Father’s Faith

Joshua 24:1–15 KJV 1900

1 And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God. 2 And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods. 3 And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac. 4 And I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it; but Jacob and his children went down into Egypt. 5 I sent Moses also and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt, according to that which I did among them: and afterward I brought you out. 6 And I brought your fathers out of Egypt: and ye came unto the sea; and the Egyptians pursued after your fathers with chariots and horsemen unto the Red sea. 7 And when they cried unto the Lord, he put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea upon them, and covered them; and your eyes have seen what I have done in Egypt: and ye dwelt in the wilderness a long season. 8 And I brought you into the land of the Amorites, which dwelt on the other side Jordan; and they fought with you: and I gave them into your hand, that ye might possess their land; and I destroyed them from before you. 9 Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you: 10 But I would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: so I delivered you out of his hand. 11 And ye went over Jordan, and came unto Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand. 12 And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow. 13 And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat. 14 Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. 15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Sermon Title: Father’s Faith

Scripture: Joshua 24:1–15 (KJV)

Occasion: Father’s Day – Sunday, June 15, 2025

Preacher: Rev. Adrian S. Taylor, Springhill Church

Sermon Abstract

This Father’s Day message from Joshua 24:1–15 challenges men to lead their families with courageous, covenantal faith. Joshua’s farewell address reveals three timeless truths: godly fathers must communicate their faith to the next generation, consecrate their hearts to serve the Lord sincerely, and courageously challenge their homes to follow God's example. With bold conviction, Joshua proclaims, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”—offering a legacy of leadership that still calls men to action today.

Introduction

In 2012, I learned that I would be a new father. The news was, to say the least, sobering. But as the weeks progressed, I became a little more at ease, considering the potential fun I would have with a little boy, who would be my riding partner and hanging buddy. However, one sonogram transformed all of that building excitement into fear: we were having a girl. The very first thought in my mind was not the joy of tea parties, ponytails and hair-bows, with pretty dresses. My first thought was literally, “Now I need to buy a shotgun!” 

 While I am gifted in many areas, there is no training class for fatherhood. I am very confident in my skills as a teacher, and organizational leader, but fatherhood is completely different. I am comfortable in a board room, or a pulpit, but I had never changed a diaper. How would I live up to the responsibility of fatherhood. 

But I also understood that as I moved into a different phase of life, an area that I knew nothing about, there was a need for good counsel (Proverbs 11:14). So I reached out to men who were exemplary fathers who could instruct me, and inspire me as I took on a new role. 

That’s the kind of man Joshua was in the text before us. He’s now a wise leader nearing the end of his journey. But before he closes his eyes, he opens his mouth one more time. He gathers the people at Shechem—holy ground. This is where Abraham first heard God’s promise. Where Jacob buried his family’s idols. Where Joseph’s bones were laid to rest. It is covenant ground. Joshua is calling the fathers, the families, the future of the nation—and he says, “Now that you’ve seen what God can do, what are you going to do?”

And that is our question this morning. In an age of spiritual apathy and social confusion, who will stand and say, “As for me and my house…”? This is not just a message for fathers, it is for leaders, grandparents, mothers praying for sons, and men looking for purpose. Joshua shows us what it looks like when a man walks in faith, speaks with power, and leads his house in righteousness. Let’s walk through this mountain-top moment and learn what it means to possess a father’s faith.

I. Communicate Faith (Joshua 24:1–13)

A. Spiritual Communication (Joshua 24:1–2)

Joshua models that a godly man doesn’t just lead by presence—he leads by proclamation. He opens his mouth and declares, “Thus saith the Lord God of Israel…” That’s the heart of spiritual communication. It is not just about having a title in the community—it is about having a testimony in the home.

Joshua 24:1–2 KJV 1900

1 And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God. 2 And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.

1. He Assembled the Right Audience  (Joshua 24:1a)

“And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders... and their heads…” (Joshua 24:1)

Joshua did not speak to strangers—he summoned the shepherds of families; the elders, the fathers, and the influencers. Because if you want to change the direction of a nation, you start with the leaders of the households. Fathers, before you preach to the world, gather your own house. Before you declare war on culture, declare peace over your children. A father’s influence is God’s frontline for generational faith.

Psalm 78:4 “4 We will not hide them from their children, Shewing to the generation to come The praises of the Lord, and his strength, And his wonderful works that he hath done.”

Quotable Line: “The first audience of your faith should be the people under your roof.”

2. He Announced the Right Authority (Joshua 24:2a)

“Thus saith the Lord God of Israel…”

Joshua does not give opinion, he gives oracles. He does not speak for himself, he speaks for his Sovereign. Fathers, your family does not need your best guess, they need God’s Word. If your children can quote your politics, your preferences, and your playbook, but cannot quote a promise from Scripture—you have missed the mark. A faithful father puts God’s voice above his own.

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 “6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

Quotable Line: “The voice of God in your home should be louder than the noise of the world.”

3. He Articulated the Right Assignment 

“Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time…” 

Joshua knew that leadership without truth is just noise. He articulates the assignment—he begins recounting God’s story, God’s standard, and God’s supremacy. Spiritual communication is not vague, it is verbal. It is not scattered, it is specific. Men of God don’t just show up—they speak up. Because silence from the father’s mouth can lead to confusion in the family’s soul.

2 Timothy 2:2 “2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

Quotable Line: “If you do not define the faith, the world will distort it.”

Cross-Reference Scriptures (KJV):

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 “6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

Psalm 78:4 “4 We will not hide them from their children, Shewing to the generation to come The praises of the Lord, and his strength, And his wonderful works that he hath done.”

2 Timothy 2:2 “2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

Malachi 4:6 “6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, And the heart of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”

Illustration:

A father once said, “I don't talk about religion in front of my kids—I let them decide for themselves.” But the devil doesn’t give them that courtesy—he talks to them all day long. Fathers must speak life into their homes before the world speaks lies into their hearts.

Application:

Spiritual communication requires intentionality, instruction, and inspiration. 

Be intentional—set aside time. 

Be instructional—teach truth. 

Be inspirational—share passion. Let your kids know: “This house talks about the Lord.”

B. Sentimental Communication (Joshua 24:3–13)

Joshua 24:3–4 KJV 1900

3 And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac. 4 And I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it; but Jacob and his children went down into Egypt.

In verses 3 through 13, Joshua does not just give them a history lesson—he gives them a heart lesson. This is more than a timeline, it is a testimony. He walks them through generations of grace, miracle after miracle, promise after promise. And every sentence is soaked in God’s sovereignty. Joshua is saying, “You didn’t get here by your grind, you got here by God’s grace.”

Sentimental communication is when a father remembers God’s hand, rehearses God’s help, and rejoices in God’s history.

1. He Reviewed the Past with Purpose (Joshua 24:2-3)

Joshua begins by saying, “Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood…” and from there, he begins recounting the divine timeline. This isn’t nostalgia, it is narrative theology. He walks them through Abraham’s call, Isaac’s birth, Jacob’s journey, Egypt’s slavery, and the wilderness deliverance. Fathers, your past is not just for private reflection it is for public instruction. Not to gloat in the debauchery of your past, but to declare the patience, grace and mercy of God. 

You’re not bragging when you tell your story right, you are bearing witness. When you recall how God came through, you’re giving your family a frame of reference for faith. Joshua is showing us that sentimental communication connects the dots between where you were and how God got you here.

Quotable Line: “If you don’t revisit the past, your children won’t recognize God in the present.”

2. He Revealed the Power Behind the Progress (Joshua 24:4,5,6,8,12)

Joshua uses deliberate phrases like “I gave (v.4)… I sent (v.5)… I brought (v.8)… I gave (v.8b)….I destroyed (v.8c)…I delivered (v.10,11)….I sent (v.12)…I have given (v.13)” God is the subject of every sentence. He’s the power behind every victory. This isn’t just a historical review—it’s a spiritual revelation. Joshua isn’t saying, “Look what we did”—he’s saying, “Look what God did.”

Fathers, sentimental communication means you give God the credit. Your kids need to know the reason the house was warm, the fridge was full, and the doors stayed open was not because of your hustle, it was because of His hand. Do not let them inherit the reward without understanding the Redeemer.

Exodus 13:14 “14 And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the Lord brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:”

Quotable Line: “Give your children more than your success—give them your Source.”

3. He Reaffirmed the Pattern of Providence (Joshua 24:8-13)

Joshua tells the people how God fought battles they did not fight, gave them land they did not till, and blessed them beyond what they deserved. That is providence, God’s consistent, compassionate hand shaping their future. Fathers, your stories must show your children that God has a pattern and that pattern is faithfulness.

We must tell the story so often that our children learn to expect God to show up. You are not just telling war stories, you are planting worship stories. When your kids hear you say, “God brought us through,” they learn to say, “And He’ll do it again.”

Psalm 44:1 “1 We have heard with our ears, O God, Our fathers have told us, What work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.”

Quotable Line: “Testimonies are not just memories—they are manuals for trust.”

Final Exhortation for This Point:

Fathers, don’t let the miracles be forgotten. Don’t let the mercies go unmentioned. Sentimental communication cements spiritual memory. And what your children remember will become what they reverence. So tell it, testify it, and treasure it—because the story of God’s faithfulness is the foundation of your family’s future.

Cross-Reference Scriptures (KJV):

Exodus 13:14 “14 And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the Lord brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:”

Psalm 44:1 “1 We have heard with our ears, O God, Our fathers have told us, What work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.”

Isaiah 46:9 “9 Remember the former things of old: For I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,”

Revelation 12:11 “11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

Illustration:

There was a father who kept a small notebook in his Bible. Inside were dates and stories: “God healed your mama here… God gave us this house here… God saved me here…” Years later, his children read that book and wept. Why? Because he had written a spiritual inheritance that money could never buy.

Application:

Fathers, rehearse the goodness of God. Relive His grace in your conversations. Rejoice when you remember what He brought you through. Let your family know: “We didn’t get here by chance—we got here by Christ.”

II. Consecrate in Faith (Joshua 24:14)

A. Complete Consecration (Joshua 24:14a)

“Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth…”

Joshua calls the people, not to convenience, but to consecration. This is not casual religion, it is covenant living. It is not about appearing spiritual it is about being surrendered. Complete consecration means God does not get part of you, He gets all of you; your time, your heart, your voice, your house.

Fathers, if your faith is flaky, your family will be fragile. They can’t believe in what you won’t live. And Joshua makes it plain: if you’re going to serve the Lord, you’ve got to be all in.

1. Reverence in Your Walk

“Fear the Lord…” 

Consecration begins with holy awe. Reverence is when you recognize that God is not common. It’s how you live when nobody’s watching, when the doors are closed and the lights are off. A reverent man doesn’t treat God casually; he walks carefully, humbly, and dependently.

1 Samuel 12:24 “24 Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.”

Quotable Line: “If your children never see you tremble before God, don’t expect them to trust Him with their lives.”

2. Realness in Your Worship

“…serve Him in sincerity…”

Sincerity means you don’t just perform on Sunday; you practice it daily. You live without hypocrisy or spiritual costume. Just the raw, real, righteous walk of a man who means what he says and lives what he prays. When your faith is authentic, it will be attractive to your children.

James 1:8 “8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

Quotable Line: “Your family doesn’t need a perfect father—they need an honest one.”

3. Reliability in Your Witness

“…and in truth.”

Truth here speaks to consistency and conviction. It’s not enough to know the right thing—you’ve got to do it and keep doing it. Consecration shows up in your routine, in your reputation, and in your response to pressure. Real men don’t just claim the faith—they carry it faithfully.

Matthew 6:24 “24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

Quotable Line: “If your Sunday confession doesn’t show up in your weekday conduct, it’s not consecration, it’s convenience.”

Closing Exhortation for this Point: Fathers, don’t just lift holy hands, live holy lives. Consecration is not glamorous, but it’s God-honoring. The foundation of your family’s faith may be built on your daily surrender. So rise early, walk humbly, love deeply, and lead boldly, because complete consecration is the clearest sermon your children will ever hear.

Cross-Reference Scriptures (KJV):

Romans 12:1 “1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

1 Samuel 12:24 “24 Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.”

James 1:8 “8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

Matthew 6:24 “24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

Illustration:

A soldier once said, “You train like you fight.” Fathers, your spiritual habits are your family’s training ground. If you do not train them to fear the Lord, the world will train them to forget Him.

Application:

Consecrate your schedule. Consecrate your spending. Consecrate your speech. Let your life preach holiness. Don’t just attend church—be the church in your home.

B. Consistent Consecration (Joshua 24:14b)

“…put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.”

Joshua isn't being polite—he’s being prophetic. He doesn’t say “consider” the gods, “coexist” with the gods, or “compartmentalize” the gods. He says put them away. Eliminate them. Expel them. Eradicate them. Because consecration is not just about what you say yes to, it’s about what you say no to permanently.

Fathers, hear this: consistency in consecration means you’re not just committed on Sundays, you’re cleansed on Mondays, faithful on Fridays, and righteous in real life.

1. Renounce the Polluted Past

“Put away the gods which your fathers served…”

Joshua is calling them to break from the bad religion of their bloodline. Some of their ancestors served idols in Mesopotamia. Others picked up false gods in Egypt. And now Joshua says, “It stops with you.” Just because it’s been normalized doesn’t mean it’s sanctified. And just because your father did it doesn’t mean you’re destined to do it.

Fathers, this is your moment to disrupt the dysfunction, to declare that the cycle of compromise will not continue under your leadership.

2 Corinthians 6:17 “17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,”

Quotable Line: “What your father passed down in chains, you can break in Christ.”

Preaching Point: Don’t excuse the idols just because they are old, evict them because they’re evil.

2. Remove the Present Contamination

“…put away the gods…”

Joshua doesn’t say lock them up for safekeeping. He says put them away, as in destroy them. Get them out. Don’t shelve them. Don’t rename them. Don’t explain them away. Put them away.

Fathers, you can’t walk with God while still flirting with your idols. Anything you tolerate in secret will take over in public. And what you fail to deal with, your children will learn to defend.

1 Kings 18:21 “21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.”

Quotable Line: “God doesn’t do cohabitation: He demands consecration!”

Preaching Point: If your closet is full of compromise, don’t be surprised when your children lose their conviction.

3. Reestablish the Proper Priority

“…and serve ye the Lord.”

After the idols are removed, Joshua calls for exclusive loyalty to the one true God. This is the final call to faithful living. You don’t just walk away from idols, you walk toward intimacy. You don’t just clean the house, you crown the Lord as Master over it.

Fathers, your house will reflect whatever you prioritize. If sports is the main thing, don’t be shocked when they neglect Sunday for the stadium. If money is the main thing, don’t be surprised when they pursue the bag and not the Bible. But if serving the Lord is the main thing, you set your family up for generational blessing.

Colossians 3:5 “5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”

Quotable Line: “If God’s not first in your life, He’s not in it at all.”

Preaching Point: Consecration is not just about subtraction, it’s about submitting your entire self to the Savior.

Final Exhortation for This Section:

Men of God, hear Joshua’s charge: Break what bound your father, burn what doesn’t belong, and build your house on bold obedience. You can’t lead in God’s name while living in the enemy’s camp. You can’t shout about freedom on Sunday and serve idols on Monday.

So tear down the altars. Clear out the clutter. And lead your family with clean hands and a clear heart. Because a consistent consecration creates a contagious legacy.

Cross-Reference Scriptures (KJV):

1 Kings 18:21 “21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.”

Colossians 3:5 “5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”

Hebrews 12:1 “1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”

2 Corinthians 6:17 “17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,”

Illustration:

A man kept a box labeled “stuff I’ll never let go.” Inside was bitterness, lustful letters, and unresolved pain. He died clinging to his idols—and his children had to unpack them. Fathers, don’t pass down what you were called to put away.

Application:

This is about cleansing, courage, and consistency. Remove the distractions. Be bold about your boundaries. And keep walking in holiness even when it’s hard. Your family is watching.

III. Challenge to Live Up to the Example of Faith (Joshua 24:15)

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve…”

Joshua knows the time for wavering is over. The wilderness is behind them. The Promised Land is under their feet. And now comes the moment of personal decision. He doesn’t offer a poll, he makes a prophetic plea. And what he says to Israel then, God says to every man now: Choose whom you will serve.

Faith is not inherited like eye color—it is embraced like conviction. And no house can serve the Lord fully if the leader refuses to follow Him personally.

A. Challenge Others to Make a Personal Choice (Joshua 24:15a)

1. Confront the Indecision

“If it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord…”

Joshua isn’t begging for acceptance, he’s calling out indifference. He recognizes that there are people in the camp who still have not made up their minds. They have seen God work. They have crossed Jordan River and around Jericho walls. But they still have not settled their souls.

Fathers, indecision is not neutral, it’s dangerous. Every day you delay, you give space to the enemy. And silence from the leader creates confusion in the house.

Revelation 3:15–16 “15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

Quotable Line: “If you don’t define your devotion, the world will determine your direction.”

Preaching Point: A man who won’t choose is a man who’s already chosen comfort over conviction.

2. Call for Immediate Action

“…choose you this day…”

Joshua doesn’t say think about it. He doesn’t say sleep on it. He says choose today. Because spiritual delay is still disobedience. There’s no such thing as tomorrow’s obedience, God wants today’s surrender.

Fathers, this is the moment where your manhood meets your mission. You don’t need to wait for your wife, your kids, or your community, you need to lead. Because leadership is choosing God even when others won’t.

Luke 9:23 “23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

Quotable Line: “If you wait for comfort, you’ll miss your calling.”

Preaching Point: You don’t have to be perfect to lead—you just have to be present, persuaded, and purposed.

3. Commit to Covenant Clarity

“…whom ye will serve.”

Joshua doesn’t give them a vague challenge, he gives them a clear covenant choice. You will serve something. You will worship someone. It will either be God, or it will be the idols of your fathers and the influences of your environment. But make no mistake, you will serve.

Fathers, if you don’t intentionally choose the Lord, the culture will choose for you. If you don't speak truth, the world will preach lies. If you don’t draw the line, your family will drift.

Quotable Line: “Spiritual leadership is not about controlling your house, it’s about committing your house to the covenant of God.”

Preaching Point: A man who chooses Christ with clarity sets his family up for victory, while a man who wavers in his walk leaves his household wandering.

Cross-References (KJV):

1 Kings 18:21 “21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.”

Luke 9:23 “23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

Revelation 3:15–16 “15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

Deuteronomy 30:19 “19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:”

Illustration:

A father once drew a line in the sand and said, “Everything on this side is the world. Everything on that side is God. I choose God. Who’s with me?” His teenage son stepped across. His daughter followed. His wife wept. That’s legacy leadership.

Application:

Take your stand. Speak with conviction. Don’t wait for approval. Declare: “I’ve made my choice.”

B. Clarify the Family’s Legacy (Joshua 24:15b)

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua doesn't stutter. He doesn't hesitate. He doesn't take a poll or consult popular opinion. He speaks with authority and clarity—as the head, the shepherd, and the watchman of his household. This is what spiritual fatherhood looks like: not guessing, not drifting, but guiding.

Joshua isn’t trying to win approval, he’s declaring allegiance. And every man called to lead his home spiritually must come to this moment of bold declaration. Because you can't lead your house if you’re lost yourself.

1. Declare the Spiritual Assignment

“As for me…”

Joshua begins by taking personal ownership. He doesn’t start with “they” or “we.” He starts with me. Because spiritual leadership doesn’t begin with your spouse, your kids, or your environment, it begins with you.

Fathers, you are the first sermon your family hears every day. And whether you speak it from the kitchen, the living room, or the carpool line, your actions are your assignment. Before you can point the way, you’ve got to walk the way.

Quotable Line: “The spiritual direction of your family flows from the personal decision of the father.”

Preaching Point: If you don’t stand up and say, “I’m going to serve God,” don’t be surprised when your house doesn’t follow God.

2. Define the Family Alignment

“…and my house…”

Joshua isn’t just making a decision for himself, he’s declaring the direction for his entire household. This is not controlling leadership, it’s convictional leadership. Joshua understands his position: not just man of the house, but priest of the home.

Fathers, your house doesn’t need perfection, it needs priorities. When the father sets the spiritual tone, it gives the entire family a compass for conviction, worship, and obedience.

Quotable Line: “Your house can’t be consecrated if your leadership is confused.”

Preaching Point: A man of God doesn’t ask his house where to go, he leads them toward where God has called them to be.

3. Demonstrate a Servant Allegiance

“…we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua doesn’t say we will study, debate, or negotiate; he says we will serve. Joshua commits his family to serving, not just believing. Because believing without serving leads to spiritual apathy—and service is the proof of surrender.

Fathers, this isn’t about having a plaque at the front door—this is about having a plan lived out in the home. If you say “we will serve the Lord,” then your calendar, your checkbook, your conversations, and your character ought to line up with it.

Quotable Line: “A faithful father doesn’t make suggestions, he makes spiritual declarations backed by daily demonstration.”

Preaching Point: The greatest sermon your children may ever hear isn’t preached from a pulpit, it’s modeled at home when a father serves the Lord with consistency.

Final Exhortation for This Section:

Brothers, this is where legacies are launched. Not in boardrooms. Not in stadiums. Not in man caves. But in living rooms, around kitchen tables, and through midnight prayers. When you say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” you're doing more than talking—you're tethering your family to God’s covenant.

So stand up and lead. Speak boldly. Set the direction. And show your house what it looks like to serve the Lord with conviction, clarity, and courage.

Cross-References (KJV):

Genesis 18:19 “19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”

Proverbs 20:7 “7 The just man walketh in his integrity: His children are blessed after him.”

Ephesians 6:4 “4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Deuteronomy 11:19 “19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

Illustration:

One father hung a plaque above the door that said, “Christ is the Head of This House.” It didn’t just decorate the wall—it defined the home. His children still remember the tone he set. That’s what happens when a man leads with legacy in mind.

Application:

Declare your direction. Disciple your descendants. Defend your decision. Say it loud. Live it bold. Let your house echo with the anthem: “We will serve the Lord!”

Conclusion

Joshua stood before a nation, but he spoke for his family. And brothers, that’s your calling. Not to impress the crowd, but to lead the house. Not to leave behind wealth, but to leave behind worship. Not to raise celebrities, but to raise servants of the Savior.

So I challenge you today: open your mouth and communicate your faith. Consecrate your life and walk in holiness. And rise up with boldness to challenge your house to follow the Lord. Because when a father has faith, his whole house has a future.

As for me and my house—We. Will. Serve. The. Lord.

Sermon Close: “Father’s Faith”

Joshua 24:15 – “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua wasn’t a perfect man. He had fought battles, carried burdens, and made hard decisions. But in his final moment—he didn’t boast about victories, rank, or reputation. He didn’t pass on an estate or an empire. He passed on something better—he passed on faith.

He stood before his people… not just as a general, but as a godly man. Not just as a conqueror, but as a covenant keeper. And with a voice full of holy conviction, he thundered across the generations:

“As for me and my house—we will serve the Lord!”

That’s the kind of declaration we need today. Not men who are ruled by culture—but anchored in covenant. Not men who chase applause—but pursue the approval of God. Not men who leave their families guessing—but lead their families in godliness.

And I wonder today—is there a man, a father, a husband, a leader—who’s ready to stand up and say what Joshua said? Is there anybody bold enough to lift your voice and tell hell, tell your house, and tell your heart:

“I’ve made my decision—me and my house belong to God!”

You may not come from a perfect family—but it can start with you. You may not have seen it modeled growing up—but it can begin today. You don’t need permission—you need conviction. You don’t need a title—you need a testimony.

If Joshua could say it, you can say it. If Joshua could lead a nation, you can lead your living room. If Joshua could choose covenant over compromise, you can walk by faith and not by sight.

And when you don’t know what to say—just stand on what you know: God has been good. God has been faithful. And God deserves your life.

Hymn of Response: “I Am on the Battlefield for My Lord”

(New National Baptist Hymnal #480)

“I am on the battlefield for my Lord, I am on the battlefield for my Lord; And I promised Him that I Would serve Him till I die, I am on the battlefield for my Lord.”

And I wonder… is there anybody here today who’ll stand like Joshua, sing like a soldier, and say:

“I’m on the battlefield for my Lord. I’ve made a vow. I won’t turn back. I will serve Him till I die!”

That’s a father’s faith. That’s a family’s future. That’s a firm foundation. So rise up, declare it, and live it: “As for me and my house—we will serve the Lord!”