Following The Father's Footsteps

Following in the Father’s footsteps

INTRODUCTION

There once was a young Prince. He was the eldest son of the King, and the heir of the throne. This young Prince knew that one day he would take over the kingdom, he would rule the land. He wanted to do the best job that he could, he wanted to show the people that he was like his well loved father and that one day he would rule with respect and honor to his people.

To accomplish this the Prince would follow his father around. He would watch him as he addressed his people, how he related to those under him. He wanted to know how to conduct meetings, how to make speeches and how to be the best example for the people who watched him. The prince wanted to be just like his father, because he was a good and fair ruler. He knew that if he watched him, that if he learned everything that he did then he one day would be a great example to his people.

Just like the Prince we must follow God so we can be like Him.

Point 1 – When we follow the Heavenly Father we will learn His ways

Mark 1:16-20

16As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18At once they left their nets and followed him.

19When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Ill. #1 – I am my father’s Daughter

I followed my dad around all the time. If I could go to meetings with him I would. When he would arrive home from business trips I had to know everything. I was a part of my church plant in every way possible. I would go and help set up, do sound, run power point, play and sing on the worship team, run jr. church and nursery and lead youth group. I did all of this because I wanted to be just like my dad, and to spend time with him. No matter what he did, inside and outside of the church I had to be a part of it. We worked on cars together, we went for drives and designed church buildings and dreamed huge together. Some parents want to live vicariously through their children; I always wanted to live vicariously through my dad’s life. To do all of the things he did growing up. I wanted to be just like my daddy.

So the first step in Following in our Father’s Footsteps is to take the step towards Him, to drop our old lives and to follow in His life. Just as the disciples left their nets behind and followed Jesus, we must be able to leave our pasts and start the journey. By doing this we will learn everything that there is in how we should live in God’s eyes.

Point 2 – When we follow the Father we will do His ways

Acts 3:1-8

1One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

6Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

Ill. #2 I became my father’s protégé

Then it happened. I was allowed to preach in my church. My biggest dream was coming true. My father’s preaching is my utmost favorite. And I wanted to measure up to a man who had been preaching for 25 years. This was terrifying, and exhilarating all at the same time. My first sermon was a little over fifteen minutes long, or at least it was when I practiced it. I sped through that sermon in eleven minutes flat. I was so disappointed in myself. But with time and practice I preached again and this time it was a twenty minute sermon After the service people were coming up to me and telling me that the apple does not fall far from the tree, and that I preach just like my father. This was the biggest complement I have ever received.