I Know I Can be a Dad
I Know I Can be a Dad
Opening:
What does it mean to be a dad?
How would you answer that?
Where do we go to answer that question?
The world’s best idea of a dad is Homer Simpson
The dads of the Bible
Adam (first dad) – son was a murderer
Abraham – he sent one of his sons out into the wilderness to die
Samuel – his sons were corrupt (I Sam 8)
David – one of his sons tried to kill him and take over the kingdom
Maybe if we just look at what the Bible says about the duties of being a dad:
Love Gen. 37:4
Command Gen. 50:16
Instruct Prov. 1:8
Guide and warn 1 Thess. 2:11
Train Hos. 11:1–3
Rebuke Gen. 34:30
Restrain 1 Sam. 3:12, 13
Punish Deut. 21:18–21
Chasten Heb. 12:7
Nourish Is. 1:2
Supply needs Matt. 7:8–11
Do not provoke Eph. 6:4
Feeling encouraged yet? As father’s we live with this pressure of succeeding at being a dad, and it seems that the harder we try, the more we come up short. So what are we supposed to do?
There is something about dads that is unique, and the thought of it at times can be overwhelming. I remember the day my oldest daughter was born. That evening as I left my wife and daughter in the hospital, I came how and I cried.
There is so much that keys off of being a dad. We are the heads of the home. The leaders of the family. Think about this, when kids fall and skin their knee, who do they want, mom? When kids want to know if they will measure up, who do they want, dad? I have yet to talk to a person who has only aspired to have their moms proud of them.
Today I want to share with you three reason why I know I can be a dad.
I know I can be a dad…
1. Because God has given me a role model, Himself
- We are created in the Image of God (just like our kids resemble us)
"Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. …. 27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:26-27
- God is often misunderstood (just like we are)
How a person views their earthly father often transfers to how they view God (strict, loving, abandon)
Story about Mackenzie and adopting a Compassion Child
Have you ever noticed how God gets blamed for everything!
We need to see God for who He really is
1. God is self-existent .Exod. 3:13-14 (the Great I AM!)
2. God is self-sufficient Ps. 50:10-12
3. God is eternal. Ps. 90:2
4. God is infinite. Jer. 23:24 (You can’t hide from Him – He fills the earth)
5. God is omnipresent. Ps. 139:7-12 (everywhere)
6. God is omnipotent. Gen. 18:14; (all powerful)
7. God is omniscient. Ps. 139:2-6; (all knowing)
8. God is wise. Prov. 3:19;
9. God is immutable. Heb. 1:10-12; 13:8 (never changes)
10. God is sovereign. Isa. 46:9-11
11. God is incomprehensible. Job 11:7-19;
12. God is holy. Lev. 19:2;
13. God is righteous and just. Ps. 119:137
14. God is true. Titus 1:1-2
15. God is faithful. Deut. 7:9;
16. God is light. 1 John 1:5 (no darkness)
17. God is good. Ps. 107:8
18. God is merciful. Ps. 103:8-17
19. God is gracious. Ps. 111:4; 1 Pet. 5:10
20. God is love. John 3:16; Rom. 5:8
21. God is spirit. John 4:24
22. God is one. Isa. 44:6-8 (there is no other)
23. God is a Trinity. Matt. 28:19;
- God has different roles/responsibilities but is the same Being
(i.e. I’m a dad, a pastor, a husband)
The O.T. uses 16 names to describe Him
Elohim, meaning “God,” a reference to God’s power and might Gen. 1:1; Ps. 19:1
Adonai, meaning “Lord,” a reference to the Lordship of God Mal. 1:6
Jehovah (sometimes spelled Yahweh), a reference to God’s divine salvation Gen. 2:4
Jehovah-Maccaddeshem, meaning “The Lord thy sanctifier” Exod. 31:13
Jehovah-Rohi, meaning “The Lord my shepherd” Ps. 23:1
Jehovah-Shammah, meaning “The Lord who is present” Ezek. 48:35
Jehovah-Rapha, meaning “The Lord our healer” Exod. 16:26
Jehovah-Tsidkenu, meaning “The Lord our righteousness” Jer. 23:6
Jehovah-Jireh, meaning “The Lord will provide” Gen. 22:13-14
Jehovah-Nissi, meaning “The Lord our banner” Exod. 17:15
Jehovah-Shalom, meaning “The Lord is peace” Judg. 6:24
Jehovah-Sabbaoth, meaning “The Lord of Hosts” Isa. 6:1-3
El-Elyon, meaning “The most high God” Gen. 14:17-20; Isa. 14:13-14
El-Roi, meaning “The strong one who sees” Gen. 16:12
El-Shaddai, meaning “The God of the mountains” or “God almighty” Gen. 17:1; Ps. 91:1
El-Olam, meaning “The everlasting God” Isa. 40:28-31
- God has kids that He loves (just like we do)
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God," John 1:12
"for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith." Galatians 3:26
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1
Examples of how God feels about His kids
"Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation."
Psalm 68:5
"But even the hairs of your head are all numbered." Matthew 10:30
"(You)may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:18-19
" 2You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 7Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 13For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. 14I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 15My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." Psalm 139
2. Because God believes in me
- God wouldn’t have given me kids if He didn’t think I could do the job
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
peirasmós; A state of trial in which God brings His people through adversity and affliction in order to encourage and prove their faith and confidence in Him
(James 1:2)
- The Blessing
There is something about a father blessing his children.
ACCEPTANCE
AFFECTION
APPRECIATION
APPROVAL
paying ATTENTION.
It started with God (the original Father) toward man…
bā∙rǎḵ speak words invoking divine favor, with the intent that the object will have favorable circumstances or state at a future time
"And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.”" Genesis 1:22
"And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”" Genesis 1:28
"Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them Man when they were created." Genesis 5:2
and fathers have continued to pass it on to their children
(often including inheritance)
"and prepare for me delicious food, such as I love, and bring it to me so that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.”" Genesis 27:4
(Isaac is dying - so important that Jacob robs Esau of the blessing)
- even Jesus needed to hear it (more than once!)
"17and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”" Matthew 3:17
"5He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”" Matthew 17:5
We’ve been pursuing it ever since.
- the power of words
"There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18
"A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." Proverbs 15:4
Psychological studies establish that by age five a child has formed a fairly definite impression of himself. The same studies reveal that self-esteem is not closely related to social position, family work background, education or any combination of such factors. A young child sees himself from the reflections of those close to him, mainly his parents. How they react to his activities largely determines the self image he builds.
Jack Eicholz in Homemade, Dec., 1989
3. Because God has given me today
- The power of one degree
(change a compass one degree, a mile down the road is 92ft)
As men, we want to fix things but can feel overwhelmed by the weight of change. Let it come slowly, deliberately. You want to be a spiritual leader so you think, I need to pray everyday with my family. What if you started once a week. In a year, you will have prayed 52 times with your family.
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Dads you may feel overwhelmed.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
- For those who wrestle with Father’s Day
Forgiveness for you, forgiveness for others
You have been forgiven much more than you ever will need to forgive (Matt 18:32-35)
"Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”" Matthew 18:32-35
How do you forgive?
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16
Start with yourself:
Recognize (to whom/why)
Resolve (talk to them/role play)
Release (let it go/give it to God)
Restore (the relationship/yourself)
Close:
Story of Two Men
STORY NUMBER ONE
Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago. Capone wasn't famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy city in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder. Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie." He was his lawyer for a good reason. Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie's skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time. To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big, but Eddie got special dividends. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with
live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago City block. Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him. Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had the best of everything: clothes, cars and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object. And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong.
Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was. Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn't give his son; that he couldn't pass on a good name and a good example. One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Easy Eddie wanted to rectify wrongs he had done. He decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al "Scarface" Capone, clean up his tarnished name and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. So, he testified. Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street. But in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he would ever pay.
STORY NUMBER TWO
World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant Commander Butch O'Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific. Butch O'Hare demonstrated in real life, and when it counted most, the fighting skills he had mastered. The carrier Lexington had been assigned the dangerous task of penetrating enemy-held waters north of New Ireland. From there her planes were to make a strike at Japanese shipping in the harbor at Rabaul. On February 20, 1942 Nine Japanese bombers were reported on the way to the Lexington. Six Wildcats, one of them piloted by Butch O'Hare, roared off the Lexington's deck to stop them. O'Hare and his wingman spotted the V formation of bombers first and dived to try to head them off. The other F4F pilots were too far away to reach most of the enemy planes before they released their bombs. As if this weren't bad enough, O'Hare's wingman discovered his guns were jammed. He was forced to turn away. Butch O'Hare stood alone between the Lexington and the bombers. O'Hare didn't hesitate. Full throttle, he roared into the enemy formation. While tracers from the concentrated fire of the nine bombers streaked around him, he took careful aim at the starboard engine of the last plane in the V and squeezed his trigger. Slugs from the Wildcats six .50-caliber guns ripped into the Japanese bomber's wing and the engine literally jumped out of its mountings. The bomber spun crazily toward the sea as O'Hare's guns tore up another enemy plane. Then he ducked to the other side of the formation and smashed the port engine of the last Japanese plane there. One by one he attacked the oncoming bombers until five had been downed. Commander Thach later reported that at one point he saw three of the bombers falling in flames at the same time. By now Thach and the other pilots had joined the fight. This was lucky because O'Hare was out of ammunition. The Wildcats took care of several more bombers and Lexington managed to evade the few bombs that were released. It was an amazing example of daring and shooting skill. Afterward Thach figured out that Butch O'Hare had used only sixty rounds of ammunition for each plane he destroyed. He had probably saved his ship.
For this action Butch became the Navy's first Ace of W.W.II, and the first Naval Aviator to win the Congressional Medal of Honor. A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His home town would not allow the memory of this WW II hero to fade, and today, O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man. So the next time you find yourself at O'Hare International, give some thought to visiting Butch's memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honor. It's located between Terminals 1 and 2.
SO WHAT DO THESE TWO STORIES HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER?
Butch O'Hare was Easy Eddie's son.
Have Dads stand – bless them
Dads, perhaps you have never heard this from your earthly father, but based on what I read in Scripture, I know that your Heavenly dad wants to tell you this.
I love you, I created you, and I have called you to be a father to my children. I have uniquely gifted you to do this and in Me through my Strength and Guidance, you can succeed in this journey. As I blessed my Son Jesus when He was with you on earth, I bless you now and ever day until we can embrace face to face. I love you, I love you, I love you. Amen.
Music – Come Back
Have everyone stand and place a hand on the shoulder in front of you
– bless them
Friends, on this Father’s Day I believe that God wants to bring healing to lives. Perhaps you have never heard this from your earthly father, but for those who have a relationship with Christ, we now have a Heavenly Father, and based what I read in Scripture I believe that God wants you to know this.
My child, I love you. As I have told you in my love letter to you in Ps139, I was there the day that you were created. You are exactly the way that I pictured you. I am your Father and I love you desperately and deeply. There is nothing you can do to change that. In Me and through my Strength and Guidance, together we can walk this path. I will continue to be with you daily until that day we see each other face to face. As I have blessed Adam and Eve when I created them I bless you today. I love you, I love you, I love you. Amen.
I Know I Can be a Dad
Opening:
What does it mean to be a dad?
I know I can be a dad…
1. Because God has given me a _______ ___________, ____________
- We are created in the __________ of God
(just like our kids resemble us) Genesis 1:26-27
- God is often ___________________ (just like we are)
- God has different ____________/_________________
but is the same being (just like we do)
- God has ___________ that He _____________ (just like we do)
2. Because God _______________ in me
- God wouldn’t have given me ___________ if He didn’t __________
I could do the ___________. 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:2
- The Blessing
It started with ___________ (the original Father) toward _________… Genesis 1:22; Genesis 1:28; Genesis 5:2
and fathers have continued to _____________ it on to their ___________. Genesis 27
- even ____________ needed to hear it
Matthew 3:17; Matthew 17:5
We’ve been pursuing it ever since.
- the power of __________
Proverbs 12:18; Proverbs 15:4
3. Because God has given me ___________
- The power of one _______________
Philippians 4:13; Matthew 11:28-30
For those who wrestle with Father’s Day
Forgiveness for _____________, forgiveness for ___________
Matthew 18:32-35; Hebrews 4:15-16
Emmaus Road:
Greetings on this post Father’s Day. I’ve had the privilege of sharing with you why I believe that I and others can be a dad. Now you may be thinking, is this whole week going to be only for dads? Nope! The one thing that we can all relate to is that we all have earthly Fathers and hopefully, everyone reading this knows my Heavenly Father too. I hope that this week you will gain greater insight into both of your dads.
Day One: Who is God really?
Often we place on God our experiences from our earthly father. For example, if your dad was strict, you could see God as strict. I want you to take some time today to look up some passages about our Heavenly Father. I pray that you will see Him for who He really is and can be in your life.
1. God is self-existent .Exod. 3:13-14 (the Great I AM!)
2. God is self-sufficient Ps. 50:10-12
3. God is eternal. Ps. 90:2
4. God is infinite. Jer. 23:24 (You can’t hide from Him – He fills the earth)
5. God is omnipresent. Ps. 139:7-12 (everywhere)
6. God is omnipotent. Gen. 18:14; (all powerful)
7. God is omniscient. Ps. 139:2-6; (all knowing)
8. God is wise. Prov. 3:19;
9. God is immutable. Heb. 1:10-12; 13:8 (never changes)
10. God is sovereign. Isa. 46:9-11
11. God is incomprehensible. Job 11:7-19;
12. God is holy. Lev. 19:2;
13. God is righteous and just. Ps. 119:137
14. God is true. Titus 1:1-2
15. God is faithful. Deut. 7:9;
16. God is light. 1 John 1:5 (no darkness)
17. God is good. Ps. 107:8
18. God is merciful. Ps. 103:8-17
19. God is gracious. Ps. 111:4; 1 Pet. 5:10
20. God is love. John 3:16; Rom. 5:8
21. God is spirit. John 4:24
22. God is one. Isa. 44:6-8 (there is no other)
23. God is a Trinity. Matt. 28:19;
Day Two: God Loves You
Yesterday we had an opportunity to see who God is. Today I want you to investigate some of the things that God feels about you. After you read these passages, take some time to talk to God about what you’ve heard from Him.
John 1:12
Galatians 3:26
1 John 3:1
Psalm 68:5
Matthew 10:30
Ephesians 1:3
2 Corinthians 1:3
Ephesians 3:18-19
Day Three: The Power of a Blessing
What is it about words? They can bring you and pain, sometimes in the same sentence. We all need affirmation from our father, even Jesus (see Matthew 3:17). Yesterday we read about how God feels about us. How does that make you feel? Read Proverbs 12:18 & 15:4. Compare that to James 3:1-12. Two questions to ponder: which passages reflect your speech? How can you be a blessing to someone today?
Day Four: Forgiveness and You
Read Matthew 18:21-35. What was Jesus trying to teach us about forgiveness? Why is it easy for us to go to God and ask Him for forgiveness but we can struggle to give forgiveness to others?
Read Hebrews 4:15-16. How can this passage help us forgive those who have not or possibly will not seek forgiveness from us?
Day Five: The Power of One Degree
On Sunday we talked about how different the destination looks by just changing the compass one degree. Change is not easy. What has been the most difficult change that you have endured? If you could change one thing about your current relationship with your earthly father, what would it be? Same question, but this time, your Heavenly Father. Read Philippians 4:13 and Matthew 11:28-30. How do these passages help you move your compass toward the answers you listed above?
Introduction
Sermon text with italics and bold and John 3:16 and v. 20.
Heading 2
Text with an outline.
- Level 1
- Level 2
- Level 2
- Level 3