The blessing of fatherhood is real and the struggle of fatherhood is real.
We Are Led by the Spirit of God the Father.
Romans 8:14 - 17
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the Spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided that we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
The transfer of the blessing of the firstborn comes from Jesus to us.
Romans 8:29
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
One of the biggest fears we face as men and as fathers is the fear of failure, the fear that we are inferior.
- That we won’t be a good enough role model, or that we already haven’t been.
- That we won’t provide well enough for our families.
- That our character won’t hold up in action to what we know to be true and what we tell our children is right.
Genesis 25:29-34 - Esau sells his birthright to Jacob
TRUTH: You can’t sell what Jesus purchased for you.
Hebrews 12:16
Don’t fail to obtain the grace of God…that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.
The only way we can fail to obtain God’s grace, even in our failure is to believe we are still eternally rejected and avoid repenting.
Fatherhood is a Relationship, Not a Pass or Fail Test
- Keep communication open, especially in a moment of weakness or failure.
James 4:6
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
- Pass on your heart and how you think instead of your “answers.”
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Dads carry a lot of weight of responsibility, but empowerment comes when we realize that our heavenly Dad loves us so much that he carried all the weight for us first!
Discussion Questions:
1. Read Romans 8:14-17. Is it easy or difficult for you to see yourself as a child and heir of God? Why or why not?
As a father / parent, in what areas do you fear failure the most? In other words, what areas do you fear you will let your children down?
Meditate on the truth, “You can sell what Jesus purchased.” Do you have a hard time believing this? Why or why not?
In your own words describe what the statement, “fatherhood / parenthood is a relationship and not a pass or fail test” means to you.
How can you better keep communication open and consistent with your children or loved ones?
How can you better communicate your heart and reasoning instead of only giving “answers” to your children or loved ones?