A Father’s Obedience.

Keys Text: Matthew 1:18-25

Matthew 1:18–25 NKJV

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

Introduction:

As many of us know, today we are celebrating Fathers Day. Today is the day where we appreciate and recognize the men who have stepped up and assumed responsibility in molding the next generation, whether it comes through being a mentor, big brother, step father, or father. We also appreciate those who have to be mom and dad or dad and mom.

We are celebrating Fathers. Fatherhood is essential when it comes to the structure of family, community, and world. When it comes to fathers, fathers play a crucial role regarding the family because Father’s often times provide the structure, while it is mothers whose natural ability is to provide the culture. When it comes to a household and especially rearing children, we need structure and culture.

From a biblical standpoint, fathers and mothers both play vital, God-ordained roles in nurturing and raising children, each contributing in unique but complementary ways. Here’s a breakdown of how fathers provide structure and mothers provide culture, and how both are essential to bringing life:

1. Fathers Provide Structure

Biblical Foundation:

In Scripture, fathers are often seen as the source of instruction, order, and discipline.

Proverbs 1:8 — “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”

Ephesians 6:4 — “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

How They Provide Structure:

Identity and Purpose: Fathers often shape a child’s sense of calling, authority, and destiny (see Genesis 49, where Jacob blesses each son according to their future).

Boundaries and Security: They model consistency and enforce discipline, helping children understand consequences and moral direction.

Leadership and Vision: Fathers cast vision for the home, providing a sense of mission and long-term direction.

2. Mothers Provide Culture

Biblical Foundation:

While fathers set structure, mothers are portrayed in Scripture as nurturers, influencers, and cultivators of atmosphere.

Proverbs 31 paints the picture of a mother who manages the home, builds relationships, and raises children in wisdom and strength.

2 Timothy 1:5 — Paul honors the sincere faith passed down from Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, showing how mothers pass down spiritual legacy.

How They Provide Culture:

Relational Warmth: Mothers often create the emotional and spiritual atmosphere of the home—love, comfort, empathy, and connection.

Traditions and Values: They pass down spiritual and family values, often through daily life, storytelling, and example.

Language of the Heart: Mothers help children develop emotional intelligence, empathy, and relational skills that make family and community flourish.

3. Why Both Are Essential to Bringing Life

Biblical Image of Family Design:

Genesis 1:27 — “God created mankind in his own image... male and female he created them.” This shows that both fatherhood and motherhood reflect different dimensions of God’s nature.

Structure without culture can become rigid, cold, and legalistic. Culture without structure can become chaotic, without direction or boundaries.

Together, they mirror God’s full design—truth and grace, law and love, form and fullness.

Bringing Life Means:

Creating Stability (structure) and fostering Flourishing (culture).

Children grow best in environments where they know what’s expected (structure) and feel deeply loved and understood (culture).

This reflects how God parents us—with firm truth and faithful love (Psalm 85:10 – “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed.”)

Overview:

Today I want to speak about a father that played a crucial role in the nativity story. This father was Joseph. Most of the time when we think about this story, we tend to look at it from Mary’s perspective and how she had the immaculate conception. Moreover, if it wasn’t for Joseph’s obedience