Sermon Central
-
Father's Day: Fathers As Priests In The Home
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jun 11, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: God designed the family as a sacred institution and placed the father at its helm, not only as a provider and protector but as a priest. The priestly role of the father is one of spiritual responsibility — to lead his home in the worship and fear of the Lord.
FATHER'S DAY: FATHERS AS PRIESTS IN THE HOME
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Job 1:5
Supporting Texts: Genesis 18:19, Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Ephesians 6:4, 1 Peter 2:9, Malachi 4:6
INTRODUCTION:
God designed the family as a sacred institution and placed the father at its helm, not only as a provider and protector but as a priest. The priestly role of the father is one of spiritual responsibility — to lead his home in the worship and fear of the Lord. He is to intercede, instruct, and inspire his household to follow after righteousness.
Sadly, many fathers have been reduced to passive figures in the home, delegating their spiritual leadership to others. Yet Scripture shows us that God holds fathers accountable for the spiritual direction of their families. A father is meant to be the first to rise in prayer, the first to teach God’s word, and the first to model a godly lifestyle.
This Father’s Day, we are reminded that true fatherhood is not just about biological ties but about spiritual covering. A father who stands as a priest will see God’s hand upon his children and peace in his home. Let us now consider how God calls every father to rise in priesthood.
1. FATHERS STAND AS SPIRITUAL COVERING OVER THEIR HOMES
a) They intercede daily for their family (Job 1:5)
Job continually offered sacrifices for his children, just in case they had sinned in their hearts.
b) They ensure God’s presence abides in the home (2 Samuel 6:11)
Where the priestly father leads in worship, the home becomes filled with divine blessing.
c) They resist spiritual attacks through prayer (Luke 22:31–32)
Like Jesus prayed for Peter, fathers must pray to preserve their family from the enemy’s schemes.
d) They serve as the spiritual authority in their house (Joshua 24:15)
A priestly father makes a declaration: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
e) Biblical Example: Job acted as the priest of his home, rising early to offer sacrifices for his children’s purification.
2. FATHERS TEACH AND TRANSMIT GODLY VALUES
a) They instruct their children in God’s ways (Deuteronomy 6:6–9)
A priestly father speaks God’s word in the home—at all times and in all situations.
b) They model the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 14:26)
Children learn to revere God when they see their father do the same.
c) They disciple their children intentionally (Ephesians 6:4)
Fathers must not provoke their children but raise them in godly discipline and instruction.
d) They lead family worship and devotions (Psalm 78:5–7)
God commands fathers to teach His laws so the next generation would put their trust in Him.
e) Biblical Example: Abraham was chosen because he would teach his children to walk in righteousness (Genesis 18:19).
3. FATHERS BLESS AND PROPHESY OVER THEIR CHILDREN
a) They speak words of destiny (Genesis 49:1–2)
Jacob blessed each of his sons prophetically, speaking over their futures with divine insight.
b) They pronounce blessings and not curses (Numbers 6:23–27)
Fathers are to speak life and peace into their children, shaping them with their words.
c) They set their children on spiritual paths (Proverbs 22:6)
A father’s prophetic direction becomes a compass for the child’s life.
d) They carry generational impact through declaration (Isaiah 59:21)
The word in a father’s mouth is meant to endure through his children and grandchildren.
e) Biblical Example: Isaac pronounced blessings on Jacob that shaped his destiny and posterity (Genesis 27:27–29).
4. FATHERS RESTORE BROKEN ALTARS IN THEIR HOMES
a) They rebuild spiritual disciplines that have been lost (1 Kings 18:30)
Like Elijah, priestly fathers repair the altar and call their families back to God.
b) They restore unity and healing in relationships (Malachi 4:6)
God’s desire is to turn the hearts of fathers to their children and vice versa.
c) They eliminate idolatry and compromise (Genesis 35:2–4)
Jacob commanded his household to put away strange gods and purify themselves before meeting with God.
d) They lead repentance and revival in the family (Joel 2:12–13)
Priestly fathers do not wait for crises—they lead their homes to seek God wholeheartedly.
e) Biblical Example: Jacob restored the altar at Bethel, renewing his family’s covenant with God (Genesis 35:1–7).
CONCLUSION:
Being a father is more than an honour; it is a holy calling. God is seeking fathers who will not only provide food and shelter but who will also lift up prayers, teach His word, bless their children, and restore worship. A priestly father secures the future of his children and ensures the favour of God remains upon the home.
Let us encourage every father today to embrace this divine role. As priests in the home, their prayers will protect, their words will direct, and their example will reflect the Fatherhood of God. May we honour fathers not only with words, but by empowering them to walk in their spiritual calling.
