Father's Day 2025

Roy Sansom - sings song

Theme: In Praise of Godly Men

Introduction:

A few weeks ago I saw a story about a man who decided to get out of the Marine Corp.

His commanding officer called him in to ask why.

The man said that there was plenty of people who could fill his role as a marine.

Plenty of men who could fire a weapon and face te enemy.

But there was no one who could replace him as a husband or as a father.

In that role he was indispensable.

Well, men, that is what I want us to realize today.

The role that godly men of valor fill in society is indispensable, irreplaceable.

Our…

Marriages need godly men

Families needs godly fathers and grandfathers

Our workplace needs godly employers and employees

In this desperate hour of chaos, our country NEEDS godly men

This local manifestation of the Body of Christ, New Life Family Church, needs godly men

In honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday yesterday, let me paraphrase a marching cadence we would sing as we double-timed (that’s slow-running, in-time, to you non-military folks)…

I want a be an heir-born ranger

I want to live a life of danger

Stand up, hook up, shuffle through the door

Heir-born ranger gonna go one more!

In this paraphrase … Heir-born is h-e-i-r born.

Born again through Whom Hebrews 1:2 says is … His Son, whom [the Father] appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

We need men (and yes, women!) who are born again to live out Biblical Christianity.

The world has enough Christian Atheists.

That’s people who SAY they believe in God but then LIVE as if He doesn’t exist.

Craig Groeschel wrote a book by that name 15 years ago.

That’s what I was talking about Wednesday night.

We SAY we are Christians but then we too often don’t pray, read the Bible or ask God to lead us in our decisions.

And then it came to me Thursday.

It’s worse than that.

When the Holy Spirit tells us what to do or say, we ignore Him or flat out tell Him “No!”

But as the writer of Hebrews said said in

Hebrews 6:9–12 (NLT) Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don’t believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. 10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for Him and how you have shown your love to Him by caring for other believers, as you still do. 11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. 12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.

Yes, I am persuaded of better things concerning the men (and the women) in this church…

That you listen to the Holy Spirit as He says in our text in:

Text: Titus 2:1–15 (NLT) As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. 2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. 3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. 6 In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. 7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. 8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. 9 Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back 10 or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way. 11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. 15 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. …

As we look at this passage we see multiple characteristics that define what a godly man is.

Titus 2:1-15 presents a profound directive from Paul to Titus, emphasizing the importance of sound teaching and ethical living within the church.

In this passage, Paul delineates specific behaviors and virtues for various groups, particularly underscoring the role of godly men as exemplars of faith.

This charge illustrates that the essence of Christian manhood encompasses

maturity,

responsibility,

and a commitment to living in a way that reflects Christ’s teachings and love for the church.

Living for God in this Present Time Calls for Men of Valor

If we would live godly in the present evil time, if we would live with, as vs.12 says, wisdom, righteousness and devotion to God we will have to be…

Men of conviction who know what we believe and why we believe it

Men of courage willing to go against the flow

Men of valor

The dictionary says Valor is defined as strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness.

Valor happens as we are men who are surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ — to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Again, valor is strength of mind and spirit that enables us to face danger and prevail.

Such valor is needed for the challenges we face.

Challenges such as an email from Chris Harper presented yesterday. Harper leads Betterman Men’s Ministry and he said:

For the last few years, I’ve been beating the same drum: intergenerational discipleship. The need is urgent. The call is biblical. The future depends on it.

When a church or ministry only focuses on the young, it will eventually blow up — full of energy, but lacking depth, direction, and wisdom.

When it only focuses on the old, it will eventually dry up. Deep in doctrine, perhaps, but stagnant in momentum and mission.

But when it brings young and old together, it will grow up into maturity, into stability, into beauty.

Harper said:

This week, my friend Jon Tyson said it powerfully:

“We live in a moment where everyone is talking about what God is doing among Gen Z — and rightly so. Barna says they are the most spiritually open generation they’ve researched. University campuses are seeing thousands baptized. This is the stuff we’ve prayed for. But if we’re not careful, we’ll send the message that other generations don’t matter. Young people have zeal but lack life experience. Middle-aged folks have leadership and organizational wisdom. Elderly saints may not be leading the charge, but they carry decades of discernment.

If we’re not careful, we’ll only send part of the army into the battle.”

Exactly. This is a spiritual war, and we need the whole army.

The Apostle John understood this. He didn’t write to one age group, he wrote to all:

1 John 2:13–14 (NLT) [The Apostle John wrote… ] I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one. 14 I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.

John honors the children, who carry wonder and simplicity of faith.

He honors the fathers, who carry generational knowledge of God.

He honors the young men who carry strength and fight.

The next great move of God will not be a Gen Z revival.

It will be a multigenerational reformation.

A family, not a fan club.

A body, not a brand.

An army of every age, marching forward together.

In the Kingdom of God, there is no spiritual retirement. No generation is shelved. Everyone has a role. And everyone is needed.

So, to the older saints: We need your presence, your wisdom, your stories, your scars. Don’t stop showing up.

To the younger: We need your energy, hunger, and courage. Don’t stop asking questions.

And to you leaders: Don’t divide the house. Build the bridge. Set the table.

The Kingdom doesn’t move forward when one generation runs ahead—it moves forward when all generations march side-by-side.

To take such a multigenerational approach will take godly men and women of valor leading the charge.

A multigenerational approach is what our text encourages.

It teaches that real Christian manhood is marked by taking responsibility for one’s actions and encouraging others, yes, even younger others, through example.

It emphasizes that men are called to not only believe the gospel but to embody its teachings in everyday life, leading by example and engaging in godly behaviors that reflect Christ's character.

Christ, throughout the New Testament, is portrayed as the model servant and leader, providing the foundation for understanding true masculinity in a biblical context.

His sacrificial love, integrity, and commitment to righteousness serve as the ultimate example for all men to follow.

The Call for Character

So, as we read our text, I believe we hear the Apostle Paul telling Titus…

A younger man he had sent to Crete to minister in the church.

I hear Paul say…

“Titus, I believe YOU are a man of valor and that there are men of valor in Crete who just need leadership.

BE that leadership.

Encourage the men of Crete to be godly men, men of valor.

In verses 1-6, Paul says:

Titus, I believe the older men are men producing the fruit of the Holy Spirit (described in Galatians 5:22-23) called self-control.

Self under the control of the Holy Spirit.

They are men worthy of respect who live wisely.

They have a sound faith and are filled with 2 other Fruit of the Holy Spirit:

Love and Patience

Indeed there are older women who embrace the same virtues.

I know that verse 4 says that older women are to train younger women, but the same thing is true of older men.

We have a call to train younger men.

To pour into their lives.

Why would I go to Youth camp?

So I can moan and groan about my sacrifice to do so?

So I can look super-spiritual?

No!

It’s so I can pour into these young men.

I am praying I can have a positive impact on their lives.

I believe all of you need me to be overt in my example.

I’m not asking you to do something I am not willing to do.

It would be easy for me to say, “I’m too old to do this!”

To say, “I am a senior pastor. Senior pastors don’t go to camp.”

But I’m going as an example.

I am persuaded their are men of valor who are willing to follow my example.

For example, I’m so excited that a 79 year-old is willing to work with our boys.

How easy for Brother Darrell to say, “No! I’ve done my time. get someone younger!”

But he and I are willing to pour into our young men as Paul told Titus in verse 6: to teach them to live wisely in this present age.

Is it a challenge?

Of course it is!

This is a generation addicted to whatever comes out of a smartphone.

They BELIEVE whatever comes out of a smartphone — because they lack discernment.

Discernment that the older generation is supposed to have and pour into a younger generation.

There is a desperate need for the sound and wholesome teaching mentioned in vs. 1.

For integrity among older and younger men.

Paul instructs Titus to model and teach virtues such as temperance, dignity, and self-control.

These qualities allow men to be leaders both in personal and community spheres, reflecting Christ’s characteristics.

I am persuaded there are men here this morning who are

striving to adopt these teachings

and consider how they can implement these values daily,

So they can lead with love and integrity.

So they can pour into the next generation.

So they can, as we said yesterday at the men’s breakfast, not just be biological fathers, but SPIRITUAL fathers.

Exemplify Excellence

Spiritual fathers who exemplify excellence.

In verses 7 and 8 we hear Paul telling Titus:

I believe YOU are the godly man of valor who is willing to live as an example, showing integrity, seriousness and excellence in teaching.

Titus, YOU are that role model that embraces faithful living for Jesus.

Who teaches truth to a world that is hostile to the truth.

Yes, Titus, YOU are faithful to seek after, hear and obey the Holy Spirit.

You are a role model who is observable and impactful.

Titus, you are like Jesus whose life serves as the ultimate example of excellence,

inspiring men to embody these teachings.

To do as the verse I alluded to Wednesday says in

1 John 2:4–6 (NASB95) The one who says, “I have come to know Him [Jesus],” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 5 but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: 6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

Repeated by Peter in: 1 Peter 2:21 (NASB95) For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,

I believe you are men of valor who understand that you are leaders whose conduct sets a standard for others, thereby spreading the transformative message of Jesus through genuine actions and sound doctrine.

Pledge to Serve

You are men who have pledged to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

Verses 9 and 10 may address the slaves of the first century, but the principles are still applicable today.

Paul’s instructs slaves to be obedient and to show integrity.

But this concept is true of ALL believers, which emphasizes submission to God's will.

This underscores a life of service and faithfulness at work or in any of our daily tasks.

Just as slaves were called to embody Christ's ethos, every man has an opportunity to reflect Jesus in actions and attitudes in their own contexts.

May the Holy Spirit help us to reflect on how Christ’s humility and servant leadership are models for enduring spiritual integrity.

Grace-Powered Godliness

Living the grace-powered godliness shown in verses 13 and 14.

Grace that brings salvation and calls believers to reject ungodliness.

Living uprightly in the present age comes from recognizing Jesus's sacrifice and the hope of His return.

I am persuaded that we men hear the Holy Spirit’s call to pursue a life of godliness.

And so we pursue, not out of obligation, but as a response to divine love.

Jesus's redemption is the pathway to embodying righteousness, inspiring others through grace and holiness.

Authority in Encouragement

Finally, in verse 15, Paul tells Ttius to encourage the older and younger generations from a position of God-given authority.

Not just living a life of godly valor — but to tell of it with authority.

I believe we can, that we are and that we will do that.

Because we recognize there is no room for error.

Our country is perched on the razor-thin line of division.

Godly men make a difference because they live and then speak with authority.

Authority given by the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Recognizing and exercising spiritual authority is important within the body of Christ.

It is vital, it is absolutely necessary.

It is an encouragement within the body of Christ.

When godly men recognize their authority, yes, their responsibility to lead ...

In their marriages

In their children’s lives

In the church

In society

Everyone is blessed.

As Pastor Samuel Rodriguez says:

We need “dangerous men.”

Not “dangerous” in the toxic or abusive sense, but in the righteous, protective, and sacrificial sense — men who are dangerous to the devil, to darkness, to apathy, to lies, and to cultural compromise. Dangerous men are not threats to society; they are the ones who hold it together. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s promises were occupied, preserved, and transmitted by dangerous men. The Kingdom of Heaven advances on Earth through such men; men who confront altars of idolatry, protect homes, and fear God more than man. There are weak men, yes. But there are also complacent men — men who are not bad, but passive. They are not led by evil — they are just not led by conviction. Complacent men build nothing.  Weak men protect nothing.  But dangerous men change everything. Define a dangerous man: Show me a man washed by the blood of Jesus and I will show you a dangerous man.  Show me a man filled with the Holy Spirit and I will show you a dangerous man. Show me a man who prays over his family and I will show you a dangerous man. Show me a man who is willing to stand in the presence of the enemy and bow in the presence of the King of Kings and I will show you a dangerous man.  Now is the time for righteous dangerous men to arise! 

Godly men are not only called to act rightly but are empowered to lead with love and integrity, showing the world the transformative grace of Jesus through their daily lives and conduct.

As the worship team comes, I’d like all the dangerous men her to stand up, come forward and lets pray some dangerous prayers over each other, over our marriages and families, over this church — over our nation.