Father’s Day Sermon Notes
Deuteronomy 6:4–9
Pastor Ryan
1. Start With the Heart (Deut. 6:4–6)
- Legacy begins with who you are, not just what you do.
- A father’s most powerful influence flows from a heart that loves God.
- It’s never too early—or too late—to center your life on the Lord.
2. Pass It On (Deut. 6:7–9)
- Teach your children in the everyday moments of life.
- Be intentional—faith is more caught than taught.
- Your influence continues through grandchildren and spiritual children.
3. When the Legacy Feels Broken
- God’s grace meets us in our regrets.
- You can’t change the past, but you can choose faithfulness today.
- Healing may start with a prayer, a letter, or a humble apology.
4. A Legacy Bigger Than You (Psalm 145:4)
- True legacy points people to God, not just to ourselves.
- One generation tells of His mighty acts to the next.
- Walk in faith—God is still writing your story.
Reflection Questions:
- What kind of legacy am I building—spiritually and relationally?
- Is there someone I need to reach out to in love, grace, or forgiveness?
- How can I be more intentional in passing on faith to the next generation?
Living a Legacy That Lasts
A 3-Day Bible Study Based on Deuteronomy 6:4–9
Day 1 – The Foundation of Legacy: Loving God First
Read: Deuteronomy 6:4–6
Devotional:
Legacy begins not with our achievements or parenting techniques, but with the posture of our hearts. Before God commands fathers to teach, He commands them to love Him. You cannot pass on a faith that you do not personally treasure. Our greatest inheritance to our children is not worldly success—it’s a genuine, visible love for God.
Hebrew Word Study:
- אָהַב (’āhab) – to love
This is the word used in verse 5: “Love the Lord your God…”
This love isn’t just emotional affection—it’s covenantal, loyal, and active. It implies devotion that affects every part of life.
➤ Ask yourself: Is my love for God evident in my choices, habits, and conversations?
Reflection Questions:
- What competes with your love for God right now?
- If someone watched your life for a week, what would they conclude you love most?
- How might deeper love for God change how you lead and influence others?
Prayer Prompt:
Lord, help me to love You with all my heart, soul, and strength. Show me where my love is divided and draw me closer to You.
Day 2 – Teaching in the Everyday
Read: Deuteronomy 6:7–9
Devotional:
God doesn’t ask fathers to be theologians in the classroom—He asks them to talk about His Word as life happens. Walking, sitting, lying down, and getting up. Faith isn’t passed on in one-time lectures, but in daily consistency. This is about weaving God’s truth into the rhythm of life, showing that faith isn’t a Sunday thing—it’s an everyday relationship.
Hebrew Word Study:
- שָׁנַן (shānan) – to sharpen, repeat diligently (v. 7 “Impress them on your children”)
This word gives the image of sharpening a blade—it takes repetition, focus, and care. Teaching our children about God is not a one-time act—it’s daily, intentional, and lifelong.
Reflection Questions:
- How can you bring God into your daily conversations with your family?
- What practical steps can you take to make your home a place where God is talked about naturally?
- Who else could you “sharpen” in your life—grandchildren, mentees, or young believers?
Prayer Prompt:
Father, help me to teach with my words and actions. Give me wisdom to make faith a part of the daily rhythm of life for those around me.
Day 3 – When the Legacy Feels Broken
Read: Romans 8:28, Joel 2:25, Luke 15:20–24
Devotional:
What if your legacy feels broken? Maybe your child is distant. Maybe regret haunts you. The gospel is good news for the broken. God redeems time, restores relationships, and rebuilds legacies. The story of the prodigal son reminds us: there is power in love, patience, and a father who keeps the door open. If you’ve fallen short, God isn’t done with your story—or your influence.
Greek Word Study:
- ἀποκαθίστημι (apokathistēmi) – to restore, bring back to a former state (see Luke 6:10, Acts 1:6, and implied in Luke 15)
God is a Restorer. He specializes in bringing healing to things we thought were too far gone. Whether it’s time, relationships, or reputation—He can restore.
Reflection Questions:
- Are there any broken places in your legacy that need healing?
- Have you prayed specifically for restoration with a child, parent, or loved one?
- How might God be calling you to take a first step—even if it’s just prayer or a letter?
Prayer Prompt:
God, I give You the broken places in my life and family. Bring restoration where there is hurt, and let my legacy be one marked by grace and Your faithfulness.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for Next Week
As you reflect on your legacy, consider how God’s grace not only changes your past but calls you forward.
Journal Prompt:
- How do I want to be remembered, not just as a parent, but as a follower of Christ?
- What step will I take this week to build a lasting, godly legacy?