Generation to Generation #2

Father’s Day

How can I, as a father, be obedient to the Lord in teaching my children about Christ?

I. Prioritize God's Word (Psalm 119:89-90)

“Lord, your word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven. Your faithfulness is for all generations; you established the earth, and it stands firm.” (Psalm 119:89–90, CSB)

A. Build Your Own Faith First – You cannot teach what you do not know. Fathers must be grounded in Scripture.

B. Be Consistent in Teaching – The Word of God should be a daily priority in your home.

C. Be a Living Example – Your children will learn more from watching your life than from listening to your words.

·According to the Lifeway Research Group, the Sunday with the lowest church attendance is Father’s Day. According to research by Promise Keepers and Baptist Press, if a father doesn’t attend church but the mother does with her children, only 1 child out of 50 will grow up to become a regular attender of worship service (“The Impact on Kids of Dad’s Faith and Church Attendance,” Theology for the People [blog], June 20, 2016, https://nickcady.org/2016/06/20/the-impact-on-kids-of-dads-faith-and-church-attendance/).

Application: Read Scripture daily, pray with your children, and integrate faith into everyday life.

II. Participate in Their Spiritual Growth (Ephesians 6:4)

“Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4, CSB)

·Fathers have a responsibility to teach their children about God. This is as much a command from God as the command not to steal. But while the command not to steal is a passive command (don’t), the command here is an active command; fathers are to do something—namely, to help their children grow up to understand and know God.

·“Studies show children with involved fathers, stepdads or father figures are less likely to get in trouble with the law, tend to do better in school and are more likely to hold a job” (Sean Rossman, “Why Dads Matter, according to Science,” USA TODAY, June 13, 2017, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/06/13/why-dads-matter-according-science/377125001/). As a father, it is important to recognize the importance of being present and teaching your child the faith.

A. Lead with Love, Not Legalism – Correct without crushing their spirit.

B. Look for Teaching Moments – Faith isn’t just for Sundays; it's for every day.

C. Live Out What You Teach – Children need to see faith in action.

Illustration: A father teaching his child to ride a bike—running alongside, providing encouragement, and guiding them when they stumble.

Application: Have family devotions, encourage church involvement, and disciple your children with intentionality.

III. Place Your Trust in God's Faithfulness (Psalm 119:90)

“Your faithfulness is for all generations; you established the earth, and it stands firm.” (Psalm 119:90, CSB)

Fathers have been given their marching orders, but they can carry them out without worrying about the outcome. Psalm 119:90 is a firm reminder that God’s faithfulness will endure from generation to generation—his faithfulness endures because of his character, not our perfect instruction. This knowledge can free fathers from worry and encourage them to trust God completely with the faith of their children.

A. Parenting is Planting, Not Controlling – You plant seeds, but God produces the harvest.

B. Persevere Through the Challenges – No father is perfect, but God’s grace is sufficient.

C. Pray and Trust the Outcome to God – Faithful fathers trust in God's work in their children's hearts.

Illustration: A farmer plants seeds, waters the soil, and waits—trusting that growth will come in time.

Application: Pray daily for your children, release fear, and trust that God is working in their lives.

Conclusion: A Call to Obedience for Fathers

Are you prioritizing God’s Word in your home?

Are you participating in your child’s spiritual growth?

Are you placing your trust in God’s faithfulness?

Challenge: This Father’s Day, commit to being an obedient father—one who prioritizes, participates, and places his trust in God!