What Makes a Good Father: 4 Biblical Principles Every Dad Needs
What Type of Legacy Are You Leaving?
Every father faces this crucial question: what kind of legacy am I leaving my children? The Bible provides a powerful answer through the contrasting stories of two kings - Hezekiah, one of the most godly fathers in Scripture, and his son Manasseh, who became one of the most destructive.
The sobering truth: Godly parenting doesn't guarantee godly children, but it gives them the best foundation possible.
King Hezekiah: The Model Father
Hezekiah exemplified godly fatherhood through his complete trust in God. When the Assyrian army of 185,000 soldiers threatened Jerusalem, he didn't panic or strategize - he prayed:
"O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth." - 2 Kings 19:15
God's response? One angel killed all 185,000 enemy soldiers in a single night. Hezekiah showed his son what it means to trust God completely in every crisis.
King Manasseh: The Wasted Privilege
Despite having the most godly father in Israel's history, Manasseh rejected everything his father taught him:
"And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, after the abominations of the heathen... For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal." - 2 Kings 21:2-3
Manasseh's failure teaches us that privilege can be rejected and that every person must choose their own relationship with God.
Modern Fathers Face the Same Battle
Before judging ancient kings, examine your own heart. Are you building altars to modern idols?
Common "idols" fathers build today:
- Work obsession - How many hours of overtime is really necessary?
- Success worship - Is your mood determined by your child's performance?
- Entertainment compromise - Are you letting your children "pass through the fire" of inappropriate content?
- Distraction addiction - What has captured your heart more than your children?
We can bring our kids to church on Sunday and let them pass through the fire on Monday.
4 Biblical Principles for Godly Fathers
1. Seek God First in Every Crisis
Like Hezekiah, bring your problems to God before anyone else. Your children need to see you trust God completely, not just talk about it.
2. Be the Spiritual Leader God Called You to Be
- Pray with your children regularly
- Create a home atmosphere that honors God
- Lead by example, not just by rules
- Make family devotions a priority
3. Fight for Their Hearts Because You Love Them
Don't parent out of fear of the world - parent out of love for your children. Know their hearts, not just their schedules. Be intentional about building relationship.
4. Leave a Legacy of Faithfulness
You can't control your children's choices, but you can control your faithfulness as a father. Don't let the possibility of failure discourage you from doing your best.
The Hope of Redemption
Even Manasseh found hope. When captured and imprisoned, "he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him." - 2 Chronicles 33:12-13
No matter how far you've fallen, God's grace can restore you. It's never too late to repent and bring your family back to God.
Man Up, Fathers
The responsibility is on us. We can't guarantee our children's spiritual choices, but we can give them the best possible foundation.
Be the father your children need you to be. Be intentional. Step up. Fight for their hearts because you love them, not because you fear the world.
Your children's eternal destiny may depend on the legacy you choose to leave them today.
🎧 📖 Ready for the full, unfiltered message? This condensed version only scratches the surface of this life-changing Father's Day sermon. Experience the complete expository preaching and verse-by-verse Bible teaching that will challenge every father to examine his heart and step up his game. Listen to the entire sermon here! - This powerful message could transform your fatherhood forever!