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1. Like Joseph – They Trust and Obey God’s Direction (Matt. 1:18-25; 2:13-23)
   • Joseph trusted everything God said—even when it was difficult (Matt. 1:18-25)
   • Joseph acted immediately when God spoke (Matt. 2:13-14, 20-21)
   • Godly fathers humble themselves before God and obey His will and not their own (Jas. 4:6-10)
2. Like Joseph – They Raise Their Children to Grow in the Lord (Luke 2:40-52)
   • Godly fathers live according to God’s law themselves (Luke 2:39)
   • They prioritize church services (Luke 2:41-42)
   • They train their children to serve the Lord, fulfilling God’s purpose (Luke 2:49)
   • They teach their children the importance of growing in favor with God (Luke 2:52)
3. Like Judean Fathers – They Bring Their Children to Jesus (Matt. 19:13-15)
   • Judean children were brought for a blessing and prayer (Matt. 19:13; Mark 10:16)
   • Godly fathers prioritize their children’s relationship with Jesus above everything else (Jas. 4:4; 2:23)
   • Godly fathers let their children know/see their first allegiance is to Jesus (Col. 1:18)
4. Like Zacharias – They Seek to Raise Strong Leaders (Luke 1:66-80)
   • Godly fathers do not wish and hope for good results, but they are intentional
   • Godly fathers purposefully focus on future service in the kingdom (Luke 1:76-79)
   • They intentionally aim their “arrows” (Psa. 127:4) toward God’s purpose—dedicated and eager work in the church for His glory (1 Cor. 15:58; Eph. 3:21)
5. Like Jairus – They Plead with Jesus to Save Their Children (Mark 5:21-23)
   • A Galilean father pleaded with Jesus to remove evil from his son (Matt. 17:14-18)
   • A royal official begged Jesus to heal his son (John 4:46-54)
   • Jairus humbly implored Jesus to save his daughter from death (Mark 5:21-23)
   • A godly father’s greatest desire is for his children to walk in the truth and be saved eternally (3 John 4; Job 1:5)
6. Are You Walking with Jesus?
   • Believe Jesus is the Son of God – John 1:12
   • Repent of your sins and turn toward God – Luke 13:3
   • Confess your faith in Jesus Christ – Romans 10:9
   • Put on Christ in baptism – Galatians 3:27
     1. God will forgive all of your sins – Acts 2:38
     2. God will add you to His church – Acts 2:47
     3. God will enroll you in heaven – Hebrews 12:23
   • Walk faithfully with the Lord – 1 John 1:7