Distinctively Dad: Living a Legacy That Shapes the Kingdom

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit, and we are missionaries.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHAT IS THE REASON WHY THIS MESSAGE IS BEING SHARED / WHAT IS THE PROBLEM THIS MESSAGE IS ANSWERING?…

Today, as we honor fathers, we also recognize the powerful role they play in passing on something far more than genetics — a legacy of distinctives that shape faith, family, and the future of the Church.

In our current series, we’ve been talking about the Distinctives that define a Spirit-led, missional community — things like Kingdom Partnerships, Empowering Leadership, Family Relationships, Sound Doctrine, Spirit Empowerment, and Shared Mission. And here’s the truth: many of these distinctives take root first at home.

BIG IDEA FOR TODAY: A father’s greatest legacy isn’t what he provides—but who he empowers through a life shaped by godly distinctives.

WHAT IS THE PICTURE OR ILLUSTRATION FOR THIS BIG IDEA?

Have you ever seen an old TOOL CHEST passed down from a father or grandfather? The tools inside are worn, maybe a little rusty, but they’ve built houses, fixed engines, and shaped lives. They’re not flashy—but they’re reliable.

Each tool has a story. More than just objects, they represent values passed from one generation to the next—things like patience, wisdom, discipline, and sacrifice.

In the same way, godly fathers are not called to be perfect, but distinct. Not defined by culture’s image of success, but by a Kingdom standard that leaves a lasting legacy.

Today, we’re looking at the kind of distinctives a Kingdom father carries—not just in his toolbox, but in his heart.

Opening Scripture:

Let us look to Proverbs — a book often written as a father’s wisdom to his children — to illuminate the distinctives of a godly legacy…

Proverbs 20:7 “7 The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!”

BACKGROUND: The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom primarily attributed to King Solomon, written to help God’s people live with skill, purpose, and integrity in everyday life.

Originally directed toward young men stepping into adulthood and leadership, Proverbs gives practical insight on how to walk in godly wisdom at home, in the community, and before God.

It’s not just about making good choices — it’s about becoming the kind of person who leads with purpose, lives with integrity, grounds their family in truth, relies on the Spirit’s guidance, and walks in partnership with others on the journey.

Fathers Who Lead by Distinction:

1. Lead With Purpose

(Empowering Leadership)

Proverbs 22:6 “6 Train up a child in the way he SHOULD go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

“should” is not in original manuscripts

A Kingdom father doesn’t dominate — he discerns and directs, guiding each child according to their God-given path.

Empowering leadership begins at home.

Fathers Who Lead by Distinction:

2. Live With Integrity

(Family Relationships)

Proverbs 20:7 “7 The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!”

Your children aren’t looking for perfection — they’re watching your consistency.

A dad’s integrity is an inheritance.

Fathers Who Lead by Distinction:

3. Ground Their Family In Truth

(Sound Doctrine)

Proverbs 3:1 “1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,”

A father committed to truth lays a foundation for wisdom that outlives him. 

Doctrine isn’t just taught — it’s modeled.

Fathers Who Lead by Distinction:

4. Rely On The Spirit

(Spirit Empowerment)

Proverbs 3:5 “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”

Even great fathers don’t have all the answers. Their strength lies in their dependence on God’s Spirit, not their own strength.

Fathers Who Lead by Distinction:

5. Don’t Go It Alone

(Kingdom Partnerships)

Proverbs 27:17 “17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

Godly fathers don’t parent in isolation. They engage in friendships, mentorships, and Church life, sharpening others and being sharpened themselves.

Conclusion/Reflection:

Fathers, your calling is more than provision — it’s formation.

Through God’s wisdom and the Spirit’s help, you’re not just raising kids — you’re raising Kingdom carriers. 

May your legacy be distinctively Christlike.

The Legacy of Jonathan Edwards

In the 1700s, Jonathan Edwards—an American preacher and theologian—was known not just for his revival sermons but for his intentional, Spirit-led leadership at home. He and his wife Sarah raised 11 children and prioritized family discipleship, prayer, and integrity.

Jukes-Edwards: A Study in Education and Heredity traced over 1,400 descendants of Jonathan Edwards. It suggests that among the descendants were:

1 U.S. Vice President - ex: Aaron Burr (1756–1836)

3 U.S. Senators

3 Governors

13 College Presidents - ex: Timothy Dwight IV (1752–1817) – President of Yale College

100+ lawyers and professors

60+ physicians

100+ missionaries, ministers, and theological leaders

It’s not about fame—it’s about faithfulness.

Edwards didn’t just lead from a pulpit; he led in the quiet, consistent rhythms of Spirit-led family life.

***His legacy shows that one father’s example can echo for generations.

For All Of Us:

What would it look like if children—and their children—could trace their faith back to your example of Spirit-led leadership?

Talk It Over

What does it mean to ground your family in truth, according to Proverbs?

What does it look like to rely on the Spirit in your everyday decisions?

How can 'iron sharpens iron' be applied in your friendships and relationships?