A Sermon on Responsible Fatherhood
ABOUT THE SERMON
Sermon From :
Pst Josh Sola Adeniyi
date & time :
21st June 2026
GET IN TOUCH. WE ARE GLAD TO HEAR FROM YOU.
SERMON NOTES
Bible Text: 2 Kings 4:19–35
Focus: Accepting responsibility and remaining present during family challenges
In this Father’s Day sermon, the words “Carry him to his mother” become a searching challenge to fathers and future fathers.
When the Shunammite woman’s son became seriously ill, the child cried out to his father. Instead of becoming personally involved, the father instructed a servant to carry the child to his mother.
This message calls fathers to reject passivity, accept their God-given responsibilities and remain present when their families face difficult situations.
Watch the Sermon
Sermon Key Moments
Sermon Summary
The sermon begins with a direct challenge to fathers through the words, “Carry him to the mother.” Although mothers carry significant responsibilities within the home, fathers must not withdraw whenever a difficult family situation arises.
In 2 Kings 4:19–35, the Shunammite woman’s son cried to his father, saying, “My head, my head.” The father responded by instructing a servant to carry the child to his mother. The child remained on his mother’s knees until noon and eventually died.
The mother was left to fight the battle. She carried the child, placed him on the prophet’s bed and sought divine intervention. The father’s response becomes a warning against passive fatherhood and the habit of transferring difficult responsibilities to mothers.
The message does not diminish the importance or contribution of mothers. Instead, it urges fathers to become actively involved before asking others to take over. Fathers should examine the situation, suggest possible solutions, seek help and do everything within their ability to support their families.
Father’s Day should therefore be more than receiving gifts, eating, celebrating and being recognised. It should remind every father that God has placed him in a position of responsibility within the family.
Scripture teaches fathers to bring up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord rather than provoking them to anger. This responsibility is clearly expressed in Ephesians 6:4.
Fathers are called to provide spiritual, emotional and practical leadership. They should not only identify with their children when they succeed; they must also stand with them when challenges arise.
The sermon concludes by encouraging fathers to shoulder their responsibilities while working in partnership with their wives. Partnership is important, but it must not become an excuse for abandoning responsibility.
Key Lessons
Fathers Must Stand at the Forefront During Difficult Times — 07:05
When situations become difficult, fathers must not immediately withdraw or transfer the problem to someone else. They are called to become actively involved and help lead the family through the challenge.
Joshua’s declaration, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” demonstrates the responsibility of spiritual leadership within the home. See Joshua 24:15.
A Child’s Cry Requires More Than a Distant Response — 08:23
The child cried, “My head, my head,” but his father responded from a distance. Responsible fatherhood requires attention, compassion and a willingness to understand what the child is experiencing.
Fathers are called to show compassion towards their children, just as the Lord shows compassion towards those who fear Him. See Psalm 103:13.
Mothers Should Not Be Left to Carry Every Burden Alone — 09:21
The Shunammite woman carried the sick child until he died and then sought the man of God. The entire burden fell upon her because the father had withdrawn from the situation.
The message honours mothers while challenging fathers to ensure that mothers are not left to confront every family crisis alone.
Marriage is designed as a partnership in which two people support one another. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 teaches that two are better than one because one can lift the other when they fall.
Fathers Are Priests Within Their Families — 12:40
Fatherhood is more than a biological title or a reason for annual celebration. Fathers have a spiritual responsibility to pray, lead, protect, guide and serve their households.
Father’s Day should remind men of the responsibility God has entrusted to them.
Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers to raise their children in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Reject the Attitude of Passive Fatherhood — 13:30
Fathers who have developed the habit of transferring difficult responsibilities must deliberately change.
The words “carry him to the mother” represent an attitude in which a father distances himself from situations that require his involvement. The sermon calls fathers and future fathers to reject this mindset.
Scripture warns that failing to care for one’s household is a serious neglect of faith. See 1 Timothy 5:8.
Responsibility Comes Before Delegation — 15:08
Before passing a matter to someone else, a father should ask:
What can I do?
What solution can I suggest?
What effort can I make?
Who can I contact for help?
How can I support my family through this situation?
There may be times when another person’s help is needed, but the father should not withdraw without first taking responsibility.
Proverbs 22:6 reminds parents of their responsibility to train and guide their children in the way they should go.
Be Present in Difficulty, Not Only in Victory — 17:17
Fathers should not only identify themselves with their children when the children are successful.
The same father who celebrates a child’s victory must also remain present when that child is struggling, sick, discouraged or facing failure.
Romans 12:15 calls believers to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.
Family Challenges Are Part of Life — 17:57
Living on earth means that families will sometimes face sickness, disappointment, financial pressure and other difficulties.
These challenges should not cause fathers to run away from their responsibilities. Instead, they should become opportunities for fathers to demonstrate love, faith, courage and leadership.
Jesus acknowledged that difficulties would arise but encouraged believers to remain courageous. See John 16:33.
Children Are Entrusted to Parents by God — 18:42
Children are gifts from God, and parents have been entrusted with their care.
Psalm 127:3 declares that children are a heritage from the Lord and the fruit of the womb is His reward.
Fathers must therefore approach their responsibilities faithfully, trusting that the God who gave them their families will also provide the wisdom, strength and resources required to care for them.
Marriage Requires Partnership, Not Abandonment — 20:17
Fathers are not expected to know everything or solve every problem alone. When they reach the limits of their knowledge or ability, husbands and wives should work together.
The correct response is to put their heads together—not for one person to transfer the entire burden to the other.
Genesis 2:18 shows that God designed marriage so that husband and wife would support and complement one another.
Prayer Points
Father, thank You for the families and children You have entrusted to us.
Psalm 127:3Lord, help every father to become a father indeed.
Father, remove every spirit of passivity and irresponsibility from our lives.
Lord, give fathers wisdom to respond properly when their families face difficulties.
James 1:5Father, help us not to transfer the responsibilities You have given us to others.
Lord, give every father the grace to provide spiritual, emotional and practical leadership.
Ephesians 6:4Father, strengthen husbands and wives to work together in love and unity.
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10Lord, help fathers to remain present during both victories and difficult seasons.
Father, provide everything required for parents to care faithfully for their children.
Philippians 4:19Lord, give every father wisdom, courage, compassion and understanding.
Father, help future fathers to prepare themselves for the responsibilities ahead.
Lord, make every man a faithful priest, leader and servant within his household.
Joshua 24:15
Closing Declaration
May the Lord strengthen every father to fulfil his God-given responsibilities.
May He provide the wisdom, courage, resources and grace required to care for every family. When challenges arise, fathers will not withdraw or transfer the burden, but will stand faithfully with their wives and children.
Every father will become a father indeed, and every home will experience the help, provision and guidance of God, in Jesus’ name.
