A Biblical Perspective on Father’s Day

Text: Ephesians 6:4 (KJV)

"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." 

 Today many of us will gather to celebrate Father’s Day, a time to honor the men God has placed as leaders, providers, and protectors in our families. But let us be clear: Father’s Day is not merely a cultural holiday; it is an opportunity to reflect on God’s design for fathers as revealed in His holy Word. The Bible sets a high standard for fatherhood, rooted in the character of our Heavenly Father. In Ephesians 6:4, Paul charges fathers to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Today, let us explore the biblical perspective on fatherhood, drawing from the Old and New Testaments, and challenge every father to walk worthy of this sacred calling.

The Father as a Reflection of God’s Character

Scripture teaches that earthly fathers are to mirror the attributes of our Heavenly Father. In Psalm 103:13, we read, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.” A godly father shows compassion, love, and mercy, just as God does toward us. When a child looks to their father, they should see a glimpse of the steadfast love of God.

Consider the example of God the Father in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). When the wayward son returned, the father didn’t meet him with condemnation but with open arms, forgiveness, and celebration. Fathers, your children will stumble, but your role is to reflect God’s grace, guiding them back to the path of righteousness. You are God’s representative in your home, called to show His love and truth in word and deed.

 The Father as a Leader and Provider

God’s Word establishes fathers as the spiritual and practical heads of their households. In 1 Timothy 5:8, Paul declares, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” Fathers are called to work diligently, to provide for their families’ needs, and to model a life of integrity and faithfulness.

In the Old Testament, we see Abraham as a model of godly leadership. In Genesis 18:19, God says of Abraham, “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD.” Abraham didn’t leave his family to wander aimlessly; he led them in the fear of God. Fathers, you are not just providers of material needs but shepherds of your children’s souls. Lead your family to church, pray with them, read the Scriptures together, and teach them to walk in God’s truth. To walk in God's truth.

The Father as a Teacher and Disciplinarian

Ephesians 6:4 commands fathers to bring up their children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” The word “nurture” implies training and discipline, while “admonition” refers to instruction in godliness. Fathers, you are your children’s first and most important teachers. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Your role is to instill biblical values, to teach right from wrong, and to prepare your children to stand firm in a godless world.

But discipline must be balanced with love. Colossians 3:21 warns, “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” Discipline is not about harshness or tyranny but about lovingly correcting and guiding. Eli the priest failed in this, neglecting to restrain his sons’ wickedness (1 Samuel 3:13,16:1-17), and it brought judgment on his house. Fathers, love your children enough to discipline them, but do so with a heart that seeks their eternal good.

The Father’s Strength in Christ

We know fatherhood is a high calling, and a challenging one. The world mocks godly manhood, tempting fathers to be passive, selfish, or absent. But God’s Word promises strength for those who trust in Him. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” Fathers, you cannot fulfill this role in your own power—you need the grace of God and the guidance of His Spirit.

In the New Testament, Paul exemplifies spiritual fatherhood, writing to the Corinthians, “For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel” (1 Corinthians 4:15). Paul invested in the spiritual growth of others, modeling sacrifice and commitment. Fathers, lean on Christ, study His Word, and seek His wisdom daily to lead your family well.

Honoring All Fathers Today

On this Father’s Day, we honor all fathers—those faithfully leading their homes, those striving to grow in godliness, and those who may feel they’ve fallen short. If you’ve made mistakes, repent and turn to God, for His mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). We also honor single mothers who fill both roles, trusting God as their strength, and spiritual fathers who mentor and guide others in the faith.

Conclusion

Fathers, God has entrusted you with a sacred responsibility. You are called to reflect His character, to lead with courage, to teach with diligence, and to rely on His strength. Ephesians 6:4 is not just a suggestion—it’s a divine mandate. As we celebrate Father’s Day, let every father recommit to this calling, and let every family pray for and support the fathers among us.

Let us close with a challenge from Joshua 24:15: “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Fathers, make that your declaration today. Lead your home to serve God, and trust Him to guide you every step of the way.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of fathers and for Your perfect example as our Heavenly Father. Strengthen the fathers in this congregation to lead, love, and teach according to Your Word. Forgive where they’ve fallen short, and equip them by Your Spirit to fulfill their calling. May our homes glorify You, and may our children rise up to call their fathers blessed.

 In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

DMMC 6/10/2025