The 3 Traits of a Godly Father (Joshua 1:6–9) give us a biblical compass to lead our families with courage, conviction, and confidence – Father’s Day Sermon With Outline.
Father’s Day Sermon With Outline
Fatherhood isn’t easy—it never has been. From diapers to discipline to direction, we carry a weight that demands strength beyond ourselves. But real strength starts not in our muscles or willpower, but in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
When Joshua stood on the edge of the Promised Land, God didn’t hand him a sword—He gave him His Word and His presence. That’s where godly fatherhood begins: not with perfection, but with dependence on God.
Today, we’ll look at 3 Traits of a Godly Father (Joshua 1:6–9)—truths that lead us forward with faith.
1. He is Strong in the Word
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)
A. He studies with focused heart
God told Joshua, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night” (Joshua 1:8). That’s not a casual glance at Scripture—it’s a call to focused, intentional study. Fathers, your family doesn’t need a perfect man, but they do need a man shaped by God’s Word.
Real strength begins in quiet moments with the Lord. When you carve out time to read, reflect, and apply the Word, it changes how you lead. It fuels your faith and keeps your compass steady. Life will pull at your time, but nothing centers you like meeting God daily in His Word.
B. He speaks with faithful consistency
What fills the heart eventually flows from the mouth. That’s why God told Joshua to keep the Word on his lips. When Scripture lives in you, it will naturally shape how you talk, how you guide, and how you respond in tough moments (Luke 6:45). Your words can either wound or water the souls in your home.
So, speak life. Speak truth. Speak grace. Let your children and your spouse hear Scripture not just in sermons but in your everyday words. A godly father doesn’t just quote the Bible—he weaves it into conversation, correction, and encouragement. That kind of consistency builds a faith-filled atmosphere in the home.
2. He is Courageous in Responsibility
“Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.” (Joshua 1:6)
A. He steps with firm resolve
God told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall lead these people…” (Joshua 1:6). Joshua had a huge responsibility, and so do we. Fathers are called to lead with strength, not because we have all the answers, but because we trust the One who does.
Courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear—it means obedience in the face of it. You won’t always feel ready, but God equips the willing. Step up, even when it’s uncomfortable. Your family needs your presence, your prayers, and your leadership, even when it costs something.
B. He stands with fearless love
Godly courage doesn’t come from pride but from love that refuses to give up. Love fights for what matters. It stays through the storm, speaks the truth in love, and sets a firm example when others waver (1 Corinthians 16:13–14). That’s the kind of courage our homes need today.
You don’t have to be loud to be bold. Just stay steady. Keep doing the right thing. A courageous father guards his home, not with fear, but with a clear heart and a deep love. Your courage in small, steady choices shows your children what faith in action really looks like.
“This material provides some ideas and thoughts for a message for Father’s Day from Joshua 1:6-9.”
3. He is Secure in God’s Presence
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
A. He trusts with steady heart
God ends His charge to Joshua with these words: “Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God is with you” (Joshua 1:9). That promise is the anchor for every godly father. When you trust God’s presence, you don’t have to panic about the unknown.
Life gets messy, but you’re not walking it alone. God is with you in the carpool line, in the job stress, and in the sleepless nights. That steady trust becomes your family’s foundation. Your peace invites their peace. When you rest in God’s presence, it shows—and it shapes the whole house.
B. He walks with sure direction
Knowing God is with you changes how you walk. You don’t have to guess your way through fatherhood. The Lord gives wisdom generously (James 1:5). His Spirit leads step by step. You walk with confidence, not because the path is easy, but because God is beside you.
That sense of direction brings calm into your home. You lead with a quiet assurance that God knows where this family is going. You don’t have to sprint—just walk with Him. Each step of faith creates a trail your children will want to follow.
Conclusion
Fathers, the calling is high—but so is the help. God never asked Joshua to lead alone, and He won’t leave you either.
These 3 Traits of a Godly Father (Joshua 1:6–9) remind us that strength comes from His Word, courage flows from His calling, and security rests in His presence.
You won’t get it right every time—but keep showing up, keep trusting God, and keep walking forward. Your faith leaves footprints your children will follow.
Source Material
Believer’s Bible Commentary by William MacDonald
The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur
