Embracing the Sacred Call of Fatherhood
Summary
Today’s focus is on the profound and often overlooked calling of fatherhood—both in the literal and spiritual sense. The journey began with a celebration of the tangible impact our community’s generosity has made: new facilities, expanded outreach, and lives changed both locally and globally. Yet, the heart of the matter is not numbers or technology, but the transformation of lives, especially through the unique and irreplaceable role of fathers and father figures.
Fatherhood is not simply about biological connection; it is about taking responsibility for a life, nurturing, disciplining, blessing, and shaping character. This is a calling that extends beyond those who have children of their own. Anyone who steps into the gap to guide, protect, and encourage another is living out the father framework that is woven into the fabric of Scripture and human experience. The Bible consistently refers to God as Father, not to diminish the value of mothers, but to highlight a particular kind of relational authority, provision, and shaping influence.
Our culture often neglects or even belittles the role of fathers, offering few positive models and little encouragement. There are countless influencers for hobbies, fitness, and finances, but almost none for fatherhood. This absence is not accidental; it reflects a deeper spiritual battle over the importance of fathers. The wounds of absent or abusive fathers run deep, shaping our view of God and ourselves. Yet, the call remains: to stand firm, to be present, to finish the work of fathering, whether with our own children or as mentors and spiritual parents to others.
Fatherhood is a lifelong commitment. The work is never truly finished, just as God’s work in us is ongoing. The legacy of a father is not measured in wealth, achievements, or accolades, but in the lives built, the character formed, and the love given. The story of the elephants in South Africa illustrates the chaos that ensues when mature, guiding presence is absent. Our world, our communities, and our families desperately need men who will step up, stand firm, and finish the race as fathers and father figures.
Key Takeaways
- The Father Framework is Rooted in God’s Identity
God reveals Himself as Father throughout Scripture, inviting us to understand His heart through the lens of fatherhood. This framework is not about gender exclusivity but about a unique relational role—one that shapes, provides, disciplines, and blesses. Embracing this identity helps us see both our need for fathering and our call to reflect God’s fatherly love to others. [13:59]
- Fatherhood is a Calling, Not Just Biology
Being a father is not limited to those who have biological children. Anyone who takes responsibility for another’s growth, protection, and flourishing steps into the sacred role of a father figure. The examples of Mordecai with Esther, Paul with Timothy and Titus, and spiritual mentors in our own lives show that fatherhood is about intentional, long-term investment in others. [28:53]
- The Power and Weight of a Father’s Words and Presence
A father’s influence is profound, often shaping a person’s sense of identity and worth for a lifetime. Whether for good or ill, the words and actions of a father carry spiritual weight. Recognizing this power calls us to steward our influence carefully, to speak life, and to be present, knowing that our impact can echo for generations. [27:09]
- Standing Firm Against Cultural Drift
Culture often minimizes or distorts the role of fathers, offering few positive examples and little support. To embrace the call of fatherhood requires standing firm against these currents, resisting the temptation to disengage or pursue lesser ambitions. True legacy is built not through hobbies or achievements, but through the lives we bless, build, and cover with our presence and love. [35:11]
- Finishing the Race: Fatherhood is a Lifelong Commitment
The work of a father never truly ends; it evolves as children grow, but the need for encouragement, counsel, and prayer remains. Just as God continues to work in us, we are called to persist in our role as fathers and father figures, finishing what we start and leaving a legacy of faithfulness and love. Our greatest impact is not in what we accumulate, but in the lives we shape and the spiritual children we raise. [43:31]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:10] - 10X Update: Generosity and Impact
[03:42] - Serving “the Least of These”
[10:07] - Standing Firm in a World of Resistance
[12:36] - The Jeep: A Metaphor for Fatherhood
[13:59] - The Father Framework in Scripture
[16:43] - No Checklist for Dads: Learning from God
[17:37] - God’s Generosity and Discipline
[19:55] - Discipline, Love, and Spiritual Inheritance
[24:38] - The Power and Pain of Fatherhood
[27:09] - The Spiritual Weight of a Father’s Words
[28:53] - Fatherhood Beyond Biology: Biblical Examples
[29:45] - The Impact of Spiritual Father Figures
[32:29] - The Elephant Story: Why Fathers Matter
[35:11] - Standing Firm Against Cultural Drift
[37:40] - Fathers Finish: The Lifelong Race
[43:31] - God’s Ongoing Work and Our Legacy
[45:52] - The Cost and Reward of Fatherhood
[47:28] - Prayer and Commitment to Fatherhood
[48:21] - Blessing and Restoration for Fathers
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Calling and Legacy of Fatherhood
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### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:9
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name...’”
2. Isaiah 64:8
“But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.”
3. Hebrews 12:7-8
“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 6:9, how does Jesus teach us to address God, and what does that reveal about the kind of relationship God wants with us?
2. According to Isaiah 64:8, what is the role of God as Father, and how does that compare to the role of a human father?
3. In Hebrews 12:7-8, what is the connection between discipline and being a true child of God?
4. The sermon mentioned that the Bible never refers to God as a mother, but always as a father. What reasons did the pastor give for this, and how does it shape our understanding of God? ([13:59])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon described fatherhood as more than just a biological connection. What does it mean to “take responsibility for a life” in the context of spiritual or relational fatherhood? ([24:38])
2. Why do you think the words and presence of a father (or father figure) carry such spiritual weight, both positively and negatively? ([27:09])
3. The pastor shared the story of Mordecai and Esther, and Paul with Timothy and Titus. What do these examples teach us about the impact of spiritual fatherhood, even when there is no biological relationship? ([28:53])
4. The sermon talked about the “cultural drift” that minimizes or distorts the role of fathers. What are some ways you see this happening in our world today, and why is it important to “stand firm” against it? ([35:11])
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor said, “Fatherhood is a calling, not just biology.” Who in your life has been a father figure to you, whether or not they were your biological dad? How did their influence shape you? ([24:38])
2. Are there people in your life right now—children, friends, coworkers, or younger believers—who need you to step into a fathering or mentoring role? What would it look like to intentionally invest in them? ([28:53])
3. The sermon highlighted the power of a father’s words and presence. Can you recall a time when something a father or father figure said (positive or negative) stuck with you for years? How does that memory affect the way you use your words today? ([27:09])
4. The story of the elephants in South Africa illustrated the chaos that happens when mature, guiding presence is missing. Where do you see a need for “big elephants”—mature, steady leaders—in your family, church, or community? How could you help fill that gap? ([35:11])
5. The pastor said, “The work of a father never truly ends.” If you are a parent, how has your role changed as your children have grown? If you are not a parent, how might you continue to “finish the race” as a spiritual parent or mentor? ([43:31])
6. The sermon challenged men to “stand firm” and resist the temptation to disengage or chase lesser ambitions. What are some distractions or cultural messages that make it hard for you to focus on building a legacy through relationships? How can you push back against those? ([35:11])
7. God is still at work in us, shaping us like a potter with clay. What is one area of your life where you sense God is still “fathering” you—disciplining, shaping, or encouraging you? How can you respond to His work this week? ([43:31])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person embrace the calling to be a father or father figure, to steward their influence well, and to leave a legacy of faithfulness and love.
Devotional
Day 1: God as Our Father—The Divine Father Framework
God is revealed throughout Scripture as our Father, shaping and molding us with loving hands, much like a potter with clay. This fatherly identity is not just a metaphor but the most common way the Bible describes God, inviting us to understand His heart and character through the lens of fatherhood. Even if our earthly fathers have failed us, God’s fatherhood is perfect, creative, and nurturing, offering us a model for how we are to care for others. When we grasp this, we can begin to heal from past wounds and embrace the security and purpose that comes from being shaped by our Heavenly Father. [15:10]
Matthew 6:9 (ESV)
“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.’”
Reflection: In what ways do you struggle to see God as a loving Father, and how might meditating on His fatherly nature begin to reshape your understanding of Him today?
Day 2: The Father Who Blesses and Disciplines
A true father is both generous and willing to discipline, reflecting the heart of God who delights in blessing His children but also loves us enough to correct and shape our character. God’s discipline is not punishment but a sign of His deep love and commitment to our growth, just as a good father takes the time to guide, correct, and nurture his children for their good. This dual role of blessing and discipline is essential for our spiritual maturity, reminding us that God’s love is not permissive but purposeful, always working for our ultimate good. [19:55]
Hebrews 12:7-8 (ESV)
“It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.”
Reflection: Can you identify a recent challenge or hardship that might actually be God’s loving discipline shaping you? How could you respond differently if you saw it as His fatherly care?
Day 3: The Power and Calling of Father Figures
Fatherhood is not limited to biological ties; anyone who takes responsibility for nurturing, guiding, and protecting another can be a father figure, leaving a profound impact on lives and generations. The words and presence of a father or father figure carry unique weight, often shaping destinies and healing wounds in ways that no other relationship can. Whether you have children of your own or not, you are called to step into this role for others, offering encouragement, correction, and steadfast support that can change the course of someone’s life. [28:53]
1 Corinthians 4:15 (ESV)
“For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”
Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from your intentional investment as a father figure, and what is one step you can take this week to encourage or support them?
Day 4: Fathers Finish—The Lifelong Commitment
The work of a father never truly ends; it is a lifelong commitment to stand firm, encourage, and pray for those entrusted to your care, long after the obvious tasks are done. Just as God is always at work in our lives, fathers are called to persevere, finishing what they start and remaining a steady presence through every season. This enduring faithfulness is what leaves a lasting legacy, far beyond any achievement or possession, as lives are built up and strengthened through your ongoing love and involvement. [38:41]
2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV)
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Reflection: Is there someone or something in your life where you’ve been tempted to give up or check out? What would it look like to recommit and finish well in that area?
Day 5: God’s Unfinished Work—Becoming Like the Father
God is still at work in you, faithfully shaping and completing the good work He began, inviting you to join Him in the ongoing process of spiritual growth and fathering others. Just as He never gives up on us, we are called to keep pressing forward, embracing the fight and the messiness of life, knowing that our ultimate legacy is found in the lives we build and bless. This is the high calling of every believer—to become more like our Heavenly Father, pouring ourselves out for others and trusting that God will finish what He started in us. [43:31]
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Reflection: Where do you sense God is still working on you, and how can you cooperate with Him today to become more like the Father to those around you?
Quotes
Standing firm because the world is blowing resistance against us all the time. Standing firm because if you want to spiritually grow, want to connect with God, it's a fight. It's a difficult, difficult endeavor that, quite frankly, many people aren't up for. And as soon as resistance come, they drop away because they thought life and God was all about rose gardens and beautiful thoughts and feelings and nice grand visions. And certainly that stuff can happen and does happen. But the heart of walking with God is a fight that you've got to stand firm in whatever God is asking you to do. [00:10:01]
The Bible never refers to God as a mother. The Bible only refers to God as a father. Now, the Bible does make it very clear that God does have some stereotypically feminine aspects. He has the. All the beautiful things about femininity, all the beautiful things about mothering, God has all those, He is all those. But the Bible always calls Him a Father. In fact, all the metaphors there are for God, there's a lot of metaphors for God. The most common one by far is Father. [00:14:51]
We can understand something about God if we understand something about how a Father should operate. Isaiah 64, 8, Old Testament. But now, O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay. You are the potter. We are the work of Your hand. Like I said, I'm this thing's daddy. It's the work of my hand. And that's what fathers do. They take a life and they mold it, they shape it, which is part of why many of us don't like Father's Day. [00:15:52]
Instead, what the Scriptures do is they regularly keep tying back, like, there's a Heavenly Father and that should be like you. Your Heavenly Father does these things, so you should do these things. [00:17:17]
It's kind of interesting to say that, right? I mean, it's just me and my kids. I mean, by the way, I've got three kids. I've got six grandkids. I don't advertise that too much because you guys are going to start thinking I'm really old. But I have three kids, six grandkids, and they're all wonderful. They're all great. And my kids, at some point, you just stop trying to figure out what they want. You just ask them, what do you want? What do you want for your birthday? Because you don't know. [00:18:20]
You ever consider maybe there's some things God has for you, but you have to ask. This is what Jesus says. And he's saying we know God is good. He says even the worst father, when a son asks for a piece of bread, he's not going to give him a stone. No one's going to give him a poisonous snake. We've had some parents that have done some horrible things for us, but none of them have done that sort of stuff. Jesus is reminding us this is what a father is. He's generous. A father wants to bless. A father is responsive. Not just the good ones here on earth, but we're that way because that's how our heavenly father is. [00:19:06]
You know who gets disciplined? People who get love. You might, some annoying kid on your street who's not your kid, some annoying kid, you might vent at them, but you're not going to discipline them because it's hard. It's very, very difficult work. It's hard work. But this verse says God disciplines His sons, sons and daughters. He loves us and He's trying to develop us. He's trying to mold us. [00:21:29]
I'm not talking today about being a sire. I'm not talking about impregnating somebody. I'm talking about taking responsibility for a life, saying this life I will hold and I will nurture and I will develop and I will discipline and I will bless and I will coach and I will prod and I would hug and I will...and I will cheerlead and I'll do that for all of life. And by the way, you can do this with somebody who you haven't sired. You can do this with somebody who doesn't actually share your own DNA. [00:24:38]
And despite all that, they cling on their father's words and affirmation more so than mine. And they don't understand it. It's frustrating. And none of us as dads will understand it. We don't like this either because our words are more powerful than we want them to be. We're just saying something and then we've crushed somebody, we've kicked somebody off. And what's being happened here is a spiritual truth in the spiritual realm. It's the power of a father. [00:26:24]
And there's a words, if you're a dad, you have to recognize you have a power to your identity, whether you deserve it or not, to your words, whether you embrace it or not. People go to counseling their whole lives because what their dad did and didn't do, they don't do that because of what their mom did or didn't do. And I don't like it. But I have to recognize it and I have to live according with it. [00:26:56]
You can be a father even if you've never impregnated somebody. You can be a father even if you've never formally adopted somebody as a child. You can be a father figure any time you take responsibility for life and you go, I'm going to be in that person's life for a long time. I'm going to be their backstop for a long term. [00:27:32]
The greatest role you will ever fulfill in your life is to be a father. The greatest role. It's not being a hunter. It's not being a financial guru. It's not being a success in this YZ. It's not being ripped. No, the greatest role you will ever have is being a father. It's the most necessitated role in our culture. [00:31:32]
The problems with younger people always stem from not having a father figure. And that always means there's somebody out there who could be a father figure. They're just not choosing to be it. And generations and culture suffers as a result of it. [00:32:14]
No more rhinoceroses ever get killed because a father showed up. Because a father showed up and said, no, no, no, we don't do that here. No, no, no, young 'un. I'm not standing for that. Men who are mature, we need you to be father figures. I don't care if you've had kids or not or how many have. People need to come under your covering. They need to come under your potency. It's the most powerful thing you will ever do with your life. [00:36:24]
Do not be deluded by all the people who are trying to not be dads. Do not be deluded by the people who don't want to get married. Do not be deluded by all the people who don't want to have kids, want to put it off as long as possible. Do not be deluded by the people who don't want to take responsibility for your life and just want to have their hobbies. Do not be deluded to think that their life is the sum of their net worth. No, your life is the sum of the people you bless and build into and cover. That's what a dad does. [00:36:53]
When do I finish as a father? I've come to conclude that I don't finish. All of us want that standing on point. I don't care. 60 years old, you want to feel like you have a backstop. You want to feel like somebody thinks about you. You want to feel like somebody is praying for you daily, that somebody else feels vested interest in your success, is going to the Heavenly Father and mentioning you by name every day. Everybody wants that. So our work is never done, but certain parts of the work are done, right? [00:39:45]
You know what spiritual growth is? Spiritual growth is being like God. That's what spiritual growth is all about. It's not like, oh, I want to have ethereal feelings. Ooh, ooh, I want to have visions. Ooh, ooh, I want to have miraculous things happen. Those things may all happen, but spiritual growth is only one thing, being like God. Being like Jesus, that's what it is. [00:40:25]
You are not. The only way you're going to last, the only way you're going to have lasting impact is to have kids. That's the only way. It's the only way. You want to have a long lasting legacy, have a life that you take responsibility for, have a life that you build, leave the world a better place than it was. You came here because you're now leaving with multiple people who are further along than you are. That's what a dad does. It's who we are. And it never ends. Just the task of the day ends. [00:41:50]
This life ain't about playing it safe or staying clean. It's about charging hard, getting scarred up for the kingdom and sliding into heaven, worn out, mud on your face, blood on your knuckles and fire on your bones, shouting, holy shit, Lord, what a ride. That's what dads do. That's what moms do. That's what moms do. That's what everybody does who wants to have a life in man. It's a fight. It's hard. It's difficult. Everything of significance is hard and difficult. And that's why fewer and fewer people are stepping up toward it. And they're deluded. [00:45:52]
Don't allow the deluding influence of culture dumb you down into having a life that's void of meaning and void of building into a life, taking responsibility for life and nurturing our life. Because guess what? You're meant to be like God. And God's still doing that with you and I. Thank God. [00:46:34]
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