| Many men today feel discouraged and devalued because there is a view in the culture that men are awful and despised. That goes against the Word of God in that God’s design is for manhood and womanhood to be a picture of God’s image. In 1 Kings 2:1-3, David says to his son Solomon, “Be strong, and show yourself to be a man.” David is not contrasting man to woman; he is contrasting man to child. Masculinity is demonstrated in our maturity.
1.Good fathers understand that masculinity is good – Genesis 1:26-27
- This gives us clarity and dignity in our lives.
- Clarity about identity leads to a certainty in responsibility.
2.Good fathers prioritize their own maturity – Galatians 5:22-23
- Model the Fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.
3.Good fathers stay in the game – 1 Cor 16:13-14
- Be watchful – be alert
- Stand firm in the faith – hold your ground in battle. Don’t run
- Act like men – let go of childish ways, and act with courage in obedience to the Lord and confident in His power. (Joshua 1:6-7)
- Be strong – Your strength comes from God IN you
- Let all that you do be done in love – when love comes first, everyone wins. Don’t be childish and let self-centeredness and short-term gratification win.
4.Good fathers fiercely love from the Father’s faithful love for them
- God will never leave us or forsake us – live that way with your family
- Love out of an overflow of God’s love for you.
- Don’t compare yourself to other fathers. Be “all in” with your crew.
Challenge:
- Dads, speak blessing over your kids today and each day.
- Wives and kids, let your dad know something that you appreciate about him.
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