Fathers - Make God Your Example | Zac Poonen
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Summary
The sermon centers on the calling of fathers to reflect the character of God the Father in their lives, drawing parallels between Jesus' ministry and the ideal fatherhood. The speaker emphasizes that true fatherhood requires humility, acknowledging one's own shortcomings compared to God's perfection, and actively seeking the Holy Spirit's filling to live a life of service and grace. This modeling of God's character is the primary way fathers can guide their children toward a right relationship with God.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why the Old Testament ends with a warning about fathers and childrenMalachi's prophecy about the last days warns that the land will be struck with a curse unless the hearts of fathers and children are turned toward one another, beginning with the fathers.Malachi 4:5–6
Jesus explains the Father by His lifeJesus came to earth to explain the Heavenly Father not just through words, but by demonstrating His character of humility and service throughout His life.John 1:18
Comparing ourselves to our Heavenly FatherJesus pointed out that even the best human fathers are evil compared to the absolute goodness of God, and we must humble ourselves to admit our shortcomings.Matthew 7:11
Crying out to God in our helplessnessJust as the needy look for water in a parched land, fathers must feel a desperate, thirsty need for the Holy Spirit to make them good spiritual fathers.Isaiah 41:17
Persistence in prayer for what our children needUsing the parable of the friend knocking at midnight, Jesus encourages fathers to persist in prayer until God grants the spiritual resources needed to raise disciples.Luke 11:5–13
The promise of training up a childGod provides the promise that if a child is trained in the right way, they will not depart from it when they grow old.Proverbs 22:6
Learning from Adam's failures: obedience and truthAdam failed as a son of God in two primary areas—disobedience to a clear command and lying—which are the exact things fathers must teach children to avoid.
The example of Jesus submitting to imperfect parentsJesus submitted to Joseph and Mary even though they were imperfect, providing an example that children must honor and obey their parents.Luke 2:51
Teaching children not to despise othersJust as God Almighty does not despise anyone, children must be taught humility so they do not develop the habit of looking down on others.
Encouragement as the blackboard for correctionFathers must build a foundation of daily encouragement so that discipline and correction can be properly received by the child.Romans 15:5
Teaching frugality and contentmentGodliness paired with contentment and frugality prevents wastefulness, helping children learn to live simply rather than chasing worldly comparisons.1 Timothy 6:6
Avoiding pride and jealousy through contentmentChildren must be taught to steer clear of the cliffs of pride and jealousy by finding satisfaction in the narrow way of contentment.
Being a good husband firstA man cannot be a truly good father if he neglects his relationship with his wife, because he was a husband before he became a father.
God's power to do far beyond our askingFathers can trust God to do exceedingly abundantly above all they ask or think through the power of the Holy Spirit at work within them.Ephesians 3:20–21
