Series Details
A celebration is long overdue!
Now’s the time to thank your dad for the impact he’s made on your life through all the stages and seasons of your family. For the hours he worked to make life easier for you and your family, for the headaches and the heartaches of leading your family, for the endless and quiet sacrifices, and for just doing the best that he knew how to do—thank your father.
In these two encouraging messages, Chuck Swindoll stirs up gratitude both for our fathers and for the men who have been godly examples to us. You’ll also catch a vision for how each of us can leave a lasting legacy of love, affection, affirmation, and security for those who look to us as the leaders of our generation.
Being a father is one of the highest callings a man can answer, yet it is also one of the most demanding. In this series, we pause to honor the men who lead, provide, and sacrifice for their families. Whether you are currently in the thick of parenting or looking back on the legacy of your own father, these messages offer a biblical roadmap for leaving a lasting impact of love, affirmation, and spiritual security.
Message 1: Uplifting Words for Strung-Out Dads
Sermon Summary Fatherhood can be exhausting. Between the pressures of providing and the emotional weight of leading a home, many fathers find themselves feeling “strung out” and depleted. This message serves as a foundational encouragement for the man who feels he is running on empty. We explore how to trade the frantic pace of modern life for the steady strength found in God’s grace, reminding dads that their value isn’t found in perfection, but in faithful presence.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Reality of Pressure: Acknowledging the unique stresses, headaches, and heartaches that come with family leadership.
- A Call to Gratitude: Shifting focus from the burdens of fatherhood to the long-term rewards of a godly legacy.
- Restoration: Finding the spiritual “second wind” necessary to stay the course when the seasons of life feel overwhelming.
Primary Scripture References
- Psalm 127: Understanding that unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
- Matthew 11:28–30: An invitation for the weary father to find rest in Christ.
Message 2: Four Qualities in a Great Dad
Sermon Summary What defines a “great” father? It isn’t found in his bank account or his career achievements, but in the character he cultivates within the four walls of his home. In this message, we identify four essential pillars of biblical fatherhood: affection, affirmation, security, and a lasting legacy of love. By focusing on these core qualities, a father can provide a stable foundation that his children will lean on for the rest of their lives.
Key Facts & Themes
- Affection: The importance of outward expressions of love and tenderness in a man’s home.
- Affirmation: Using the power of words to build up a child’s confidence and sense of worth.
- Security: Creating an environment where children feel safe—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
- Legacy: Understanding that the choices made today are planting seeds for future generations.
Primary Scripture References
- 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12: Modeling the father’s role in encouraging, comforting, and urging children to live lives worthy of God.
- Proverbs 14:26: The truth that “in the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and his children will have a place of refuge.”
Common Questions about Biblical Fatherhood (FAQ)
What does the Bible say is the most important role of a father? While a father is called to provide and protect, the Bible emphasizes his role as a spiritual leader who guides his children toward a relationship with God (Ephesians 6:4).
How can a father show affection if he didn’t receive it growing up? Breaking the cycle begins with a conscious choice to be present and expressive. Scripture encourages us that we are “new creations” in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to model the tenderness shown to us by our Heavenly Father.
Why is affirmation so important for children? Affirmation provides the emotional “fuel” a child needs to navigate a critical world. As seen in 1 Thessalonians 2, a father’s encouragement helps a child understand their value in God’s eyes.
How can a “strung-out” dad find balance? Balance begins by prioritizing your own spiritual health. By leaning on the promises in Matthew 11, fathers can find the rest and perspective needed to lead their families without burning out.
