Following the Father Many others in a child’s life can make an impact, but from the father comes a special influence through setting an example to be followed. Where the father is missing or not providing a good role model, there is often a lack of direction, identity, and moral clarity resulting in behavioral issues. The removal of fathers as present, involved, and in righteous authority is a large part of the rapid recent decline of our nation in many ways. Without their demonstrated standards to be followed, there has been a very dangerous wandering from a hopeful and promising destination. On this day of celebrating fathers and their significant roles in our homes and society, there is an opportunity to let their effect be beneficial, for there to be following in a way that is so much better. To a world wandering in darkness came the Son of God, following His Father in all that He did, and providing a way for us to join Him in this following. Wherever there is belief in Jesus, there is also an invitation given to take on His direction and purpose by conforming to His example and following His way of life. Really believing in His resurrected life means receiving that same life and also becoming a child of His same Father. For all who believe, He’s given the power to be God’s children, no longer without the Father’s example, but in every moment for there to be the Way to follow that is full of eternal life. Far beyond a simple agreement in His existence is the diligent pursuit of every direction He provides for us to follow. Notes Father’s role – provide example to follow. John 8:39 (NLT) 39 “Our father is Abraham!” they declared. “No,” Jesus replied, “for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example. What does following look like? Believe in them Where they’re going How following them will affect us Not just Jesus’ Father – believing is following. John 5:18-20 (NLT) 18 So the Jewish leaders tried all the harder to find a way to kill him. For he not only broke the Sabbath, he called God his Father, thereby making himself equal with God. 19 So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing. In fact, the Father will show him how to do even greater works than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished. Believing = child = following John 1:12-13 (NKJV) 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 14:12 (NLT) 12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. What does following look like? Listening to His voice John 10:27 (NKJV) 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. Serving His purpose John 12:26 (NKJV) 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. Self denial Matthew 16:24 (NKJV) 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Fitting your steps into His Matthew 4:19 (NLT) 19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Trust Matthew 8:19-20 (NKJV) 19 Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” 20 And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." Adjusted identity/priorities Matthew 8:21-22 (NKJV) 21 Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 22 But Jesus said to him, "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead." Can’t follow achievements/gain and Jesus Matthew 19:21 (NKJV) 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” Home is with the Father John 14:1-3 (NKJV) 1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. Overview: The father’s role is to provide an example to be followed. To believe is to follow with direction, purpose, and identity. Following is in everything. Where He’s leading requires letting go of what I prefer. To follow is to completely trust by faith. Believing in Him is becoming the servant of His works. Following Him leads to what He’s prepared in a mansion. Prayer: In coming to know You, Father, I’ve discovered that there is a way so much better in letting my footsteps follow Yours. Let my heart be consumed and gratified with where You are leading me as I submit all that I am to believing in following Your every movement. Declarations: By believing in Jesus I’ve been given the power to be a child of God. I have the most amazing Heavenly Father that is my example in every part of my life. My heart of belief is activated and lived out as I continually follow His identity, direction, and purpose. He is leading me through a life of victory as He prepares a place for me at home with Him.