A Father Worth Following

Introduction

Father’s Day is a time when we think about the influence of fathers. Some of us were blessed with wonderful examples. Others grew up without a father present. Some experienced fathers who tried their best but fell short.

The truth is that fatherhood carries tremendous influence. Whether a father realizes it or not, his life is shaping the people around him.

Children are always watching.

They notice how their father treats their mother. They notice how he responds when life becomes difficult. They notice whether faith is real or just something talked about on Sunday.

But the call to spiritual fatherhood extends beyond biological fathers. In the church, men are called to mentor, guide, and model the Christian life for the next generation.

That is exactly what the apostle Paul does in Philippians.

He does something that might sound surprising at first. He tells believers to follow his example.

Philippians 3:17 says:

Philippians 3:17 NIV

17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

A Father Worth Following Walks with Christ

Paul begins with a simple invitation.

“Join in imitating me.” This might sound bold, but Paul said similar things in other letters.

In 1 Corinthians he wrote, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” Paul was not claiming perfection. Earlier in this chapter he admitted that he had not yet reached the goal.

But he was pursuing Christ wholeheartedly. That pursuit made his life worth following.

A godly father is not a perfect man. He is a man who is pursuing Christ.

Children do not need flawless fathers.

They need fathers who love Jesus.

They need fathers who pray.

They need fathers who admit when they are wrong and seek forgiveness.

They need fathers who make Christ the center of their lives.

A father’s walk with God shapes the spiritual climate of the home.

If faith is casual to a father, it will likely become casual to his children. But if Christ is treasured, pursued, and loved, that influence spreads.

A father worth following is first and foremost a man walking with Christ.

A Father Worth Following Lives an Example

Paul continues in verse 17: “Keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.”

Notice the word walk.

In Scripture, walking refers to the pattern of a person’s life.

Paul’s message is clear. Christian faith is not only taught. It is demonstrated.

Children learn the Christian life the same way disciples learned from Jesus.

They watch.

They observe.

They imitate.

Think about how children learn language. They do not begin with grammar books. They begin by listening and repeating what they hear.

The same is true spiritually.

They imitate what they see.

They learn patience by watching patience.

They learn forgiveness by seeing forgiveness.

They learn love for the church by seeing their parents prioritize worship.

One of the most powerful sermons a father ever preaches is the life he lives in front of his family.

Long after children forget specific words, they remember patterns of life.

They remember whether their father was kind.

They remember whether he was faithful.

They remember whether Christ truly mattered.

Paul understood that discipleship happens through example.

Godly fathers understand that as well.

A Father Worth Following Points to Christ

It is important to remember that Paul never intended believers to stop with him.

His life pointed beyond himself. The goal was always Christ.

Just a few verses earlier Paul described his own passion: “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Paul’s life had one central focus.

Knowing Christ. That is what made him a model worth following.

The best fathers do not try to build their children around their own dreams.

They point them toward Jesus.

They help their children see that success is not measured by money, status, or accomplishments.

Success is knowing Christ.

They remind their children that the greatest treasure in life is the gospel.

They show their children that Christ is worth following.

A father’s greatest legacy is not wealth or achievements. It is a faith that points the next generation toward Jesus.

A Father Worth Following Leaves a Legacy

Every father leaves a legacy. The question is what kind.

Some leave financial inheritance. Others leave memories of success.

But the most valuable legacy is spiritual.

Paul understood that his life was shaping the believers around him.

Through his example, the gospel continued spreading from one generation to the next.

That same pattern continues today.

The faith of one generation influences the faith of the next.

Many believers can trace their spiritual journey back to someone who modeled the Christian life for them.

Maybe it was a father.

Maybe it was a grandfather.

Maybe it was a mentor in the church.

Someone lived in such a way that Christ became visible.

That is the kind of legacy God calls fathers to pursue.

Not perfection.

Faithfulness.

Next Steps

Some fathers hear a message like this and immediately think about their failures.

The truth is that every father has regrets.

Every parent has moments they wish they could redo.

But the gospel reminds us that our hope is not in our past.

Our hope is in Christ.

The same grace that saves us also restores us.

Maybe today is the day a father decides to begin pursuing Christ more intentionally.

Maybe it is the day a man commits to becoming the kind of example others can follow.

And for those who have never trusted Christ, the greatest step anyone can take is to begin following Him.

Jesus came, lived the perfect life we could not live, died for our sins, and rose again so that we could have new life.

When we trust Him, everything changes.

The journey toward becoming a father worth following begins by following Christ.

Art Father

Matthew 6:9–13 KJV 1900

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Listener Notes

A Father Worth Following Philippians 3:17

Godly fathers influence others through the example of their lives.

1. A Father Worth Following Walks with Christ

Philippians 3:17

A godly father is not perfect, but he pursues Christ.

2. A Father Worth Following Lives an Example

Philippians 3:17

Children learn faith by watching it lived out.

3. A Father Worth Following Points to Christ

Philippians 3:8

The goal of fatherhood is helping the next generation know Jesus.

4. A Father Worth Following Leaves a Legacy

The most valuable legacy is spiritual influence.

Key Truth: Your life is pointing someone somewhere. Make sure it points to Christ.

Questions for Further Discussion

Why do you think Paul felt comfortable inviting others to imitate his life?

What are some ways children learn faith by watching their parents?

What kind of spiritual legacy do you hope to leave behind?

Who has been a godly example in your own life?

What practical steps can fathers take to model faith at home?

3–4 Day Bible Study

Day 1 — The Power of Example

Read: Philippians 3:17

Paul calls believers to imitate godly examples.

Reflection: Who are the people whose faith has influenced your life the most?

Word Study Typos (τύπος) – example, pattern, or model. Paul’s life served as a visible pattern of Christian living.

Application Consider how your daily life might be shaping the faith of others.

Day 2 — Passing Faith to the Next Generation

Read: Deuteronomy 6:6–7

God instructed parents to teach His commands diligently to their children.

Reflection Faith is meant to be woven into everyday life.

Application How can faith become part of normal conversation and daily practice in your home?

Day 3 — The Heart of a Spiritual Father

Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12

Paul describes caring for believers “like a father with his children.”

Reflection Spiritual fathers encourage, guide, and urge others to walk with God.

Application Think about someone younger in faith whom you could encourage this week.

Day 4 — Fixing Our Eyes on Christ

Read: Hebrews 12:1–2

Ultimately, every example should lead us to Jesus.

Reflection Even the best human mentors point us beyond themselves.

Application Ask God to help you live a life that directs others toward Christ.

Bibliography

Carson, D. A. Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians.

Fee, Gordon D. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians.

Hansen, G. Walter. The Letter to the Philippians.

Hawthorne, Gerald F. Philippians.

Silva, Moisés. Philippians.

Witherington, Ben. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians.

YouTube Description

A Father Worth Following | Philippians 3:17 | Philippians: The Pursuit of Joy

What makes a father truly worth following?

In Philippians 3:17, the apostle Paul invites believers to imitate his example as he pursues Christ. In this Father’s Day message, we explore how godly fathers influence others not through perfection but through a life that consistently points to Jesus.

Discover how spiritual leadership, faithful example, and a passion for Christ can shape the next generation.

Passage: Philippians 3:17 Series: Philippians: The Pursuit of Joy Speaker: Pastor Ryan

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