Fathers Emulating Christ: Humility, Love, and Legacy
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound truth that God fights for us and how this reality should shape our lives, especially as fathers. Drawing from Philippians 2, we reflected on the humility and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, though in the form of God, emptied Himself and became obedient to death on a cross. This ultimate act of humility and love is our model for living, particularly in our roles as fathers. We are called to emulate Christ's humility, putting others' needs above our own and engaging deeply with our children.
We also focused on the importance of prayer and fasting, especially for the poor and needy among us. Scripture consistently shows God's heart for the vulnerable, and we are called to reflect that heart in our actions. This month, as a church, we are dedicating ourselves to prayer and fasting, seeking God's guidance and intervention in our lives and communities.
The sermon then shifted to the role of fathers, emphasizing the critical influence they have on their children and the community. Proverbs repeatedly highlights the importance of a father's instruction and wisdom. Fathers are called to be actively engaged in their children's lives, not just in their activities but in their spiritual growth. The Hebrew word for "son" in Proverbs specifically refers to teenagers, indicating that this is a crucial time for fathers to impart wisdom and guidance.
We discussed the need for fathers to model a genuine love for God, as seen in Deuteronomy 6. Fathers must love God with all their heart, soul, and might, and diligently teach their children to do the same. This involves more than just teaching right behaviors; it means guiding them to have a right relationship with God that influences their daily choices.
Finally, we acknowledged the challenges fathers face, including feelings of inadequacy and judgment. Yet, God believes in the vital role fathers play and equips them for this task. Fathers are encouraged to engage with their children, seek wisdom, and model a life of faith. The goal is to leave a godly legacy that impacts future generations.
### Key Takeaways
1. Christ's Humility as Our Model: Jesus Christ, though in the form of God, emptied Himself and became obedient to death on a cross. This act of ultimate humility and love is our model for living, especially as fathers. We are called to put others' needs above our own and engage deeply with our children, reflecting Christ's love and sacrifice in our daily lives. [22:24]
2. God's Heart for the Vulnerable: Scripture consistently shows God's heart for the poor, widowed, and orphaned. As a church, we are called to reflect that heart in our actions, dedicating ourselves to prayer and fasting for the vulnerable among us. This month, we focus on seeking God's guidance and intervention in our lives and communities, aligning our hearts with His. [35:24]
3. The Critical Role of Fathers: Proverbs highlights the importance of a father's instruction and wisdom. Fathers are called to be actively engaged in their children's lives, especially during their teenage years. This engagement goes beyond activities; it involves guiding their spiritual growth and imparting wisdom that will shape their future. [44:55]
4. Modeling Genuine Love for God: Fathers must love God with all their heart, soul, and might, as seen in Deuteronomy 6. This genuine love for God should be diligently taught to their children, influencing their daily choices and fostering a right relationship with God. Fathers are to model what it looks like to follow God, as their actions speak louder than words. [57:41]
5. Leaving a Godly Legacy: Despite the challenges and feelings of inadequacy, fathers are equipped by God to play a vital role in their children's lives. By engaging with their children, seeking wisdom, and modeling a life of faith, fathers can leave a godly legacy that impacts future generations. This legacy is built through consistent, intentional actions that reflect God's love and wisdom. [01:15:05]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:24] - Christ's Humility and Our Call
[35:24] - God's Heart for the Vulnerable
[44:55] - The Role of Fathers in Proverbs
[57:41] - Modeling Genuine Love for God
[01:15:05] - Leaving a Godly Legacy
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 2:1-11: "If there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
2. Deuteronomy 6:5-7: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 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."
3. Proverbs 1:8-9: "Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Philippians 2:1-11, what specific actions did Jesus take to demonstrate humility? How does this passage describe His obedience? [22:24]
2. In Deuteronomy 6:5-7, what are fathers instructed to do with the commandments of God? How are they to teach their children? [55:43]
3. Proverbs 1:8-9 emphasizes the importance of a father's instruction. What metaphor is used to describe the value of this teaching? [44:15]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of fathers in their children's spiritual growth, especially during their teenage years? [46:58]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' example of humility in Philippians 2 challenge the way fathers should interact with their children and others? [22:24]
2. What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, and might according to Deuteronomy 6, and how can fathers model this for their children? [55:43]
3. Why is the teenage period highlighted in Proverbs as a crucial time for imparting wisdom? How can fathers effectively engage with their teenagers during this time? [46:58]
4. The sermon mentions that fathers often feel judged and inadequate. How does understanding God's view of their role help fathers overcome these feelings? [51:14]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to put someone else's needs above your own. How can you apply Jesus' example of humility in Philippians 2 to your daily interactions with your children? [22:24]
2. What are some practical ways you can teach your children to love God with all their heart, soul, and might as instructed in Deuteronomy 6? How can you incorporate these teachings into your daily routine? [55:43]
3. Think about the teenage years of your children or those you mentor. What specific steps can you take to be more engaged in their spiritual and personal development? [46:58]
4. Identify one area where you feel inadequate as a father. How can you seek God's wisdom and support from your community to improve in this area? [51:14]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of leaving a godly legacy. What intentional actions can you start today to ensure you are passing on a legacy of faith to your children? [01:15:05]
6. How can you balance your work responsibilities with your role as a spiritual leader in your home? What changes might you need to make to prioritize your children's spiritual growth? [52:55]
7. Discuss with your spouse or a trusted friend how you can better model a genuine love for God to your children. What specific behaviors or habits do you need to develop or change? [57:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Emulating Christ's Humility
Christ's Humility as Our Model: Jesus Christ, though in the form of God, emptied Himself and became obedient to death on a cross. This act of ultimate humility and love is our model for living, especially as fathers. We are called to put others' needs above our own and engage deeply with our children, reflecting Christ's love and sacrifice in our daily lives. [22:24]
Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV): "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can put someone else's needs above your own today. How can you show humility and love in this situation, reflecting Christ's example?
Day 2: Reflecting God's Heart for the Vulnerable
God's Heart for the Vulnerable: Scripture consistently shows God's heart for the poor, widowed, and orphaned. As a church, we are called to reflect that heart in our actions, dedicating ourselves to prayer and fasting for the vulnerable among us. This month, we focus on seeking God's guidance and intervention in our lives and communities, aligning our hearts with His. [35:24]
Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"
Reflection: Identify a specific need in your community. How can you dedicate time this week to pray and fast for this need, and what practical steps can you take to help meet it?
Day 3: Engaging in Your Children's Spiritual Growth
The Critical Role of Fathers: Proverbs highlights the importance of a father's instruction and wisdom. Fathers are called to be actively engaged in their children's lives, especially during their teenage years. This engagement goes beyond activities; it involves guiding their spiritual growth and imparting wisdom that will shape their future. [44:55]
Proverbs 4:1-2 (ESV): "Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching."
Reflection: Think about your interactions with your children. How can you intentionally incorporate spiritual discussions and wisdom into your daily conversations with them this week?
Day 4: Modeling Genuine Love for God
Modeling Genuine Love for God: Fathers must love God with all their heart, soul, and might, as seen in Deuteronomy 6. This genuine love for God should be diligently taught to their children, influencing their daily choices and fostering a right relationship with God. Fathers are to model what it looks like to follow God, as their actions speak louder than words. [57:41]
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (ESV): "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 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: Reflect on your daily habits and routines. How can you more visibly demonstrate your love for God in a way that your children can see and learn from?
Day 5: Leaving a Godly Legacy
Leaving a Godly Legacy: Despite the challenges and feelings of inadequacy, fathers are equipped by God to play a vital role in their children's lives. By engaging with their children, seeking wisdom, and modeling a life of faith, fathers can leave a godly legacy that impacts future generations. This legacy is built through consistent, intentional actions that reflect God's love and wisdom. [01:15:05]
Psalm 78:5-7 (ESV): "He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments."
Reflection: Consider the legacy you are building for your children. What is one specific action you can take today to ensure that your legacy reflects God's love and wisdom?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It's interesting that in scripture and as we see in life, oftentimes it's the poor and needy who if they have a relationship with you, it just seems deeper. And even richer because they look to you for their daily bread. For those who don't have a relationship with you, this is an opportunity for us as your people to minister to them, to love to them so that through our good deeds, they would in turn glorify you." [36:21] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "My goal is twofold in the message today. First of all, is that I want to encourage, I want to challenge and inspire fathers to lean into their God-given role. That's what I want to do. I'm not here to admonish you or to beat up on you or to make you feel any worse than maybe what you feel now. You don't need me to do that for you. Our culture is really good at that." [41:41] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Wise fathers intentionally engage with their kids. Now, here's what's interesting about Proverbs and you may not know this. As a matter of fact, your English translation doesn't even show this at all, but,ashi, the Hebrew word here that's used for son specifically talks about that word son is referring to a teenager, like from 13 through 19. That's the specific Hebrew word that's being used here. That at the time when kids need the most guidance, the most instruction, the most wisdom is the time when the father is to be most engaged." [45:37] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Bible is very clear that there's a biblical mandate that we are called to work and to provide, and that providing for your family is a good thing, a healthy thing, even a godly thing, but understand that it is by no means the only thing. Your primary identity in the family is to be the father and the spiritual leader of the home. It is your responsibility, is our responsibility, is my responsibility as a father, to train up our kids in the way in which they are to go, so that even when they are older, they will not depart from it." [55:43] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The greatest gift that we can pass on to our kids is the gift of loving and following God ourselves. Your kid can grow up to be a nurse, or a welder, or a teacher, or a mechanic, or an engineer. Your kid could grow up to be in the military, or in politics, or be in IT, or some other field. Your kid can grow up to do any number of things, but if they don't know how to love the Lord, if they don't know how to follow him, then what your kid will do for the remainder of their lives will not matter in light of eternity." [01:00:51] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "From the opening chapters and verses of Proverbs, the principle for fathers, the first one that I have, kind of leaps off the pages of Proverbs, and it's like waves that just keep crashing upon the shores. It's this principle that keeps coming at us over and over and over again. Proverbs 1.8 says, 'Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching.' Proverbs 2.1, 'My son, if you receive my word, and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding.'" [43:31] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The father is speaking. The father is instructing. The father is teaching. The father is imparting wisdom. Now, that's not to say that the mother doesn't have a role or a place, or even that the mother has nothing to say. Clearly, she does. We see this in Proverbs 1.8, where he says, 'Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching.' So the kid is being told, listen to your mom. And who's telling him that? The father. So we see the father telling him, telling his kid over and over again, listen to me. I have things to say that are important." [44:55] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Bible has this crazy notion that fathers can communicate in such a way that he can say things that actually sound like wisdom, as if he has something to offer. And I say that kind of tongue in cheek, but the reality is, is that according to a survey that was done by the Pew Research Center just last year in June of 2023, 56% of fathers feel judged by others on how they parent their kids. 56%. 56% feel like they're just, they're not good at it, and they're terrible, and they're not enough. So for you to hear, and what I want you to hear is that God does not think that for you." [51:14] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We not only need to grow in our understanding of the word of God, but we also need to be convinced by the way in which we live that God's word is true and is worth following, not just on certain days of the week, but like every day of every week. Now, I love the fact that we are blessed here at Grace with a dynamic kids ministry, as well as a very strong and vibrant student ministry. I love the fact that many of you are involved in those serving and helping sacrificially to serve our kids." [01:03:45] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The church makes a terrible father. You are the father that God has put into your family. And what you do for your children as the spiritual head of your home all throughout the week carries far more weight than anything that we as a church can do for you for about an hour. A week. So dads, it's, it's to us that God has called us to teach diligently what it means and looks like to love and to trust and to follow the Lord. It's up to us to model for them what it looks like to follow him." [01:05:03] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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