Embracing the Divine Role of Fatherhood

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Praise and Worship

Description: Singing psalms, spiritual songs, and hymns is a powerful way to enter into God's presence. This collective act of worship allows God to work through us, filling us with His love and grace. When we engage in praise and worship, we are not just singing songs; we are participating in a divine encounter that transforms our hearts and minds. Worship is a spiritual discipline that aligns our spirits with God's will, making us more receptive to His guidance and blessings. [17:05]

Psalm 100:2-4 (ESV): "Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!"

Reflection: How can you incorporate more praise and worship into your daily routine to experience God's presence more fully?

Day 2: The Divine Role of Fathers

Description: Fatherhood is a divine institution that has been under attack for decades. Men are called to lead their families with love, grace, and biblical principles. The role of a father is irreplaceable and essential for a healthy home. Fathers are to be the spiritual leaders of their households, guiding their families in the ways of the Lord. This involves not only providing for their physical needs but also nurturing their spiritual and emotional well-being. [19:24]

Proverbs 20:7 (ESV): "The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!"

Reflection: In what ways can you, as a father or a father figure, lead your family with love and biblical principles today?

Day 3: Mutual Submission and Love

Description: Ephesians 5 teaches that wives should submit to their husbands as the Church submits to Christ. However, this submission is rooted in love and respect, not dominance. Men are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the Church. This kind of love fosters a healthy, godly home environment where both partners feel valued and respected. Mutual submission and love create a strong foundation for a marriage that honors God and reflects His love to the world. [23:19]

Ephesians 5:21-25 (ESV): "Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

Reflection: How can you practice mutual submission and sacrificial love in your marriage or relationships today?

Day 4: Raising Godly Children

Description: Fathers are to lead by example, loving their wives and children unconditionally. This involves providing spiritual and emotional support, reading scripture to their children, and instilling godly values from a young age. A father's influence is crucial in shaping the character and faith of their children. By living out their faith authentically, fathers can inspire their children to develop a personal relationship with God and grow in their spiritual journey. [44:18]

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 specific steps can you take today to nurture the spiritual growth of your children or the children in your life?

Day 5: The Importance of Sacrificial Love

Description: A husband's love for his wife should mirror Christ's sacrificial love for the Church. This means putting the needs of the wife and family above personal desires, leading to a healthier and more godly home environment. Sacrificial love is about selflessness, humility, and a commitment to the well-being of others. When husbands love their wives in this way, it creates a loving and supportive atmosphere that benefits the entire family. [39:12]

1 John 3:16 (ESV): "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers."

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate sacrificial love to your spouse or family members today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the profound significance of fatherhood and the divine role that men are called to fulfill within their families. We began by acknowledging the different types of songs in scripture—psalms, spiritual songs, and hymns—and how they collectively bring us into God's presence. This set the stage for a deeper discussion on the role of fathers, especially in a culture that often undermines their importance.

We addressed the common complaint that Father's Day sermons tend to be more challenging than encouraging. However, the best way to encourage men is by challenging them to meet biblical expectations. Fatherhood has been under attack for decades, leading to a generation of men who are unprepared for their God-given roles. We emphasized that the role of a father is irreplaceable and divinely ordained, and that men must lead their families with love and devotion.

We delved into Ephesians 5, discussing the often controversial topic of wives submitting to their husbands. This submission is not about dominance but about mutual respect and love, mirroring the relationship between Christ and the Church. Men are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the Church, which in turn fosters a healthy, godly home environment.

We also touched on the importance of raising godly children. Fathers are to lead by example, loving their wives and children unconditionally and providing both spiritual and emotional support. The sermon concluded with a call to action for fathers to step up and embrace their roles, leading their families in the ways of the Lord.

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Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Praise and Worship: Singing psalms, spiritual songs, and hymns brings us into God's presence and allows Him to work through us. This collective act of worship is a powerful way to experience God's love and grace. [17:05]
2. The Divine Role of Fathers: Fatherhood is a divine institution that has been under attack for decades. Men are called to lead their families with love, grace, and biblical principles, which is irreplaceable and essential for a healthy home. [19:24]
3. Mutual Submission and Love: Ephesians 5 teaches that wives should submit to their husbands as the Church submits to Christ. However, this submission is rooted in love and respect, not dominance. Men are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the Church. [23:19]
4. Raising Godly Children: Fathers are to lead by example, loving their wives and children unconditionally. This involves providing spiritual and emotional support, reading scripture to their children, and instilling godly values from a young age. [44:18]
5. The Importance of Sacrificial Love: A husband's love for his wife should mirror Christ's sacrificial love for the Church. This means putting the needs of the wife and family above personal desires, leading to a healthier and more godly home environment. [39:12]
### [39:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[17:05] - The Power of Praise and Worship
[19:24] - The Divine Role of Fathers
[23:19] - Mutual Submission and Love
[44:18] - Raising Godly Children
[39:12] - The Importance of Sacrificial Love

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What are the three types of songs mentioned in the sermon that bring us into God's presence? ([17:05])
According to the sermon, why is fatherhood considered irreplaceable and divinely ordained? ([21:02])
How does the sermon describe the concept of mutual submission between husbands and wives as outlined in Ephesians 5? ([23:19])
What specific instructions does Ephesians 6:1-4 give to children and fathers? ([44:18])

Interpretation Questions

How does the act of singing psalms, spiritual songs, and hymns contribute to experiencing God's presence according to the sermon? ([17:05])
In what ways has fatherhood been under attack, and what are the consequences of this according to the sermon? ([19:24])
How does the sermon explain the relationship between sacrificial love and leadership in the context of a husband’s role? ([39:12])
What does it mean for fathers to lead by example in raising godly children, as discussed in the sermon? ([44:18])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own experience with praise and worship. How has singing psalms, spiritual songs, and hymns impacted your relationship with God? ([17:05])
The sermon emphasizes the irreplaceable role of fathers. How can you, as a father or a future father, prepare yourself to fulfill this divine role? ([21:02])
Ephesians 5 talks about mutual submission and sacrificial love. How can you practice sacrificial love in your marriage or future marriage? What specific actions can you take this week? ([23:19])
The sermon discusses the importance of raising godly children. What are some practical ways you can provide both spiritual and emotional support to your children? ([44:18])
The sermon mentions that a husband’s love should mirror Christ’s sacrificial love for the Church. Can you identify a recent situation where you put your family’s needs above your own? How did it impact your family? ([39:12])
How can you create a home environment that encourages your children to honor and obey their parents as instructed in Ephesians 6:1-4? ([44:18])
The sermon calls for fathers to step up and embrace their roles. What steps can you take this week to lead your family in the ways of the Lord? ([46:27])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Fatherhood, malehood has been under attack for many years in our country. And it starts when men are still boys. If you just read any statistic dealing with public education, you will find out that boys are being left behind at an alarming rate. If anyone dares shows any sense of masculinity, they're completely toxic. I'm not sure if we know what that word means anymore. So the result is what's happening is we're raising a generation of men who are becoming feminized and are unaware of their God willing function in the world." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Men have been given a divine role and a divine function within every home on the earth whether people believe it or not. Nothing can replace the role of a God given father in the life of a child. So this morning I want to take a look at fatherhood and how we can live with a divine devotion to our heavenly father by leading our wives well. By loving them the way Christ loves us will then result in us raising a godly generation." (36 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If we would just do what this passage says, our lives as men would improve dramatically. The health of our homes would improve dramatically. And women, hear me. If you lean into this and don't push back because culture, you hear that word submit and you want to run. But if you don't do that, your lives will improve dramatically. Your homes will be healthier for it. It will change your life." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Homes need healthy spiritual fathers. Even secular sociologists have to admit that when there's a father who's intentional and loving in the home, that children flourish intellectually, emotionally, behaviorally, spiritually. You know the biggest problem in America right now is a lack of intentional fatherhood. Oh man, that would change the world if godly fathers stood up." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "For your children not just to hear what you say, but to see how you live. Fathers, I am so grateful. My father, dad, I love you. I'm grateful for you. Nothing like a dad. And if you're here this morning and you don't have a father here, right? You have a heavenly father who's never done you wrong. Has always loved you perfectly. And will never leave your side." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "I mean there are times we will all buy into this lie and we've all said it. I've said it. We've all amended it. Happy wife. Happy life. But I want you to hear me clearly this morning. Husband. Christian man. It is more important that your wife is holy than it is that she is happy. I'm sure Adam thought he was making Eve happy when she presented him with the forbidden fruit. And he said well happy wife, happy life. And I'm sure Adam not only regretted his lack of leadership but so did Eve. She said I'm going to have babies and it's going to hurt. Thanks Adam. Thanks for not telling me no." (51 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Biblical leadership in the home for a man is all about taking responsibility. It has nothing to do with your authority. So forget about, I'm in charge. That is not a godly posture. And the foundation God lays out in this passage in Ephesians as we walk through, we'll see that God lays a foundation that makes it impossible for men to become a fascist in their home if they are listening to what God's word has to say about how they do this." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The love of Christ is what makes male headship work within the marriage relationship. Biblical male headship comes out of a heart shape that only God can make within you. Man, if you have the right shaped heart, you will lead your home rightly. I mean, how can you go wrong by loving your wife the way Christ loves the church? What woman would not want to submit to that kind of love? Jesus was a servant leader who willingly sacrificed for the good of his bride the church." (47 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If we would just do what this passage says, our lives as men would improve dramatically. The health of our homes would improve dramatically. And women, hear me. If you lean into this and don't push back because culture, you hear that word submit and you want to run. But if you don't do that, your lives will improve dramatically. Your homes will be healthier for it. It will change your life." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "For a healthy home, for healthy fatherhood, what your kids need to see is a husband who is willing to lead his wife, but he has to lead his wife by loving her like Christ. And that is the foundation for healthy fatherhood and a healthy home. And then Paul continues in Ephesians 6. Now we're going to get to the children. It says, children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord. But this is the right thing to do. Honor your father and mother. This is the first commandment with a promise." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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