, and counsel us as we trust Him and remain open to His leading. [02:42]

Psalm 32:8 (ESV)
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Reflection: Where in your life do you most need God’s instruction or counsel right now, and how can you intentionally seek His guidance in that area today?


Day 2: The Importance of a Teachable Spirit

A teachable spirit is essential for receiving God’s instruction and growing into the person He has called us to be. Even when God speaks through unexpected means or circumstances, a humble and open heart allows us to discern His voice and direction. Pride, stubbornness, or past hurts can close us off from the wisdom God wants to impart, but when we say, “Father, I’m teachable,” we position ourselves to be transformed and used by Him. God delights in teaching those who are willing to learn, no matter their age or background. [14:28]

Proverbs 1:5 (ESV)
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.

Reflection: What is one area where you have resisted correction or new learning? How can you invite God to soften your heart and make you teachable today?


Day 3: God Redeems Our Time and Past Mistakes

No matter when we begin to honor God or how much time we feel we’ve lost, God is able to redeem our years and restore what was broken. He is not limited by our past failures or missed opportunities; instead, He can use even our late beginnings to influence our families and future generations. When we choose to start now—regardless of age or circumstance—God can bring blessing, healing, and spiritual legacy through us. Our willingness to begin is what matters most, and God will pave the way as we trust Him. [17:21]

Joel 2:25 (ESV)
I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.

Reflection: Is there a relationship or area of your life where you feel it’s “too late” for God to work? What step can you take today to invite God’s restoration and begin anew?


Day 4: God Has a Purpose and Plan for Every Life

God’s plans for us are good, filled with hope, purpose, and a future—even when we feel like the “black sheep” or doubt our worth. He sees beyond our present circumstances and failures, calling us to embrace His vision for our lives. As we align ourselves with His purpose, we become channels of blessing not only for ourselves but for our children and generations to come. God’s desire is for us to succeed, to walk in our calling, and to pass on His blessing through faithful influence. [25:00]

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Reflection: What dream or purpose do you sense God calling you to pursue, and what is one practical way you can take a step toward it this week?


Day 5: God’s Word Is Our Unfailing Compass

The Word of God is our spiritual and moral compass, illuminating our path and keeping us on course when life is dark or confusing. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we gain clarity, direction, and confidence to make wise decisions. God’s Word is trustworthy, unchanging, and exalted above all; it is the foundation that sustains us through every trial and season. As we stand on His promises, we find hope, strength, and the assurance that He will never leave us nor forsake us. [31:42]

Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Reflection: How can you make God’s Word a more central part of your daily routine, and what specific step will you take to let it guide your decisions this week?

Quotes

All of that needs to be prepared with the right steps in advance. And Joseph got it. He was faithful. He was faithful to the end. And then finally when Jesus came to that place where he was ready and could understand his relationship with God, his heavenly Father, that's when the role of Joseph was removed. [00:07:37] (21 seconds) Edit Clip

Thank God for the instruction that Joseph gave that equipped Jesus for the future and to go the distance, to go to the cross, and to become the sacrificial lamb that would take away the sins of the world. Your sin, my sins. Thank God.for Joseph's influence in his life. A father is important. [00:08:14] (22 seconds) Edit Clip

If you still have the breath of life, how many people are breathing today? And if your children still have the breath of life, even if they're grown and out of the house and adult children, you can still, as a father, be an influencer. You can still make a difference. [00:17:02] (19 seconds) Edit Clip

And just as a curse can go to the third, fourth, and fifth generation, the blessing of God can equally be bestowed and be passed down from generation to generation. My children and my children's children and my children's children's children. [00:26:03] (15 seconds) Edit Clip

God's word is our spiritual compass it keeps us focused on true north so that we don't lose our way when people begin to fall away from reading scripture when they begin to attend church less and less then the influence of God's word is diminished and then the voice of the world and all of the other you know talking points begin to overshadow it and then God becomes more and more faint and he's removed to the background and then all of a sudden all these other voices begin to overshadow and to begin to persuade then decisions are made based on those feelings and there's wrong voices and then when things aren't going the way they need to go people say what happened what happened wasthe lamp went out. You need to turn up the light. Amen? The Word of the Lord is the lamp for our feet. [00:33:15] (52 seconds) Edit Clip

More than ever, the world needs godly men, godly husbands, godly fathers, godly grandfathers, godly teachers, godly men who will be influencers and mentors in the lives of others.And God is extending this high call to say yes to every single man in this auditorium and to every single man who is listening to this message right now.God is extending His high calling to you.Will you be the godly man? Will you say yes? Say, Lord, I'm teachable. I'm willing. Maybe you've already begun the journey. Are you willing to continue the journey? Every day we live in the moment. Will you say yes? Lord, use me. I will be the mentor you've called me to be. Will you say yes? I close with this. Jesus is the source who will guide you.Not only for a lifetime, but beyond. [00:36:47] (74 seconds) Edit Clip