Fathers, Be Men of God! June 19th, 2022

Fathers—Be Men of God! (1Cor. 16:13-14)

INTRODUCTION

A.

2. America is in crises today in many ways: Consider some of these realities about America’s crisis and the lack of father’s that I read this week: For one, did you know that 18.5 million children don’t have active fathers. These children grow up without the influence of fathers.
3. Thank God that in many of these situations there are grandparents that can help fill the void. America has the title of being the world leader in fatherlessness. Approximately 80% of single- parent homes are led by single mothers, leading to nearly 25% of our youth growing up without a father in the home.

TODAY—I WANT TO ENCOURAGE FATHERS TO BE MEN OF GOD

1. The Apostle Paul had a lot to say to Fathers and to men—I want to share some of these thoughts with you today: He said: “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1Cor. 16:13)
2. To watch means to be continually on guard. To be alert as to your surroundings, to your families, your wife and children and grandchildren. It is also a time where fathers and men need to awake and watchful to what God is saying and doing in this hour that we are living. We are called to be watchmen (and watch-ladies). What are we to watch for:

Today is Father’s Day and I want to take a moment to address all you dads and men: First let me say: Happy Father’s Day you all! May you all be blessed by the Lord in a special way today and may you have a great day with your families.

II.

For Christ's coming (Mt. 24:42) “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour the Lord is coming”.

That you enter not into temptation (Mt. 26:41) “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”

That you may be worthy to escape all these things (tribulations, Lk. 21:36) “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man”

For savage wolves (Acts 20:29) “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He has purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.”

In prayer (Col. 4:3; 1Pet. 4:7) “Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains” (Col. 4:3)

In soberness (1Th. 5:6) “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober”.

In all things (2Tim. 4:5) “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry”.

C. We are to stand fast in the faith: The meaning is this—that we as fathers (and men) are to keep rank. To not be disorderly or retreat when it comes to doing the right thing. We are called to be examples of what it means to be servant leaders in the home—leading your wives and children to be faithful to God, to worship the Lord in your homes, to pray with your wives and children, and to uphold the Word of God as you plumb line in your homes! To keep unity that nothing divides us (Gal. 5:1; Phil.1:27; 4:1; 1Th. 3:8; 2Th. 2:15).

“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27)

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions (precepts) which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” (2Thess. 2:15)

D. We are to be brave and behave like men. Do not flinch in the fight whether it be fighting for your wives, your children, or your inheritance in the Lord. Maintain your ground at all costs. Resist and press forward. Strike deadly blows in the spirit-realm for your God-given inheritance in Christ! Fathers—sometimes you need to do battle over things in the Spirit. Pray in the Holy Spirit, pray in tongues until the release and the assurance comes from the Lord that you have gained the victory!

E.We are to be Strong, run the race, keep yourself fit. Scriptures speak about us running in a great race, but we have to run according to the rules, and we have keep in shape so we can endure and reach the goal. Learn how to conquer. Die in the contest or win [spiritually speaking]. I know these are strong words, but its serious business to be a father and a man of God, and to protect your wife and children!

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it...But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1Cor. 9:24, 27)

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...” (Heb. 12:1-2a)

6. We are to do all things from Love. First, that you love God. Secondly, that you love your wife and children. Love is the highest call of all for dads. Paul wrote a chapter on love in 1Cor. 13 and that it is the highest goal we are to have in serving the Lord. I get to watch dads in action here at Hilltop. I love seeing how dads serve their wives, take care of the kids and burn the midnight oil to make sure it all happens.“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1Cor. 13:4-7)
7. I’m so proud of all of you dads! May you have the most blessed day and feel God’s love joy as you serve the Lord and your families. Happy Father’s Day to you all!