Message for Fathers

 

Scripture Text

Joshua 1:7-9

Intro: Dads, the bible has some wisdom for us. It tells us as spiritual leaders of our home what is important for us in leading our families successfully in the way of God.

I. First important thing for Dads. [1 Corinthians 1:30] To be a good spiritual leader for your family you must know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:30 (MSG) Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. Christ is the wisdom of God given to the world so that men might know the way, the truth, and the life of God. Make sure of your relationship with Jesus Christ Dad, to be able to lead your family the way God intended. Practice your faith before your children and wife. Live so they can see Jesus in you.

II. Second important thing. Dads are to live out their faith before their families. Psalm 1:1 (NKJV)  Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful. With three expressions the psalmist tells us how to live the blessed and successful life:. We do not live according to the advise of the ungodly way and we don't stand in the path or keep company with the wicked (ungodly), sinners, or we don't join in with mockers (scorners, complainers). Each expression becomes more intense. This signifies a progression from a casual influence of ungodly people to agreement with them in their scorn against the way of God. We can be influenced by those around us. It is very easy to fall into a life of sin. We must guard against it at all times. We have choices to make every day. May we always chose God's way. Chose your friends wisely. The devil will always be tempting us. When the dad sins, it affects his whole family. One who is not led astray by the evil influence of the world and people around us is "blessed," that is, he is right with God and enjoys the spiritual peace and joy that results from that relationship. As a result, God blesses not only him, but also his family.                        

III. Third important thing. Joshua 1:7-9 (NCV) ⁷  Be strong and brave. Be sure to obey all the teachings my servant Moses gave you. If you follow them exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. ⁸  Always remember what is written in the Book of the Teachings. Study it day and night to be sure to obey everything that is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything. ⁹  Remember that I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the LORD your God will be with you everywhere you go.“ To enjoy prosperity and be successful in the way of God we are to do four things with regard to these Scriptures: (1) We are to be strong, brave and not be afraid in the power of God's Holy Spirit. (2) The Law was is not to depart from our mouth; we are to remember what is written in God's word and talk about it. We are to speak what God says in His word over our situations and problems instead of listening to other voices. (3) We are to read and meditate on God's word day and night. (4) We Dads are not only to read and meditate on God's word, we are to do everything written in God's word, we are to obey its commands fully and to act on them. When we do these things, we will lead our families in the most successful and prosperous way and the Father God will be pleased with us.

Conclusion: Godly Dads are very rare these days and the family is suffering. The way Dads live not only affects their family, but also the church and nation. Dads, we are very important to the plan of God, so may we live our lives led by the power of God's Holy Spirit remembering we will have to one day give an account to God.

Invitation: Not just dads but everyone needs to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. If you have never stopped and confessed your sins to Jesus and asked Him to forgive you, now is the time before it is eternally to late. Life is short and eternity is long.