Embracing the High Calling of Fatherhood

Devotional

Day 1: The Blessing of Fearing the Lord and Walking in His Ways

A life rooted in reverence for God and obedience to His ways brings blessing not only to the individual but to the entire family. When a father fears the Lord and walks in His ways, his home becomes a place of growth, fruitfulness, and joy. The wife flourishes like a fruitful vine, and the children grow strong and healthy, like olive plants around the table. This kind of home environment is not accidental; it is cultivated by intentional spiritual leadership, support, and love. The promise is generational—those who honor God will see their children’s children and experience peace. [46:34]

Psalm 128 (KJV):
"Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord. The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you cultivate an environment in your home that helps your spouse and children flourish spiritually and emotionally this week?

Day 2: Standing Firm and Leading with Strength and Love

God calls men to “man up,” to stand fast in the faith, to be strong, and to do all things with love. In a world that often undermines the value of godly masculinity, fathers are challenged to be both strong and tender—warriors who protect and nurture. This means acting with courage, integrity, and compassion, being a role model that children can look up to, and stepping up to the responsibilities of fatherhood and leadership in the home. God provides the strength needed, and He calls men to lead with both conviction and charity. [49:59]

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (KJV):
"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity."

Reflection: Where do you sense God calling you to step up in strength and love—either in your family, church, or community—and what is one action you can take today to answer that call?

Day 3: Teaching and Training the Next Generation

Fathers are given the vital responsibility of being the primary spiritual teachers in their homes, passing on the knowledge of God and His works to their children. This is not just about setting a good example, but also about intentionally speaking truth, sharing stories of God’s faithfulness, and teaching God’s commandments. The faith and hope of future generations depend on the willingness of today’s fathers to speak up, instruct, and model a life centered on God. This legacy of faith is meant to be passed from father to child, and on to grandchildren, shaping families for generations. [57:58]

Psalm 78:5-7 (KJV):
"For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments."

Reflection: What is one story of God’s faithfulness in your life that you can share with your children or someone younger in the faith this week?

Day 4: Praying Diligently for Your Children

Prayer is a father’s greatest tool and privilege. Dedicating children to the Lord, praying for their salvation, their future spouses, their friends, their character, and their protection—these are all ways fathers can intercede for their children. Prayer acknowledges that children are ultimately God’s, and that His wisdom, strength, and guidance are needed for every aspect of their lives. No one ever regrets praying too much for their children; rather, prayer is the means by which fathers invite God’s blessing, protection, and purpose into their families. [18:57]

1 Samuel 1:27-28 (KJV):
"For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord there."

Reflection: Choose one specific area of your child’s life (or a child you influence) and commit to praying for it every day this week—what will you ask God to do?

Day 5: Embracing Your Adoption as God’s Child

Every believer has been adopted by God through Jesus Christ, moving from spiritual orphanhood to beloved son or daughter. This adoption is not earned by good works but is a gift of grace, secured by Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. Through faith in Jesus, anyone can call God “Abba, Father,” experiencing a relationship marked by love, acceptance, and inheritance. This new identity shapes how we live, love, and lead our families, knowing that we are secure in the Father’s love and called to reflect it to others. [27:07]

Galatians 4:4-7 (KJV):
"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."

Reflection: How does knowing you are fully adopted and loved by God as His child change the way you approach your role as a parent, mentor, or family member today?

Sermon Summary

Fatherhood is a high calling, and today is a reminder of both its joys and its challenges. The world is facing a crisis of absent fathers—sometimes physically, but often emotionally and spiritually. Yet, God calls men to reappear as godly dads, to be present, engaged, and faithful. The family is under attack, but God has given us His Word as our guide and Himself as our perfect example. Psalm 128 paints a picture of blessing for those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways: a fruitful marriage, children growing strong, and the joy of seeing generations flourish.

To fulfill this calling, men must “man up”—not in the world’s sense of bravado, but as tender warriors who lead with strength and love. Society may diminish the role of fathers, but Scripture calls men to stand fast in faith, to be examples worth looking up to, and to step up to the daunting but rewarding task of fatherhood. There is no manual handed out at the hospital, but God’s Word is our instruction book, equipping us to stand in the gap for our families, our church, and our nation.

Fathers are called to be the primary spiritual teachers in the home. The book of Proverbs offers deep wisdom for what to teach our children: to fear God, guard their minds, obey their parents, choose companions wisely, control their bodies, honor marriage, watch their words, pursue diligent work, manage resources, and love their neighbors. If we neglect these, the world and the enemy are eager to fill the void with destructive alternatives.

Prayer is essential. No one reaches the end of life wishing they had prayed less. Dedicate your children to the Lord, pray for their salvation, their future spouse, their friends, their character, their protection, and that their lives would glorify God. Ultimately, our model is our Heavenly Father, who adopted us through Christ. We were spiritual orphans, but God sent His Son to redeem us and bring us into His family. This is the foundation for all Christian parenting: to know God as Father and to lead our children to Him.

Key Takeaways

1. The Blessing and Responsibility of Fatherhood Fatherhood is not just a biological role but a spiritual calling to be present, engaged, and godly. The absence of fathers—whether physical or emotional—has deep consequences for families and society. God’s design is for fathers to be a source of blessing, support, and spiritual leadership, modeling the love and faithfulness of our Heavenly Father. [41:49]
2. The Call to Stand in the Gap Men are called to “man up,” to stand fast in faith, and to be both strong and loving. This means rejecting the world’s narrative that diminishes fatherhood and instead embracing the biblical call to be tender warriors—protectors, providers, and examples of Christlike love. Standing in the gap is not just for our own families but for the church and the world, as spiritual battles rage all around us. [52:43]
3. Fathers as Primary Spiritual Teachers The responsibility to teach and train children in the ways of God rests first with fathers. Proverbs offers a blueprint: teach your children to fear God, guard their hearts, obey authority, choose friends wisely, control their bodies, honor marriage, speak wisely, work diligently, manage resources, and love others. If fathers abdicate this role, the world will eagerly fill the void with destructive influences. [56:01]
4. The Power and Priority of Prayer Prayer is not a last resort but a primary tool in shaping the lives of our children. Pray for their salvation, their future, their friends, their character, and their protection. Dedicate them to the Lord, and intercede for them daily, knowing that God alone can do what we cannot. No one regrets praying too much; it is the unseen foundation of godly parenting. [78:19]
5. Adoption into God’s Family: The Ultimate Model Our ability to parent well flows from our own adoption by God through Christ. We were spiritual orphans, but God sent His Son to redeem us and make us His children. This relationship is not earned but received by faith, and it is the model for all Christian parenting: to love, to redeem, and to lead our children into the arms of their Heavenly Father. [86:28]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[36:56] - Worship and Opening Prayer
[38:23] - Father’s Day Greetings and Dad Jokes
[41:09] - The Range of Fatherhood Experiences
[41:49] - The Crisis of Absent Fathers
[43:11] - God as Our Perfect Father
[45:08] - The Spiritual Assault on Families
[45:56] - Psalm 128: The Blessed Family
[47:15] - The Role of Fathers as Support
[48:36] - Four Anchors for Godly Dads
[49:17] - Man Up: Biblical Masculinity
[51:29] - Stand Up and Step Up
[52:43] - Standing in the Gap: Spiritual Warfare
[56:01] - Speak Up: Fathers as Spiritual Teachers
[58:39] - Ten Lessons from Proverbs
[78:19] - Pray Up: Ten Prayers for Your Children
[85:03] - Adoption and the Story of Annie
[86:28] - Our Adoption in Christ
[89:11] - The Gospel Invitation
[91:45] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[92:26] - Announcements and Closing Song

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 128 — - Proverbs 1:7
- Ephesians 6:10-18

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 128, what are some of the blessings promised to those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways?
In Proverbs 1:7, what is described as the beginning of knowledge, and how do fools respond to it?
Ephesians 6:10-18 talks about the armor of God. What are some of the specific pieces of armor mentioned, and what is their purpose?
The sermon described the “crisis of absent fathers.” What are some ways a father can be absent, even if he is physically present? [[41:49]]

Interpretation Questions

Psalm 128 paints a picture of a blessed family. What does it mean for a father to be a “support” to his wife and children, as described in the sermon? [[47:15]]
The sermon calls men to “man up” and be “tender warriors.” How is this different from the world’s idea of masculinity? [[49:17]]
According to the sermon, why is it so important for fathers to be the primary spiritual teachers in the home, rather than delegating this to others? [[56:01]]
Ephesians 6:10-18 describes a spiritual battle. How does this relate to the challenges fathers face in leading their families today? [[54:05]]

Application Questions

The sermon said, “There is no manual handed out at the hospital, but God’s Word is our instruction book.” What is one area of parenting or family life where you feel you need more guidance from God’s Word? How can you seek that guidance this week? [[52:05]]
The message challenged men to “stand in the gap” for their families, church, and nation. What does “standing in the gap” look like in your daily life? Is there a specific situation where you need to step up? [[52:43]]
Proverbs gives ten lessons for fathers to teach their children (fear God, guard their minds, obey parents, choose friends wisely, control their bodies, honor marriage, watch their words, pursue diligent work, manage resources, love their neighbors). Which of these do you find most challenging to teach or model? Why? [[58:39]]
The sermon warned that if fathers neglect their role, “the world and the enemy are eager to fill the void with destructive alternatives.” Can you think of an example where this has happened in your own life or someone you know? What could have been done differently? [[15:39]]
Prayer was described as “the unseen foundation of godly parenting.” What is one specific thing you can start praying for your children (or the children in your life) this week? [[18:19]]
The sermon reminded us that our model is our Heavenly Father, who adopted us through Christ. How does knowing you are adopted by God shape the way you parent or influence children? [[26:28]]
For those who are not fathers, what is one way you can support or encourage the fathers and father figures in your life or church family? [[31:45]]

Sermon Clips

Father's Day can come with a a range of emotions right and it really depends on maybe what kind of father you had some of us h have had wonderful fathers perhaps godly fathers some of us may have had you know difficult fathers maybe absent fathers. [00:41:15]

We have a problem in our country and in the world and the problem is the disappearing dad the absent dad they may be living in the house but they're not really fully there so I want to challenge you today and really challenge myself because this is really a message to me. [00:41:55]

The message today is not to beat you up as dads but to build you up amen i want to build you up i want to encourage you i want to exhort you i want to again just show you from God's word i'm going to let the word of God speak. [00:42:44]

Marriage is a blessing children are a blessing they're not a burden they're not a nuisance they are a blessing and parenting is a blessing but there is an assault on the family it has been going on for ages see when if Sat Satan knows that if he can get to the family if say if he can get at the things that God loves then he will have his heyday but Satan is a defeated foe amen. [00:44:42]

Notice the things that it talks about talks about blessing it talks about who is blessed or happy the one that fears who fears the Lord and the one that walks in his ways that one will have a wife who's a fruitful vine and children as olive plants not olive trees yet but olive plants. [00:46:42]

A vine needs a support right a vine cannot grow without a support and um that's what this verse talks about husband being a support to his wife same with children children are compared to olive plants that means they will be growing growing they need nutrients they need environment to grow you know that some olive trees once you plant an olive tree it can last for decades centuries. [00:47:35]

1 Corinthians 16 verses 13 and 14 let me read that watch ye stand fast in the faith quit you like men be strong let all things be done with charity now you read that verse in the King James and you wonder quit quit you like men well that's what happens to the English language right some words change their meaning as you as you move along. [00:48:56]

Let's not go along with the narrative men we need to act like men and be strong but also let things be done with charity you see men can be strong they can be warriors but they need to be tender warriors tender warriors don't be all macho macho you need to have love. [00:49:59]

Stand up and step up to the challenge step up to the task of fatherhood it's a scary thing isn't it it's a It's a overwhelming thing to think I'm responsible for another life you know when they uh when they release you and your baby and your and the mother from the hospital they just they just give you the baby there is no there's no man there's no operating manual right. [00:51:47]

Ezekiel 22:30 says "And I sought for a man among them that should make up the hedge and stand in the gap before me for the land that I should not destroy it." But I found none how tragic back in the land of Israel God said "I'm looking for a man who would make up the hedge." What does that mean close the gap stand between stand in the gap before me i pray that we will have men who will stand in the gap for their families for their church. [00:52:49]

We need to teach them we need to train them and that's what I'll focus on for the next few minutes i have I have 10 examples from the book of Proverbs the book of Proverbs is so rich with instruction two parents two fathers and two sons and daughters but let me start with Psalm 78 psalm 78 says this "Give ear oh my people to my law incline your ears to the words of my mouth." [00:56:30]

All right that's fine that's fine but much of what the world tells us to teach to our children is trivial God's word goes much deeper than that and so we need to go deep we need to put down really the roots and build a foundation fathers teach your children to number one fear God fear God. [00:58:30]

Fathers need to teach their children to have healthy respect for God now fear when it says fear here this is not cowering in fear being afraid of God this is about having reverence and respect for God our father the creator you remember when when Jesus gave his disciples a model prayer how did he start our father who art in heaven what's next hallowed be thy name that's first and foremost. [00:59:29]

You notice in these first few chapters of Proverbs it keeps talking about that the son needs to hear the instruction of their father and their mother proverbs 18 my son hear the instruction of thy father and forsake not the law of thy mother chapter 2 verse one my son if thou wilt receive my words and hide my commandments with thee chapter 3 verse one my son forget not my law but let thine heart keep my commandments. [01:02:59]

If I fail to teach my son to fear God if I don't do that the devil will teach him to hate God if I fail to teach my son to guard his mind the devil will gladly teach him to have open mind isn't that popular today have an open mind everything flows in and out of it no close your mind if I fail my son my children to obey his parents the devil will teach them teach them to rebel and break their parents' heart they will be rebellious not just against their parents but against all authority it starts it must start in the home if I fail to teach my children to select their friends the devil will gladly choose them for them. [01:15:28]

Fathers men we need to man up we need to stand up step up and speak up be an example in word and in deed and number four last but not least pray up man we need to pray i fail so many times you know when when an end of life comes to to people and they are asked what would you do differently none of them says I wish I prayed less they all say I wish I prayed more. [01:17:37]

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