Sermon Extras

SERMON NOTES

Father’s Day 2023 “The Godly Father” 1 Corinth 4:14-17

INTRO> Welcome to all the men and the fathers today! I preached a mothers day sermon so thought it fair to preach a Father’s Day sermon! Can you tell me what these men have in common? Joe Rogan (pic) Mr Rodgers (PIC) Jordan Peterson (PIC) and Tim Keller (PIC) It’s an eclectic bunch isn’t it? What these men have in common is that they all carry a title in one way or another, the title “father figure” Jordan Peterson is even described as “Youtube’s new father figure” All of these men in one way or another, give you advice about life and their audiences are by far men. How about this Youtube channel as another example: “Dad How Do I?” is a Youtube channel with 4.6 million subscribers and 25 million views and it’s ran by a guy named Rob Kenney and he literally shows you how to change a tire, tie a tie and everything else.

CONTEXT> I would say that all of these cultural figures only prove what the Apostle Paul wrote in our verses today. Paul would say the problem is that we have too many of these figures and not enough actual fathers. v15 “For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers…” he uses a bit of sarcasm it actually reads in the original language “10,000 tutors” think about literally a baby sitter, somebody who “watches the children” Paul actually lists their “cultural father figures” that they like to talk about back in Chapter 3:4 “For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? What is the difference between “guides” and “fathers” *ILL> Show picture of Guides vs Fathers and walk through.

APP> Of course I could quote all kinda of statistics about our fatherless society but do you know what is shocking…Paul is writing to the church. To Christians!

• 60% of people in their 20’s-40’s who grew up in church are leaving it and the majority are men.
• The typical us congregation draws a crowd that is 61% female and 39% male.
• Midweek activities in the church are 80% female
• Fewer than 10% of US Churches have sustained mens ministry.

Paul is right!

Big Idea > Fathers are foundational for our spiritual formation.

• Fathers lead with love.
  • v14 “I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children.” When you understand the context of the letter, this is pretty shocking. The Corinthians were selfish, prideful, ungrateful and all the above. And Paul could have addressed them many other ways but he doesn’t. which tells me something.

APP> Connect before you correct.

APP> “Beloved” has to be louder than “Behave!”

APP> Guilt says, “I made a mistake.” Shame says, “I am a mistake.”

2) Fathers advise with authority.

• v14 “I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children.” The word that Paul uses “admonish” literally means to warn and he does this on the basis of the relationship, he’s their father, they are not equal. “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4

*ILL> Bill Maher is the profane comedian and late show host. He was asked once “Are you and your father friends?” He responded “Friends? We are friends now, but while growing up I didn’t need my Dad to be my friend, I needed him to be my Dad… Dad’s are suppose to be the ones who tell you right from wrong.”

APP> Friendship with your children is the late blooming fruit from being their father.

“I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming God and he hasn’t disciplined them.” 1 Samuel 3:13

APP> Cowardice causes devastating consequences and hard calluses in our children.

Tripple A Fatherhood:

• Affection- Am I physically showing my children love? (Tone,Touch and Tenderness)
• Affirmation- Am I reassuring my children? (Time and Words)
• Authority- Am I reflecting God’s authority properly?

3) Fathers disciple by demonstration.

• v16 “I urge you, then, be imitators of me..” now… this is a natural thing right? Children imitating their fathers and or parents? *ILL> Show picture of me in my suit with my Dad.
• But that’s actually not all he is saying, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11

APP> Fathers, you are the most influential preacher in your child’s life.

Close> The key to this entire text is found in v15 “I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel…” this verse holds the secret to fatherhood!

*ILL> Year ago Mr. Rodgers was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey. Oprah asked him, “What’s the greatest mistake parents make in raising their kids.” He answered, “The greatest mistake parents make in raising their own kids is forgetting their own childhood.

APP> Godly Fathers remember that they are sons of God.

Big Idea > Fathers are foundational for our spiritual formation.