06/21/2026: Pastor Saul’s Father’s Day Message

Paul speaks as a spiritual father in 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12. His own life stands as holy, righteous, and blameless among the believers, so his words carry weight. The text names three fatherly moves that shape children in the faith: encouraging, comforting, and urging to live worthy of God who calls into his kingdom and glory. That pattern frames what a dad is meant to be.

Encouragement, as Paul uses it, does not sound like scolding. The call is not to nag or criticize, because that only shuts people down and pushes them away. Encouragement means to come alongside, to understand what a child is walking through, and to lead by example, not just by words. A dad learns that presence matters more than polish. A job that pays less but gives him time at home can be the wiser choice, because kids flourish when their father shows up, listens, and points them toward a hopeful future. Since kids lack experience and their judgment is still developing, a father becomes a steady guardrail. He helps them set spiritual and career goals, then walks with them through stress, frustration, and the slow work of growth. Past failures do not disqualify a father from guiding; they often give him the wisdom to steer a child away from cliffs he once found himself.

Comfort, as the text names it, looks like Jesus with Peter. After the denial, Jesus does not weaponize “I told you so.” He builds a fire, feeds his friend, and asks, “Do you love me?” Then he gives him work to do. That is comfort with backbone. A father imitates that pattern when consequences land. He tells the truth, forgives, and helps a hurting child stand up again. Matthew 11:28 gives the posture: come to the One who gives rest, then reflect that rest at home.

Urging, finally, is a charge to live as God’s children. Obedience is not a cage. It is a clear path through a world of dangers. A father urges by living what he says. Hypocrisy breaks credibility; integrity makes counsel stick. At home he is the CEO, not to dominate, but to serve, teach, and set the tone. Children learn most from what they see. So a father loves, encourages, comforts, and urges toward the Lord, asking forgiveness when he stumbles, trusting that God can change hearts and write a new chapter for the whole family.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Encouragement opens the heart’s door [23:59] Encouragement, as Paul uses it, is persuasion with presence. It listens, names a better future, and shows the way by example. Constant critique only hardens a child and closes the channel for truth. [23:59]
• 2. Comfort restores after real failure [33:48] Jesus meets Peter’s shame with a meal, questions of love, and a fresh assignment. That is not softness; it is holy repair. A father who comforts like that helps a child learn from consequences without being crushed by them. [33:48]
• 3. Urging means lived obedience at home [39:01] Urging to “live worthy of God” has power when a dad practices what he preaches. Obedience becomes a path, not a lecture, when it is visible in the kitchen, on the phone, and under pressure. Integrity turns guidance into a credible map. [39:01]
• 4. Presence outweighs provision every time [22:52] Money cannot substitute for time. Steady presence builds trust, and trust makes counsel land when life gets loud. A father who rearranges his schedule to be there tells his child, without words, “you matter.” [22:52]
• 5. God’s power mends family stories [45:57] The blood of Jesus is not theory; it is power to change hearts and homes. When a father takes the first step of grace, apologizes, makes the call, and prays, space opens for God to work. Repentance and mercy rebuild what anger and silence have torn. [45:57]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [17:37] - Opening Scripture: 1 Thess 2:10-12
• [18:53] - Three verbs for fathering
• [19:08] - Fatherhood is demanding and rewarding
• [21:31] - What real encouragement is
• [25:50] - Why teens misread danger
• [27:43] - Discouragement invites the enemy
• [28:05] - Set spiritual and career goals
• [32:57] - Jesus restores Peter, not shames
• [37:03] - Come to me for rest
• [37:40] - Urge a life worthy of God
• [39:01] - Model obedience, not hypocrisy
• [39:51] - Fathers lead as home CEOs
• [42:30] - God can change hearts
• [50:49] - Take the first step of mercy

1. What three actions does Paul highlight as central to spiritual fatherhood in 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12?
2. How did Jesus respond to Peter’s failure in John 21:15-17, and what specific actions did He take to restore him? [33:48]
3. According to the sermon, why is a father’s presence more impactful than material provision? [22:52]
4. What does Matthew 11:28 reveal about God’s posture toward those who are weary or burdened?

1. Why might Paul use the word “encourage” (or “exhort”) instead of focusing on criticism or discipline in 1 Thessalonians 2:11? How does this shape a father’s approach?
2. In John 21, Jesus asks Peter “Do you love me?” three times. What does this repetition communicate about the relationship between failure, forgiveness, and purpose? [34:41]
3. How does a father’s role as the “CEO” of the home (as mentioned in the sermon) differ from worldly ideas of leadership? [39:51]
4. How might Matthew 11:28 influence the way parents respond to their children’s emotional or spiritual struggles?

1. Think of a time you tried to correct or guide someone. Did your approach lean more toward criticism or encouragement? What practical step could you take to “come alongside” them instead? [23:59]
2. When someone you love fails (e.g., a child, spouse, or friend), how can you imitate Jesus’ pattern of truth-telling, forgiveness, and purposeful restoration? [35:15]
3. What is one area of your life where your actions don’t align with the values you urge others to follow? How could you model integrity in that area this week? [39:01]
4. Are there commitments in your schedule (work, hobbies, etc.) that compete with being emotionally or physically present for your family? What small adjustment could you make to prioritize presence? [22:52]
5. Is there a relationship in your life where hurt or past mistakes have created distance? What would it look like to take the “first step of mercy” this week? [50:49]