A Father After God's Own Heart

Father's Day Sunday Sermon Notes

June 15, 2025

Pastor Derk Adams

Introduction

To the faithful fathers in our church: Fatherhood is more than just a role; it’s a divine calling. God is raising men right here in this congregation who will walk in His ways, love their families with integrity, and lead by example in faith. Our homes need spiritual leadership, our children need godly models, and our church is blessed to have fathers who are striving to be like Christ.

I. A Father Must Be Faithful to God

“Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.” – Psalm 112:1 (KJV)

“His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.” – Psalm 112:2 (KJV)

- A godly father starts with a fear of the Lord.- His faithfulness becomes a blessing to generations.- He leads his family in prayer, in worship, and truth.Application: Godly men must be prayer warriors, worship leaders in their homes, and examples of holiness in the streets.

II. A Father Must Provide Spiritual Leadership

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children...” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (KJV)

“Train up a child in the way he should go...” – Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

- It’s not just about money—it’s about training the soul.- A father must open the Bible before he opens the paycheck.- He must lead his children to Christ and not just to success.Application: godly fathers must be teachers of truth, laying the foundation of salvation in their homes.

III. A Father Must Be a Man of Prayer and Power

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in faith,” – Jude 1:20 (KJV)

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” – James 5:16 (KJV)

Prayer changes a man, and a praying man changes his house.- When a father prays in faith, strongholds are broken.- When he cries out to God, heaven responds on behalf of his family.

Application:

Let every father be a man of prayer. Let every father be a man of integrity. Let every father take spiritual authority in Jesus' name.

IV. A Father Must Show Compassion and Discipline

“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.” – Psalm 103:13 (KJV)

“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth...” – Hebrews 12:6 (KJV)

A real father is not absent or abusive but caring and corrective.- He knows when to hug and when to discipline.- He models the love and holiness of God.Application: godly fathers must reflect the heart of God—a balance of mercy and truth.

V. A Father Must Leave a Godly Legacy

“The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.” – Proverbs 20:7 (KJV)

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” – 3 John 1:4 (KJV)

What we leave in our children is more important than what we leave to them.- A legacy of prayer, preaching, and spiritual strength outlasts money material things.- A father after God’s heart thinks generationally.

Application:

Your children may forget what you gave them, but they'll never forget how you led them to Jesus.

Exhortation

Let every father in this church be a man of fire, faith, and family. Let your homes be filled with prayer, your words seasoned with grace, and your walk marked by holiness. To every father here today: God sees your labor, your tears, and your commitment. Keep pressing forward. You are a father after God’s own heart.

Final Scripture

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15 (KJV)

Call fathers to the altar—to recommit, to intercede, to lead, and to love like Christ.

Pray this Prayer

Heavenly Father,We thank You today for the fathers You have placed in our lives and in this church. We honor the love, strength, and faithfulness they show every day. Lord, continue to guide them, strengthen them, and bless them with wisdom as they lead their homes. Help them to walk in integrity, speak with compassion, and live as examples of Your love.Let Your Spirit rest upon every father today—renew their joy, refresh their hearts, and empower them to lead by example. We pray for healing where there is hurt, encouragement where there is weariness, and grace where there is struggle.May every father be reminded that he is seen, valued, and chosen by You.In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.