06-21-2026
Modern-Day Fatherhood
"Being the Father God Has Called You to Be"
Scripture Text
Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)
"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
Introduction
What researchers generally agree on is this: But their percentages vary between 60-85%
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Children raised without a resident father are statistically more likely to experience poverty, behavioral problems, school difficulties, substance abuse, and contact with the criminal justice system than children raised in stable two-parent homes.
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Father absence is considered a risk factor, not a destiny. Millions of people raised in single-parent homes become successful, law-abiding adults.
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Other factors often overlap with father absence, including poverty, neighborhood conditions, education, family instability, and exposure to crime.
Today we celebrate fathers.
We celebrate dads, step grandfathers, stepfathers, foster fathers, spiritual fathers, (Pastor L.E. Godwin… My #1 spiritual mentor passed way (Monday) and men who have invested in the lives of children and young people.
Fatherhood has never been easy, but modern-day fatherhood presents challenges that previous generations could never have imagined.
Today's fathers are raising children in a world filled with: cell PHONES… Tablets have become baby-sitters
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social media,
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constant distractions,
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moral confusion,
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busy schedules,
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Fathers have ….economic pressures,
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and competing voices seeking to influence their children.
Yet despite all these changes, God's design for fatherhood has never changed. If we only used God’s design…. Life would be less complicated
The world may redefine what it means to be a man and a father, but God's Word still provides the blueprint.
The question before us today is not, "What kind of father does society want me to be?"
The question is, "What kind of father has God called YOU to be?" Worldly Father and Godly Father
I. Children Need Presence More Than Presents
One of the greatest misconceptions of modern fatherhood is that providing financially is enough.
Providing is important.
Working hard is honorable.
Supporting a family is biblical.
But children need more than a paycheck.
They need a father who is present.
Many fathers today are physically present but emotionally absent.
Children spell love differently than adults.
Adults often spell love M-O-N-E-Y.
Children often spell love T-I-M-E.
Children remember:
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conversations,
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ballgames,
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fishing trips,
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bedtime prayers,
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family dinners,
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and moments spent together.
They rarely remember the price tag of gifts.
The greatest gift a father can give his children is not something he buys.
It is himself.
II. Fathers Must Be Spiritual Leaders
Joshua declared:
"As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
— Joshua 24:15
Notice Joshua did not delegate spiritual leadership.
He accepted responsibility.
One of the greatest needs in the modern church is fathers who lead spiritually at home.
Children should see their fathers:
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praying,
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reading Scripture,
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worshiping,
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serving,
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and trusting God.
The most powerful sermon many children will ever hear is the life their father lives before them.
A father does not need to be a theologian.
He simply needs to demonstrate a genuine relationship with Christ.
The world is teaching our children every day.
If fathers do not disciple their children, someone else will.
III. Fathers Must Balance Truth and Grace
Some fathers lead with authority but little affection.
Others lead with affection but little discipline.
God calls fathers to provide both.
Children need:
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boundaries, PERIOD
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accountability,
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encouragement,
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correction,
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and unconditional love.
Our Heavenly Father perfectly balances grace and truth.
He loves us deeply.
Yet He also corrects us when necessary.
Hebrews 12:6 teaches that God disciplines those He loves.
because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.
Discipline is not punishment.
Discipline is training.
It is preparing children for life and helping them become the people God created them to be.
IV. Fathers Must Model Integrity
Children watch everything.
They watch how fathers:
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treat their wives,
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speak to others,
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handle stress,
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respond to failure,
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manage money,
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and live their faith.
Children may not always listen to what fathers say.
But they are always watching what fathers do.
Integrity means being the same person:
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at church,
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at work,
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at home,
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and in private.
Modern culture desperately needs fathers whose lives match their words.
The influence of a father often extends for generations.
V. The Good News for Imperfect Fathers
Some fathers may hear this message and think:
"I have made mistakes."
"I wish I had done things differently."
"I have regrets."
The good news is that God specializes in redemption.
There has only been one perfect Father in history—our Heavenly Father.
Every earthly father falls short.
The Bible is filled with imperfect fathers whom God still used.
God's grace is greater than our failures.
If you need forgiveness, God offers it.
If you need wisdom, God provides it.
If you need a fresh start, God gives it.
No father is beyond the reach of God's grace.
Conclusion
Modern fatherhood is challenging.
But it is also one of God's greatest callings.
The world needs fathers who:
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show up,
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provide
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pray,
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lead,
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love,
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serve,
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and point their families toward Christ.
The greatest gift a father can give his children is not success.
It is a life that reflects Jesus Christ.
One day, our children may forget many things we said.
But they will never forget the example we lived.
May God raise up fathers who love deeply, lead courageously, and leave a legacy of faith for generations to come.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the fathers represented here today. Strengthen them for the work You have called them to do. Give them wisdom, patience, courage, and faith. Help them to lead their families with love and integrity. May they reflect Your heart as our Heavenly Father and leave a lasting legacy that honors You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
ALL OF THIS START WITH BECOMING A CHRISTIAN
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I realize that everyone is comfortable with a public profession of faith in Jesus. If you want the opportunity for salvation is a small intimate environment
Reach out to us by calling of texting 336-338-8037 or southplainfieldfriends.org/ click on contact us and we will guide you through the next steps.
If you’re ready to surrender your life to Christ and to be a part of a loving community of people (THAT AREN’T PERFECT) But will Love you
Say this prayer with me
Jesus,
I know that I need You.
I believe You died for my sins
and rose again to give me new life.
Today, I turn from my old ways
and give my life fully to You.
Please forgive me of my sins,
change me,………and lead me ……from this day forward.
I trust You as my Savior,
Thank You for loving me and saving me.
Amen.
If you said this prayer and truly believe it in your heart, we believe that you are a Christian.