Who's Your Daddy?
Embracing Our Heavenly Father's Love and Guidance
Romans 8:15
Introduction: Good morning, Lifeway Church, and Happy Father's Day to all the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures here today! As we celebrate this special day, I want to dive into a topic that goes beyond the surface and challenges us to reflect deeply on the concept of fatherhood and our relationship with God.
Story: The Lighthouse Keeper
Imagine a lighthouse keeper, standing tall and vigilant at the edge of a rugged coastline. Every night, he lights the lamp to guide ships safely through treacherous waters. His role is vital; without his steady hand, many would be lost at sea.
Fathers, you are like that lighthouse keeper. Your presence, guidance, and love provide direction and safety for your families. But today, let's look beyond our roles as earthly fathers and reflect on the ultimate lighthouse keeper—our Heavenly Father.
Just as the lighthouse keeper's light cuts through the darkest night, God's love and wisdom illuminate our lives, guiding us through life's storms and uncertainties. As we celebrate Father's Day, let's remember to honor both our earthly fathers and our Heavenly Father, who never ceases to watch over us and guide us with His eternal light.
Romans 8:15
15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery [k]leading to fear again, but you have received [l]a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! [m]Father!”
There is something very unique in this verse that we will discuss in just a little bit.
- The Role of a Father: Fathers, you play an incredibly vital role in your families. You are providers, protectors, teachers, and leaders. Your influence shapes the lives of your children in profound ways. But today's message isn't just about the earthly role of fathers; it's about understanding our relationship with our Heavenly Father and how that shapes our lives which in turn helps to shape your children's lives.
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) reminds us, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
Your guidance and example will set a lasting foundation for their future.
- The Question: Who's Your Daddy? In today's society, the question "Who's your daddy?" often gets thrown around casually, but I want us to take a moment to consider this question seriously. Who is your spiritual father? Who guides your life, your decisions, and your heart? Is it the world with its fleeting values, or is it God, our eternal Father?
Starbocks
Imagine this scenario: You're in a crowded coffee shop, waiting for your name to be called. Finally, the barista shouts, "Latte for... Daddy?" You look around, and there’s a guy confidently striding forward, grinning ear to ear, ready to claim his drink and title. Everyone chuckles, and someone even mutters, "Well, that's one way to make an entrance."
Now, while it's amusing to think of someone casually owning the title "Daddy" in a coffee shop, it does make us ponder: Who's really leading our lives? Are we just going with the trends, letting the world be our barista, calling the shots? Or are we letting God be the true Father of our lives, guiding us with His eternal wisdom?
Romans 8:14 (NIV) says, "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God."
So next time you hear, "Who's your daddy?" remember, it’s not about who gets to claim the coffee order, but who truly guides your heart and soul. Let’s choose our Heavenly Father over fleeting worldly values.
- Understanding God as Our Father: The Bible tells us in 1 John 3:1, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" God’s love for us is immense and unconditional. He calls us His children, and as our Father, He desires a close, personal relationship with each of us.
Young Boy
Imagine a young child running towards their dad after a long day, arms wide open, and face beaming with joy. The father scoops up the child in a big, loving embrace, lifting them high in the air. The child's laughter fills the room, and there's an undeniable bond of love and trust between them. This simple act of love and affection beautifully illustrates the relationship God desires to have with each of us.
1 John 3:1 (NIV) tells us, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" Just like that earthly father’s embrace, God’s love for us is immense and unconditional. He doesn't just tolerate us or acknowledge us from a distance; He calls us His children and longs for a close, personal relationship with each of us.
Think about it this way: If an earthly father can show such boundless joy and love for his child, how much more does our Heavenly Father delight in us? He lifts us up, not just physically but spiritually, filling our lives with His love and guidance.
So, next time you feel distant or unsure of your place in the world, remember this image of a child in a loving father's arms. That’s how God sees you—His beloved child, cherished and embraced with a love that is eternal and unfailing. Let's embrace this relationship with our Heavenly Father, knowing that His love for us is vast and unwavering
- Characteristics of Our Heavenly Father:
- Unconditional Love: God's love for us is not based on our performance or achievements. Romans 8:38-39 reminds us, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Fathers, do you love your children unconditionally, not based on their performance or achievements? How do you show them that your love is unwavering and not contingent on their success or behavior?
- Guidance and Wisdom: Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Our Heavenly Father provides wisdom and guidance for our lives.
Fathers, are you seeking God's wisdom and guidance in your parenting? How do you demonstrate reliance on God's direction in your decisions, and are you modeling this trust for your children?
- Discipline and Growth: Hebrews 12:6 tells us, "Because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son." Just as earthly fathers correct their children, God disciplines us for our growth and maturity.
Fathers, do you view discipline as a way to lovingly guide and grow your children, rather than just as a means of correction? How are you ensuring that your discipline fosters maturity and character in your children?
- Provision and Protection: Philippians 4:19 assures us, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." He is our ultimate provider and protector.
Fathers, are you actively providing for and protecting your family, not just physically but also emotionally and spiritually? In what ways can you improve your role as a provider and protector, reflecting God's care and provision in your family’s life?
- Reflecting God’s Fatherhood in Our Lives: As earthly fathers, we are called to reflect these characteristics of God in our own lives. But this isn't just a message for fathers—it's for all of us. We are all called to embody the love, guidance, wisdom, discipline, provision, and protection of our Heavenly Father in our relationships and daily lives.
John and Mishael
There once was a father named John who lived in a small town. He was known for his unwavering love and dedication to his family. John had a son named Michael, who grew up watching his father embody the qualities of their Heavenly Father in everyday life.
John loved unconditionally, always there with a hug and encouraging words, whether Michael succeeded or failed. He guided his family with wisdom, often sharing insights from the Bible and teaching them to trust in God’s plan. When discipline was neede
d, John did so with love and care, aiming to build character rather than just correct behavior. He provided for and protected his family, working tirelessly to ensure they had what they needed while always making time for them.
Years passed, and Michael became a father himself. One day, his own son, David, came to him with tears in his eyes, worried about a mistake he had made. Michael, remembering the example set by his father, hugged David tightly and said, “It's okay, son. We all make mistakes. What's important is that we learn and grow from them. I love you no matter what.”
In that moment, Michael realized he was reflecting the same love, guidance, wisdom, and protection his father had shown him. And he knew this legacy wasn't just his father’s doing—it was the reflection of their Heavenly Father’s character shining through.
As Michael comforted his son, he whispered a silent prayer of gratitude for his father and for God’s unending love. He understood that reflecting God’s fatherhood wasn’t about being perfect, but about striving to embody God’s attributes in everyday life, creating a ripple effect of love and grace that would carry on through generations.
Let’s take this to heart, Lifeway Church. Whether you are a father, a mother, a sibling, or a friend, you are called to reflect the divine qualities of our Heavenly Father. Let’s commit to loving unconditionally, guiding wisely, disciplining with care, and providing and protecting with all our hearts. In doing so, we not only honor God but also create a lasting legacy of faith and love that will impact generations to come.
- Challenging Ourselves: Today, I challenge each of us to evaluate our relationship with God. Are we truly allowing Him to be our Father, or are we looking elsewhere for guidance and validation? Fathers, are you reflecting God’s love and character to your children? And to everyone here, are you living as a child of God, embracing His love and direction for your life?
- A Call to Action:
- Deepen Your Relationship with God: Spend time in prayer and Scripture, seeking to know God more intimately as your Father. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
- Live Out God’s Love: In your families, workplaces, and communities, strive to show the same love, patience, and kindness that God shows to us. Ephesians 5:1-2 instructs us, "Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
- Support One Another: Encourage and support the fathers in our community. Fatherhood is a challenging journey, and we all need the support and prayers of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Galatians 6:2 tells us, "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Back to Romans 8:15 :…Abba! Father!”
Litteral translation “…My Daddy!...My Father!”
Conclusion: As we celebrate Father's Day today, let's honor our earthly fathers and give thanks for their role in our lives. But let us also remember and celebrate our Heavenly Father, who loves us with an everlasting love. Let's commit to living as His children, reflecting His character in all we do.
Happy Father's Day, Lifeway Church. May God bless you and guide you as you walk in His love and grace.
