Wisdom of a Father | By Wisdom (Part 3)

June 21, 2026

Main Scripture: Proverbs 4:1-4

Core Message: Leaving an Unforgettable Legacy

Pastor Bob emphasized that being a father is the greatest opportunity to leave a lasting legacy, whether as a biological father, a spiritual father, or a mentor.

1. Love Your Wife Unconditionally

  • The Standard: Love your wife as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). This is a "slow death" to self, putting the needs of your family first.
  • The Example: How you treat your wife teaches your children how to treat women and how to honor them.
  • The Principle: Marriage requires "deposits" (kindness, time, honor) before you can expect "withdrawals" (affection, support).

2. Love Your Children by Speaking Life

  • Power of the Tongue: Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).
  • Actionable Step: Speak life over your children. Tell them they are loved and that they will become who God called them to be. Don't assume they know; tell them.

3. Love Your Life and Maintain a Merry Heart

  • The Medicine of Joy: A merry heart does good like medicine (Proverbs 17:22).
  • Perspective: Learn to laugh at mistakes and maintain joy. Don't let the seriousness of adulthood steal the "400 laughs a day" that children naturally have.

The Three Roles of a Father

Pastor Bob shared a framework for how he raised his children, moving through three distinct stages:

  1. The Teacher: Teaching the basics of faith and life (the "Great Teacher" model of Jesus).
  2. The Coach: Directing and encouraging them as they begin to act on what they’ve learned.
  3. The Friend: Graduating into a relationship of mutual respect and friendship (John 15:15).

Breaking the Curse

A powerful moment in the sermon focused on breaking generational cycles:

  • The Bloodline of Jesus: Regardless of your upbringing or "daddy issues," the blood of Jesus can break the curse of the past.
  • Personal Responsibility: You are not defined by how you were treated, but by what you do with your life now. You can choose to be a "good son" even if you didn't have a "good father."
  • Forgiveness: Forgiveness starts with a verbal declaration but is completed through action.

Final Challenge:

The best gift a father can give on Father's Day is to decide to change. Don't let pride stop you from becoming better than you were last year.