Real Men, Follow Him - Father's Day 2026

Title: Real Men, Follow Him                       Text: Luke 9:23-25 Opening (Problem, Facts, Hypothesis)The “solution” to many of our problems within this shattered world, in which we all share, sits in this room RIGHT NOW!What if we took the call of Jesus to “Follow Him (Daily)” seriously in every detail of our lives? Then we would be the spark of change this world needs, based on the most basic and fundamental call of discipleship from Jesus (Follow Him).  Three Marks of a Man Who Follows Jesus1. Let God Be Your Direction (v23)"If anyone wants to come after Me..." 2. Pick Up Your Cross Daily (v23-24)"...deny himself, take up his cross daily..." Sin says, "My will be done." Discipleship says, "Your will be done." The first sin in Eden was humanity attempting to occupy God's throne (Genesis 3:1-7). The first step of discipleship is climbing off that throne.3.    Be a Dad Worth Celebrating (v25)"...what good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose themselves?"The Context Provides The Prescription (Revisit, THEN, Luke 9:22)Jesus doesn’t ask us to do anything He hasn’t already done Himself. He lived in the same way and same temptations of this life in the incarnation, and yet He was without sin.The Christian life is not merely admiration of Jesus. It is participation in the pattern of Jesus.Cross before crown. Death before resurrection. Surrender before glory. ChallengeToday we are giving every man three gifts. Each gift represents a challenge.First, a Compass. – Let God be your direction.-       Stop following the crowd.-       Stop following culture.-       Follow Jesus.Second, a Cross. – Pick up your cross daily.-       Choose surrender over selfishness.-       Choose obedience over convenience.-       Choose Christ every day.Third, a Trophy. – Be a dad worth celebrating.Not because you are perfect. Because you consistently point your family toward Jesus.