Judgment Without Fear - Father’s Day 2025
A structure men can build a life on - Father’s Day 2025
Father’s Day 2025
A Structure Men Can Build A Life on
Happy Father’s Day. But today’s message isn’t just a celebration—it’s a call to action. A call for men to lead boldly and build intentionally with eternal purpose.
This isn’t just about being a good dad or checking spiritual boxes. This is about living a life that echoes in eternity—a life that Jesus will one day look at and say, “That work right there… that was built on Me.”
“Strong and godly men are built to lead. We are called to live in a way that builds the kingdom—not in our own strength, but by partnering with God in the increase of His kingdom.”
God inaugurated His kingdom through Jesus, and we’re invited to build on that foundation. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3, we are “God’s fellow workers.” That means we’re not just surviving or grinding—we’re co-laboring with the Creator of the universe.
You Are God's Fellow Worker
In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul says something profound:
“We are God’s fellow workers... you are God’s building.”
We don’t work for God—we work with Him. You’re not a bystander. You’re not a victim of God’s mysterious plan. You’re His partner. A co-laborer. A joint heir with Christ. And how you build matters.
“You're working with God. You're not working for Him. You're a co-laborer, not a victim of some divine mystery.”
Paul warns us to be careful how we build. Because what you build will be tested by fire. And while your salvation is secure, your work can either burn up or be rewarded.
“You yourself will be saved, but your work might burn. Or it might remain. If it remains, you will receive a reward.”
The Judgment Seat Without Fear
Let’s clear something up: there is no fear in this.
“There is no fear in love. Perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment” (1 John 4:18).
You are not building in fear. You’re building in love, because you know who your Father is. You're not working to earn God's love—you already have it. You’re not striving for salvation—you’re working from salvation. The work you do now, as a man of God, has the power to be rewarded for eternity.
“As He is, so are we in this world. That’s your confidence. That’s your footing. You’re not working to earn anything—you’re working because you’ve already been made righteous.”
So this judgment isn’t about whether or not you get into heaven. It’s not about shame. It’s about eternal impact.
The Two Questions That Change Everything
Here are two questions every man should ask himself consistently:
How will I lead?
What am I building that will pass through the fire?
“Men need a structure, not just more noise. Not another set of rules, but something clear and solid. A framework for how to evaluate your life.”
And God gave me a structure I believe we can all use.
Building with Eternity in Mind
Let’s get this straight: your salvation is secure. You are righteous by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. You’re not working to be saved—you’re working from your salvation.
“Remember, as He is, so are you in this world. You can have confidence in the day of judgment because God is love, and you are in Him.”
But the reality is: there will be a judgment. Every believer will stand before the judgment seat of Christ—not to be condemned, but to have our works evaluated.
“The things you do—how you lead your family, how you treat your neighbor, what you build with your hands—it’s all going to pass through fire. And what remains will be rewarded. Not an award for being a good person. A reward. Payment. Recognition. From Jesus.”
Paul put it like this:
“Each one’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each one’s work. If anyone’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward” (1 Corinthians 3:13-14).
And this isn’t about fear. It’s about purpose.
“There is no fear in love. Perfect love casts out fear. The one who fears is not mature in love. If you’re afraid of God’s judgment, you’re not yet convinced of His love.”
So let that love mature in you—and then build with confidence.
What Are You Building?
Every man is building something. A life. A family. A business. A ministry. A reputation.
“You want a project? Look in the mirror. You are your greatest project.”
But the question isn’t just what you’re building—it’s why and how.
“You can be a trillionaire, and if you’ve built it on the foundation of Christ with a heart to glorify Him and love people—then that’s a glorious thing. But if you’re just grinding for your own kingdom? That might burn.”
So ask yourself:
What am I building?
Am I proud of it?
Will it pass through the fire?
Men Need a Structure
The Lord gave a simple structure to help men evaluate life, leadership, and purpose. It’s not a formula. It’s a framework. A reminder. A way to check your direction.
“I’m not handing you a plan. I’m handing you a structure so you can make your own plan.”
This framework has two foundational pillars:
Lead with purpose
Build for eternity
And it applies across four areas:
Lead yourself
Lead your family
Lead in the body of Christ
Lead in your community
Let’s break those down.
1. Lead Yourself Well
“If you’re not feeding on the Word of God, you’re on a path to destruction.”
Leading yourself starts with spiritual discipline. Feed on the Word. Train your mind. Keep your body fit. Practice obedience—even when you don’t feel like it.
“You don’t do what you don’t feel like doing. But guess who has control over how you feel? You do.”
Being disciplined in your body teaches you how to be disciplined in your faith.
“Generosity is a discipline. Fitness is a discipline. These things teach your heart to trust God.”
2. Lead Your Family
“I’m committed to my children’s success. Not to do it all for them. But to support, guide, and challenge them. I might be the best friend they ever have.”
Love your spouse well. Serve her. Encourage her. Speak life over her.
“You sow love, you reap intimacy. Love goes first.”
And with your kids—don’t just provide. Invest. Speak the truth, even when it's hard. Create an inheritance—not just financially, but spiritually.
“Everything I do is filtered through the question: How will this impact my family?”
3. Lead in the Body of Christ
“Do you know where you’re called to serve in the body? Have you ever sat down with the Holy Spirit and had a planning meeting?”
Every believer has a place in the body. It may not be on a stage, but it’s essential.
“What fruit do you want to bear in the next 12 months? That’s your assignment.”
This isn’t just church busywork. This is eternal work. This is about helping others experience Christ through your gifts, words, and actions.
4. Lead in the Community
“When I look at Mike and how he’s used his voice in politics and culture, I don’t see a politician—I see a prophet to a nation.”
Some of you are called to public leadership. Some to business. Some to culture. But all of us are called to represent Christ boldly wherever we are.
“Live like you're a light in your job. In your neighborhood. In your city.”
We don’t retreat from culture—we engage it with strength and truth.
“Morality drives governance. I get my morality from the Word of God. That’s why I believe what I believe.”
Rewards Are Real
You will stand before Jesus. You will be rewarded or not. But never from a place of fear—only love.
“Don’t live with the mindset of ‘God’s watching…’ like a suspicious father. Live knowing you’re a joint heir, accepted, seated with Christ, and co-laboring with Him.”
Your life matters. Your work matters. Even the unseen things matter.
“It might not be your platform that gets rewarded. It might be the prayer you whispered for the guy at the quickie lube.”
Eternity Starts Now
“I want to be rewarded by Christ. Not because I’m insecure. But because I know I’ve built something with Him that reflects His goodness.”
It’s okay to want reward. It’s okay to want your life to matter. In fact—it’s biblical.
“Every moment matters. Even the secret ones. Maybe especially the secret ones. The things no one sees… Jesus sees.”
So don’t waste another day building something that won’t last.
Final Thoughts
“You’re collaborating with your Maker. You’re not just living—you're building something that Jesus will reward.”
This Father’s Day, rise up—not just as a dad, but as a kingdom man. One who leads well. Builds with purpose. And lives from the foundation of Christ.
How will you lead? And what are you building that will pass through the fire?
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