Faithful Fatherhood: Trusting God in Crisis
Summary
### Summary
In today's world, particularly in the United States, about one in four families lack a father figure, which has a profound impact on society. Fathers play a crucial role in the family dynamic, providing love, support, and discipline that are essential for the healthy development of children. A good father loves his family, spends time with his children, respects and loves their mother, and disciplines fairly. The absence of a father places an undue burden on mothers and negatively affects children's performance in school and their overall development.
We explored the story of Jairus from Luke 8, a synagogue ruler whose 12-year-old daughter was dying. Jairus, despite his high status, humbly sought Jesus' help, demonstrating the lengths a father will go to for his child. Jesus, who had been dealing with other crises, responded to Jairus' plea. On their way to Jairus' house, they were delayed by another miracle, and during this time, Jairus' daughter passed away. Despite the devastating news, Jesus encouraged Jairus to have faith and not be afraid.
This story highlights the importance of faith and trust in God, especially in times of crisis. Jesus' timely arrival and subsequent miracle of raising Jairus' daughter from the dead illustrate that God is always present and ready to help, even when situations seem hopeless. Fathers, and parents in general, are reminded to trust in God's timing and promises, knowing that He is always prepared for every situation. The story also emphasizes the importance of parental influence in leading children to God and the eternal impact of their faith and actions.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Role of Fathers in the Family: Fathers are essential in providing love, support, and discipline, which are crucial for the healthy development of children. Their presence significantly impacts the family dynamic and the overall well-being of their children. A father's love and respect for the mother also set a vital example for the children. [01:09]
2. Faith in Times of Crisis: Jairus' story teaches us the importance of maintaining faith in God during crises. Despite the delay and the devastating news of his daughter's death, Jairus trusted Jesus' words, "Don't be afraid. Only believe." This faith was rewarded with a miracle, showing that God is always present and ready to help, even in seemingly hopeless situations. [13:19]
3. God's Perfect Timing: Jesus' arrival at the exact moment Jairus needed Him most illustrates that God's timing is perfect. Even when it seems like He is delayed or dealing with other crises, God is always prepared and knows the best time to intervene. This reassures us that we can trust His timing in our lives. [22:46]
4. Parental Influence on Faith: The story underscores the significant role parents play in leading their children to God. Jairus' faith and actions not only saved his daughter but also set a powerful example of trust in God. Parents are encouraged to continue showing their children the way to God, knowing that their efforts have eternal implications. [14:58]
5. God's Assurance and Protection: Jesus' words to Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Only believe," remind us that God is always with us, ready to provide assurance and protection. Even when we face fear and uncertainty, we can trust that God is in control and will take care of us and our loved ones. [18:07]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:09] - The Impact of Fatherlessness
[01:53] - Characteristics of a Good Father
[02:34] - The Importance of Discipline
[03:20] - Introducing Jairus' Story
[04:14] - Jesus' Journey and Jairus' Plea
[04:51] - Jairus' Desperation
[05:41] - The Unique Bond Between Fathers and Daughters
[07:06] - Jairus' Faith and Jesus' Response
[08:29] - The Challenges of Fatherhood
[09:58] - Trusting God in Parenting
[11:31] - The Delay and Its Impact
[13:19] - Jesus' Encouragement to Jairus
[14:58] - The Eternal Goal of Parenting
[16:29] - Jesus' Understanding and Compassion
[18:07] - God's Assurance to Parents
[19:39] - Trusting God with Our Children
[20:58] - God's Unexpected Protection
[22:46] - God's Preparedness for Every Situation
[24:25] - The World vs. God's Promises
[26:08] - The Miracle of Jairus' Daughter
[28:07] - Trusting God When All Else Fails
[29:54] - Honoring Fathers and Their Role
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 8:41-42, 49-56 - The story of Jairus and his daughter.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jairus' position in the community, and what was his urgent need when he approached Jesus? ([04:51])
2. How did Jesus respond to Jairus' plea for help, and what happened on their way to Jairus' house? ([11:31])
3. What were Jesus' words to Jairus when he received the news of his daughter's death, and how did Jairus react? ([13:19])
4. Describe the miracle that Jesus performed at Jairus' house. What was the reaction of the people present? ([26:08])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jairus, a synagogue ruler, was willing to humble himself and seek Jesus' help despite his high status? ([04:51])
2. How does the delay caused by the woman with the issue of blood contribute to the overall message of faith and trust in God's timing? ([11:31])
3. What does Jesus' statement, "Don't be afraid. Only believe," reveal about His understanding of human fear and faith? ([13:19])
4. How does the story of Jairus' daughter illustrate the importance of parental influence in leading children to God? ([14:58])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by a crisis. How did your faith in God help you navigate that situation? ([13:19])
2. In what ways can fathers (or parents) today model love, support, and discipline to their children, as described in the sermon? ([01:53])
3. How can you trust in God's timing in your life, especially when it feels like He is delayed or dealing with other crises? ([22:46])
4. What steps can you take to ensure that your actions and faith set a positive example for your children or those you influence? ([14:58])
5. How can you remind yourself of God's assurance and protection when facing fear and uncertainty? ([18:07])
6. Think of a specific situation where you need to trust God more. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith in that area? ([13:19])
7. How can you support and encourage fathers (or parents) in your community to fulfill their crucial role in the family? ([29:54])
Devotional
Day 1: The Essential Role of Fathers in the Family
Fathers are vital in providing love, support, and discipline, which are crucial for the healthy development of children. Their presence significantly impacts the family dynamic and the overall well-being of their children. A father's love and respect for the mother also set a vital example for the children. In today's world, particularly in the United States, about one in four families lack a father figure, which has a profound impact on society. The absence of a father places an undue burden on mothers and negatively affects children's performance in school and their overall development. Fathers who love their family, spend time with their children, respect and love their mother, and discipline fairly, create a nurturing environment that fosters growth and stability. [01:09]
Ephesians 6:4 (ESV): "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
Reflection: Think about the ways you can show love, support, and discipline to your children or the children in your life. How can you set a positive example for them today?
Day 2: Faith in Times of Crisis
Jairus' story teaches us the importance of maintaining faith in God during crises. Despite the delay and the devastating news of his daughter's death, Jairus trusted Jesus' words, "Don't be afraid. Only believe." This faith was rewarded with a miracle, showing that God is always present and ready to help, even in seemingly hopeless situations. When faced with crises, it is easy to succumb to fear and doubt. However, Jairus' example encourages us to hold onto our faith and trust in God's promises. Jesus' timely arrival and subsequent miracle of raising Jairus' daughter from the dead illustrate that God is always present and ready to help, even when situations seem hopeless. [13:19]
Psalm 46:1-2 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea."
Reflection: Reflect on a current or past crisis in your life. How can you trust God more deeply in this situation and believe in His promises?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing
Jesus' arrival at the exact moment Jairus needed Him most illustrates that God's timing is perfect. Even when it seems like He is delayed or dealing with other crises, God is always prepared and knows the best time to intervene. This reassures us that we can trust His timing in our lives. Often, we may feel impatient or frustrated when things do not happen according to our schedule. However, God's timing is always perfect, and He knows what is best for us. Trusting in His timing requires patience and faith, knowing that He is always in control and has a plan for our lives. [22:46]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."
Reflection: Think about a situation where you are waiting for God's intervention. How can you practice patience and trust in His perfect timing today?
Day 4: The Eternal Impact of Parental Influence on Faith
The story underscores the significant role parents play in leading their children to God. Jairus' faith and actions not only saved his daughter but also set a powerful example of trust in God. Parents are encouraged to continue showing their children the way to God, knowing that their efforts have eternal implications. The influence of a parent's faith can shape a child's spiritual journey and relationship with God. By living out their faith and demonstrating trust in God's promises, parents can guide their children towards a deeper understanding and connection with God. [14:58]
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: Consider how you can actively demonstrate your faith to your children or those you mentor. What steps can you take today to lead them closer to God?
Day 5: God's Assurance and Protection
Jesus' words to Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Only believe," remind us that God is always with us, ready to provide assurance and protection. Even when we face fear and uncertainty, we can trust that God is in control and will take care of us and our loved ones. In times of fear and uncertainty, it is comforting to know that God is always present and ready to offer His protection. By placing our trust in Him, we can find peace and assurance, knowing that He is in control and will guide us through any challenges we face. [18:07]
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: Identify a fear or uncertainty you are currently facing. How can you surrender this to God and trust in His assurance and protection today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The key to a family, and I think a key to our strength of our homes and our churches and our nation, is dads. We're missing something in our world. We're missing something in our world today that I believe needs to change, that God is wanting to turn us around." (16 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If dad's disrespectful to mom, the kids start becoming disrespectful to mom. So a father needs to set the right example. He needs to listen to his kids, and he also needs to be someone who can actually discipline in a way that is fair and just. Kids really want discipline. I know they'll say they don't, but without discipline, children don't grow up to be good adults." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God has promised that he'll be with you, even when they're far away, and you're not able to be with your sons, or they're grown up, and they have their own families, and you worry about them still. God's promised he'd be with you, even though it seems like he's across the lake doing something else. He's promised when you need him most, he'll show up." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus says, even when you have bad news, even when it seems hopeless, even when it seems like nothing is going to go right, do not be afraid. I've wondered over the years how my parents watching their children grow up, how it's affected them when they think about eternity. Because moms and dads don't just want good little boys and girls. I know we may think so when we grow up. They just want me to be good and to do what they want me to do. Moms and dads want children to love God and to be in heaven with them." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God is telling you, don't be afraid. Believe. Trust me, because I know how to make it happen, even when it seems hopeless. Zire of Ages, the author says, as Jairus hears what the Savior says to him, don't be afraid, only believe. They're hurrying on to his house, and it says, Jairus presses closer to Jesus, and together they hurry to the ruler's home." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I would say that probably the greatest challenge we're facing in our world today is seeing parents who model and love and show God to their children. We're going to look at a story here this morning about a father who shows that. Maybe not in the obvious sense, but he knows what it's like to be a dad. He knows what it's like to go through a challenge and he knows what it's like to turn to God." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I think the devil really tries to hit the family the hardest, because he knows if he can take the family down, everything else follows. You as parents have tried to raise your children, I'm sure, in ways to show them Christ and show them God, and to get them to want to be connected to God. And you can look over your life and look over your families, and you know that I can see a young man with a baby, and I can see a young man with a baby, here today who is in church today still because his parents showed him the way to God." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus doesn't, he doesn't have to hurry. He's in a crowd here that's pushing on all sides. He knows that she's going to be okay. What does an extra minute or two or ten make when he's going to raise her back to life? Why should he have to hurry? But Jesus understands what's going on in the father's heart. He understands what's going on in mom's heart. She's back home. She's watching her daughter die. Dad hears the news, and Jesus says, I'm going to go there as quickly as possible to relieve the pain and the suffering." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It's not easy to be a godly father godly mother the world is going to tell you the opposite of what god is telling you but this story tells us that god wants us to look to him to trust him to be led by him to follow him this story tells us that it doesn't matter what others are saying if you trust god if you follow god you believe god he's going to be the one to carry you and to lead you and guide you and then you realize well if they're laughing at jesus they're probably going to laugh at you too." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you do everything you've tried everything and everything seems like it's not enough god is always enough if you trust in god he's promised he'll get you through i say this to children as well who are listening maybe to this message right now because kids it makes a difference how you see god and how you relate to god by how you see your parents and how you treat your parents if you truly love gods you have to treat your parents with the love and respect that they deserve." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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