12/03/2026
✝️ FATHERS WHO FOLLOW CHRIST FIRST
The Spiritual Influence of a Godly Father
📖 Joshua 24:15 (KJV)
“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
In the Dispensational understanding, fathers carry tremendous influence in the spiritual direction of their families. While salvation is personal and comes by grace through faith, a father who prioritizes Christ can strongly shape the spiritual atmosphere of his home.
📖 Ephesians 6:4
“And, ye fathers… bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
When a father leads spiritually, families often follow.
📖 INTRODUCTION
God designed the family with leadership and spiritual guidance in mind.
A father’s influence affects:
• The faith of his children
• The spiritual stability of the home
• The moral direction of the family
• The future generations that follow
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of fathers guiding their households toward God.
📖 Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go…”
A father who follows Christ sets a powerful example.
1️⃣ F — FOLLOW CHRIST FIRST
📖 Matthew 6:33
A father must first submit his life to Christ.
Subpoints
• Faith placed in the gospel of Christ
📖 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
• Focus on God above worldly priorities
📖 Colossians 3:2
• Faithfulness in personal devotion
📖 Psalm 1:2
👉 A father cannot lead his family spiritually if he is not following Christ himself.
2️⃣ A — ACCEPT SPIRITUAL RESPONSIBILITY
📖 Ephesians 6:4
God calls fathers to spiritual leadership.
Subpoints
• Accept the role of spiritual guide
📖 Deuteronomy 6:6-7
• Actively teach God’s truth
📖 Psalm 78:5
• Avoid neglecting spiritual instruction
📖 Proverbs 19:18
👉 Fathers must intentionally lead their families toward God.
3️⃣ T — TEACH THE WORD OF GOD
📖 2 Timothy 3:15
Children need instruction in Scripture.
Subpoints
• Teach biblical truth regularly
📖 Deuteronomy 11:19
• Train children in godly wisdom
📖 Proverbs 4:1-2
• Tell the next generation about God
📖 Psalm 145:4
👉 The Word of God shapes the faith of future generations.
4️⃣ H — HONOR GOD IN THE HOME
📖 Colossians 3:17
The home should reflect devotion to God.
Subpoints
• Honor God through daily living
📖 1 Corinthians 10:31
• Highlight prayer and worship in the home
📖 Philippians 4:6
• Hold fast to Christian values
📖 Joshua 24:15
👉 A godly home creates an environment where faith can grow.
5️⃣ E — EXEMPLIFY GODLY CHARACTER
📖 1 Corinthians 11:1
Children learn by observing their parents.
Subpoints
• Exhibit integrity and honesty
📖 Proverbs 20:7
• Express love and patience
📖 Colossians 3:21
• Encourage faith through example
📖 1 Timothy 4:12
👉 Example is often more powerful than instruction.
6️⃣ R — REINFORCE FAITH DAILY
📖 Hebrews 10:25
Spiritual habits strengthen family faith.
Subpoints
• Regularly attend fellowship
📖 Hebrews 10:25
• Reinforce spiritual discussions
📖 Deuteronomy 6:7
• Remind children of God’s promises
📖 Psalm 119:11
👉 Consistency builds strong spiritual foundations.
7️⃣ S — SEEK GOD’S WISDOM
📖 James 1:5
Fathers must depend on God for guidance.
Subpoints
• Seek wisdom through prayer
📖 Proverbs 3:5-6
• Study God’s Word for direction
📖 Psalm 119:105
• Submit decisions to God’s will
📖 Romans 12:2
👉 Spiritual leadership requires divine wisdom.
8️⃣ S — SHAPE FUTURE GENERATIONS
📖 Psalm 127:3
Children are a heritage from the Lord.
Subpoints
• Shape character through discipline
📖 Proverbs 13:24
• Strengthen faith in young hearts
📖 2 Timothy 1:5
• Secure a spiritual legacy
📖 Psalm 78:6
👉 A father’s faith can influence generations to come.
✨ CONCLUSION
The spiritual direction of a family often begins with the father.
When fathers:
• Follow Christ
• Lead spiritually
• Teach God’s Word
• Model faith
Families grow stronger spiritually.
📖 Proverbs 20:7
“The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.”
📣 CALL TO ACTION
Fathers must ask themselves:
❓ Am I leading my family spiritually?
❓ Am I setting a godly example?
❓ Am I placing Christ first in my home?
Everything begins with the gospel.
📖 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
✔ Christ died for our sins
✔ He was buried
✔ He rose again the third day
🙏 Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
📖 Acts 16:31
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”
🔥 FINAL THOUGHTS
1️⃣ Follow Christ first.
2️⃣ Accept spiritual responsibility.
3️⃣ Teach the Word faithfully.
4️⃣ Honor God in the home.
5️⃣ Exemplify godly character.
6️⃣ Reinforce faith daily.
7️⃣ Seek God’s wisdom.
8️⃣ Shape future generations.
✨ A father who follows Christ can change the destiny of his family
