Intentional Fatherhood and the Power of Choices
Summary
### Summary
Today, we celebrated Father's Day and Parent-Child Dedication Day, a special occasion where families dedicate themselves and their children to the Lord. This act is not a sacrament but a commitment to raise children in the faith, supported by the church community. We reflected on the importance of children as models of Christian faith, not because of their helplessness but their willingness to be led, taught, and blessed.
We also delved into the complexities of family life, using the story of Jacob and his sons from Genesis 37 as a backdrop. Families can be both a source of immense blessing and profound challenges. Jacob's family experienced deceit, jealousy, and betrayal, leading to severe consequences. Reuben, one of Jacob's sons, made a choice to indirectly intervene in his brothers' plan to kill Joseph, which led to further deception and heartache.
The sermon emphasized the importance of making wise choices and the consequences that follow. It highlighted the dangers of trying to deceive our way out of bad decisions and the importance of honesty and integrity. We were reminded that every choice has a consequence, and often, the innocent suffer because of the sins of others.
The message also touched on the need for fathers to be intentional and involved in their children's lives. Being an intentional father means deeply investing in understanding and nurturing the unique potential of each child. It involves making sacrifices and being present, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually.
Finally, we were reminded of the hope and redemption found in Christ. Despite the deceit and betrayal in Jacob's family, God's sovereignty prevailed. Joseph, who was sold into slavery, eventually became a ruler in Egypt, saving many lives during a famine. This story points us to the greater redemption found in Jesus, who turns our worst situations into opportunities for grace and salvation.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Willingness of a Child: Children are models of Christian faith not because of their helplessness but their willingness to be led, taught, and blessed. This willingness is a powerful example for all believers, reminding us to remain open and receptive to God's guidance and blessings. [09:13]
2. Every Choice Has a Consequence: The story of Reuben and his brothers illustrates that every choice we make has a consequence, often affecting others in ways we cannot foresee. This truth underscores the importance of making wise, God-honoring decisions in our daily lives. [47:50]
3. The Danger of Deception: Trying to deceive our way out of bad choices only leads to more pain and suffering. Honesty and integrity are crucial, even when it is difficult. Deception may offer a temporary escape, but it ultimately leads to greater turmoil and broken relationships. [55:11]
4. The Importance of Intentional Fatherhood: Being an intentional father involves deeply investing in understanding and nurturing each child's unique potential. It requires sacrifices and a commitment to being present in their lives, both physically and emotionally. This intentionality can leave a lasting, multi-generational blessing. [45:05]
5. God's Sovereignty and Redemption: Despite the deceit and betrayal in Jacob's family, God's sovereignty turned their situation into a story of redemption. Joseph's rise to power in Egypt and his role in saving many lives during a famine point to the greater redemption found in Jesus, who transforms our worst situations into opportunities for grace and salvation. [01:04:52]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[09:13] - The Willingness of a Child
[10:12] - Verses for the Cole Family
[10:51] - Verses for the Gupins and Nandesi Family
[11:41] - Verses for the Buckler Family
[12:31] - Prayer for the Families
[13:19] - Worship and Scripture Reading
[39:11] - Introduction to Genesis 37
[40:01] - Inside Out: Family Dynamics
[41:08] - Blessings and Challenges of Family
[42:04] - Choices and Consequences
[42:59] - The Importance of Wise Choices
[43:46] - Being an Involved and Intentional Father
[45:05] - The Intentional Father
[46:36] - Sin and Family Dynamics
[47:50] - Every Choice Has a Consequence
[48:26] - Reuben's Indirect Intervention
[49:21] - The Complexity of Parenting
[50:04] - Jacob's Life of Deceit and Loss
[51:41] - The Danger of Isolation
[52:17] - The Need for Community
[53:09] - The Limits of Human Knowledge
[53:45] - The Importance of Timely Reconciliation
[54:24] - Deception and Its Consequences
[55:11] - The Temptation to Deceive
[56:22] - The Culture of Deception
[57:40] - The Need for a True Sacrifice
[58:27] - Generational Sin and Deception
[59:18] - The Fool Inside Us
[01:00:57] - The Promise of Christ
[01:01:39] - The Consequences of Deception
[01:02:22] - The Ferociousness of Family
[01:03:39] - Meanwhile, God is at Work
[01:04:52] - The Greater Redemption in Christ
[01:05:43] - From Famine to Feast
[01:06:31] - Invitation to the Lord's Table
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 37:29-36
2. Joshua 1:9
3. Psalm 139:14
### Observation Questions
1. What was Reuben's initial reaction when he discovered Joseph was not in the pit? ([47:50])
2. How did Jacob's sons deceive him about Joseph's fate? ([55:11])
3. What specific verses were chosen for the children during the Parent-Child Dedication? ([10:12])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the willingness of a child to be led, taught, and blessed considered a model of Christian faith? ([09:13])
2. How does the story of Reuben and his brothers illustrate the consequences of our choices? ([47:50])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of honesty and integrity in our decisions? ([55:11])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you made a choice that had unforeseen consequences. How did it affect others around you? ([47:50])
2. In what ways can you be more intentional and involved in the lives of your children or younger family members? ([45:05])
3. Have you ever tried to deceive your way out of a bad decision? What was the outcome, and what did you learn from it? ([55:11])
4. How can you cultivate a willingness to be led, taught, and blessed by God in your daily life? ([09:13])
5. What steps can you take to ensure that you are making wise, God-honoring decisions in your family and personal life? ([47:50])
6. How can you support and encourage other fathers or parents in your church community to be intentional and present in their children's lives? ([45:05])
7. Reflect on the story of Joseph and how God's sovereignty turned a situation of deceit and betrayal into one of redemption. How can this perspective help you trust God in difficult circumstances? ([01:04:52])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Willingness of a Child
Children are models of Christian faith not because of their helplessness but their willingness to be led, taught, and blessed. This willingness is a powerful example for all believers, reminding us to remain open and receptive to God's guidance and blessings. Children naturally trust and follow those who care for them, and this childlike faith is what Jesus calls us to emulate.
In our spiritual journey, we often complicate our relationship with God by relying on our own understanding and strength. However, the simplicity of a child's faith—marked by trust, openness, and a readiness to receive—serves as a profound lesson. We are encouraged to approach God with the same willingness, allowing Him to lead, teach, and bless us in ways we might not expect. [09:13]
Bible Passage:
"Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." (Mark 10:15, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about an area in your life where you struggle to trust God fully. How can you adopt a childlike willingness to be led and taught by Him in this area today?
### Day 2: Every Choice Has a Consequence
The story of Reuben and his brothers illustrates that every choice we make has a consequence, often affecting others in ways we cannot foresee. This truth underscores the importance of making wise, God-honoring decisions in our daily lives. Reuben's attempt to save Joseph by suggesting they throw him into a pit instead of killing him led to further deception and heartache.
Our decisions, whether big or small, have ripple effects that can impact not just our lives but the lives of those around us. It is crucial to seek God's wisdom and guidance in our choices, understanding that our actions can have far-reaching consequences. By making decisions that honor God, we can positively influence our families, communities, and beyond. [47:50]
Bible Passage:
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." (Galatians 6:7, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on a recent decision you made. What were the consequences of that decision, and how did it affect others? How can you seek God's wisdom in your future choices to ensure they are God-honoring?
### Day 3: The Danger of Deception
Trying to deceive our way out of bad choices only leads to more pain and suffering. Honesty and integrity are crucial, even when it is difficult. Deception may offer a temporary escape, but it ultimately leads to greater turmoil and broken relationships. The story of Jacob's family is a testament to the destructive power of deceit.
When we choose deception, we not only harm others but also damage our own integrity and relationship with God. Living a life of honesty and transparency, even when it is challenging, aligns us with God's truth and brings peace and healing. It is through honesty that we can build trust and restore broken relationships. [55:11]
Bible Passage:
"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." (Proverbs 10:9, ESV)
Reflection:
Is there an area in your life where you have been less than honest? What steps can you take today to address this and commit to living with integrity?
### Day 4: The Importance of Intentional Fatherhood
Being an intentional father involves deeply investing in understanding and nurturing each child's unique potential. It requires sacrifices and a commitment to being present in their lives, both physically and emotionally. This intentionality can leave a lasting, multi-generational blessing. Fathers play a crucial role in shaping the spiritual and emotional well-being of their children.
Intentional fatherhood means more than just providing for physical needs; it involves being actively engaged in the child's life, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and guiding them in their spiritual journey. This kind of investment can have a profound impact, not just on the child, but on future generations. [45:05]
Bible Passage:
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4, ESV)
Reflection:
If you are a father, how can you be more intentional in your relationship with your children? If you are not a father, how can you support and encourage the fathers in your community to be more intentional?
### Day 5: God's Sovereignty and Redemption
Despite the deceit and betrayal in Jacob's family, God's sovereignty turned their situation into a story of redemption. Joseph's rise to power in Egypt and his role in saving many lives during a famine point to the greater redemption found in Jesus, who transforms our worst situations into opportunities for grace and salvation.
God's sovereignty means that He is in control, even when our circumstances seem dire. He can take our mistakes, sins, and the brokenness of our lives and use them for His greater purpose. This truth offers hope and assurance that no situation is beyond God's redemptive power. [01:04:52]
Bible Passage:
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." (Genesis 50:20, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about a difficult situation you are currently facing. How can you trust in God's sovereignty and look for His redemptive work in this situation?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our Lord gives us the picture of the child. So here it is. Here's a picture. If you see these children up here, I want you to watch these children. As a model of Christian faith, not because of the child's helplessness, but because of the child's willingness to be led and to be taught and to be blessed, God, God does not reduce us to a set of reflexes so that we mindlessly worship and pray and obey on signal. He establishes us with dignity in which we are free to receive his words, his gift, and his graces." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Church to have a church full of the next generation is a blessing. These parents have come before you and they are saying we are charged with raising our kids in the admonition of the Lord. You are charged with helping them do that. Will you encourage them today by what we see here on our stage today?" (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Growing up in a family is a blessing and a curse. I believe it is. Now, the blessings are pretty obvious. Safety, security, comfort. Even if you saw what was before you today with these children being dedicated to the Lord, there's safety in there and there's beauty in there. It actually says in the Scriptures that God places the lonely in families." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Every choice has a consequence. You may not see it in your generation, but other generations will see it. You may not see it in your neck of the woods, but somebody else is going to see it. Every choice has a consequence. It just does. Every one." (18 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The promise we find in Christ is greater than your sin today. I want to leave you some good news. Listen to this. Verse 39. And he identified it and he said, Your sons do it. We found this robe. Identify whether it's your son's robe or not. Instead of acting like kids, they're acting like it's a crime scene. Look at these photos. Is this your son? It is my son's robe. You got that right." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The intentional father is deeply invested in discovering who his children are. How he can help them reach their redemptive potential. He seeks to understand the children that God has given him and wants to form them into young persons who can fulfill their purpose. He sees parenting as central to his call before God. And he does it with all of his children. The kind of father who leaves multi-generational blessings in the lives of his children. So I want to be that. I want to put a plan together." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Do not give in, church, to the temptation to deceive your way out of a bad choice. Do not. This is what we do a lot. Don't do this. Here it is. You will see Reuben not do the hard thing. What's the hard thing? Running to his father's house and saying, I have sinned. He's going to cover it all up. Watch it. Now he's mourning. He goes, the boy is gone and where shall I go? In verse 31, then they took Joseph's robe. Instead of just being honest about what they did, they slaughtered a goat. Watch the action statements here. They slaughtered a goat, dipped the robe in the blood. They sent the robe of many colors and brought it to their father and said, this we have found. Please identify whether to use your son's robe or not." (58 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Meanwhile, God is doing something. Meanwhile, God is at work. Meanwhile, God is protecting the innocent. Meanwhile, God is doing something so much incredibly great. Meanwhile, God is creating a people for himself. Meanwhile, God is making a provision for himself. Meanwhile. The gospel is in this in the meanwhile. The promise of Christ is greater than this. Their plan works. Jacob fills in the story gaps. He has the same reaction. He says, The soul is going to go down to Sheol. It's going to go down to Sheol because of what happened to my son. But he's been fed a lie. But guess what? The sovereignty of God is greater than that lie because his soul will go down. But it's not the Sheol. No, no, no, no, no. Where is he going to go down? Later, Moses will write in this to understand where will he go down. No, he will go down to Egypt." (54 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You see, we don't need a ruler like Joseph. We have a Lord like Jesus. Who in your life when things were distraught and famine and there was nothing to be given. That he took the cross. And he bore the sin of many who are in this room. And from that very evil. And from that very evil act, he provided a way, amen, for us. He provided a way out of the wilderness into the Father's house. And instead of famine, what has he given us? But a feast. His very own blood and bread. So we have a choice. Come to the table. He beckons you. You have a Father who loves you so much. Don't cover up your sin. Don't do that. Don't live like that. Come to Christ. Come to him. He has provided far more than you ever need. Instead of a famine today, you get a feast. Instead of prison, you get freedom. Instead of death, you get life. Come to the table this morning." (86 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You need the church. You need community around you. You can't do this by on your own. I can't do this on my own. I need other people in my kid's life. And I'm thankful. So my daughter, she's about to turn 16. It's not only me and her mom in her life. We have family members, but also Rachel Turner's in her life. You don't know who Rachel Turner is. Rachel Turner is her small group leader in Fuse. And we make the necessary opportunities to put her around people that can speak into her life. My son, Parker, absolutely love him. Saw a picture of him a while ago. One of our elders, Chris Kirkman, he's right over here, is in Parker's life because I need help." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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