The Legacy of a Godly Father (A Powerful Father’s Day Message about Leaving a Godly legacy)

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Proverbs 13:22 "A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: And the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

Proverbs is written by Solomon."

Solomon was the wisest man, outside of Jesus, to walk on this earth. 

Note: He had chosen wisdom above all other things. 

Note: We know from the Word of God that Solomon didn’t always walk in the wisdom that he was given.

Note: We are reminded that we don’t just need to know the Bible, for it to make an impact in our lives, but we need to obey the Bible or live it. 

Note: James says that we are to be doers of the Word and not just a hearer of the Word. 

Note: Solomon says here a good man. We know from the context it’s referring to a father specifically. 

Note: “Good” or this “good man” is speaking of that father who is walking in wisdom. 

Note: Mark 10:18 teaches us that only God is good or absolute good.

In Mark 10:18, the rich man said - good master. Jesus reponded by saying that only God is good. 

Jesus isn’t denying his own goodness. 

But inviting this man to think about what He is saying. If you call me good; you are calling me god. 

Note: In Proverbs 13:22, Solomon is speaking of one who is morally upright, wise or righteous by human standards. 

Note: Not sinless perfection. 

Note:If you could be perfect; Jesus wouldn’t have had to come to die for our sins. We are all far from perfect. 

Note: But we can live a life that pleases God.

Dads we honour you. We are thankful to God for you. 

Our culture looks down on a godly dad even on fatherhood in general.  A faithful dad, who seeks to honour the Lord is precious. 

Our culture presents fatherhood today as weak and purposeless.

But dads, you have an important role in the economy of God. 

Research has established that parents can have a significant impact on the religious beliefs and practices of their children. 

In one recent study it was found that fathers who frequently attend church, discuss religion at home, and are committed to their religion have sons who follow the same pattern concerning religious values and behavior. 

Interestingly, fathers who did not do these three things had an inconsistent pattern of influence over their son’s religious responses.

One startling bit of research conducted by the Christian Business Men’s Committee found the following: When the father is an active believer, there is about a seventy-five percent likelihood that the children will also become active believers. 

But if only the mother is a believer, this likelihood is dramatically reduced to fifteen percent.

Note: Solomon is speaking of influence.

Note: That influence that is generational. 

Note: Riches and material wealth will fade, but a godly life will last forever. In fact, Solomon said that the riches of the wicked are directly or indirectly laid up for the justified. 

Proverbs 10:7 

⁷ The memory of the just is blessed: But the name of the wicked shall rot.

Note: Even after death; a godly legacy brings honour and blessing. 

Note: We are reminded of Abel’s influence in Hebrews 11:4; that even though he had left this world; his influence still spoke.

I was reading just the other day, of a father whop had died. The family were cleaning out his things. They were going through his box of things and it all had a story. It all had a memory. 

My dad went to Heaven over 30 years ago, and I still have his hammer. I still use his hammer, not well. But I have it. 

When we pass from this life; we’re going to leave things behind. 

Note: We’re not going to take it with us. 

Note: If you’re a child of God, you wouldn’t want to take it with you. 

I heard of the man, who God permitted for him to bring all his gold. There is was in heaven with all his gold. One of the angels saw him and said, hey, why is that guy carrying around pavement? 

Note: We’re not only going to leave behind money, material things, but memories and more important;y - faith, values and an example. 

Note: The good news, if you’re not doing a good job being the kind of example that’s follow-worthy, you can begin that today. 

Joel 2:12

¹² Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, And with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

Note; Note God said - also now. 

Note: it’s not too late. 

Note: I would rather have some influence than none at all. 

Note: God’s mercy offers a new beginning every day. Today is the day to begin seeking the Lord. 

I am shocked by some of the stories that I hear of some Christians. They used to do this or that; they used to be a deacon, a teacher. They used to serve in some compacity - they don’t care to do that any more. Some people come to this country from another country - and they were so involved in their local church. But when they come here. That’s not the care. Why? 

I know that God hasn’t changed. 

The change had to happen in your heart. 

Note: Even now. Now is the accepted time to become a Christian. Now is the accepted time to get right with God. Now is the accepted time to begin a legacy of faith. 

God calls fathers not only to provide, but to lead spiritually and leave behind an eternal impact.