What Makes a Godly Father? 5 Lessons from 1 Peter 2

The short answer: A godly father is a man who first submits himself to God, then leads his family through faithful service, wise decisions, endurance, prayer, and dependence on Christ. Biblical fatherhood is not primarily about control or recognition; it is about reflecting God’s character through humble, consistent obedience..

This article is adapted from the sermon, Living Under Authority, preached by Dr. Rob Wilton at Southbridge Fellowship on Sunday, June 21, 2026. 

1. Not the authority you hold

We celebrate fathers who provide, protect, teach, and lead, and those things matter. But Peter locates a father's strength elsewhere. It is not in how much authority he possesses, but in how faithfully he lives under the authority of God. That principle runs through the whole passage, which we walk verse by verse in what it means to live under authority.

2. Lead by submitting first (1 Peter 2:13-15)

True leadership begins with submission. A godly father goes upward to God before he reacts outward to his family or his boss. (1 Peter 2:13-15) When a quick temper rises, the first move is to take it to God, let Him touch the heart, and then lead.

3. Fear God in Every Decision (1 Peter 2:17)

A godly father teaches his family that God makes the decisions, not him. Whether facing a career change or guiding a child through a major choice, reverence for God shapes every decision. (1 Peter 2:17).

4. Endure for an audience of one (1 peter 2:20)

"If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God." (1 Peter 2:20). Faithful fathers endure hardship quietly, with unseen sacrifice that God sees. Faithfulness is measured by obedience, not applause, even when you are the only man at work lifting high the name of Jesus.

5. The good news for tired dads (1 peter 2:21-25)

To every dad who feels he cannot do it, take a breath. The gospel is in the business of doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Christ bore our sins so that we might live for righteousness. (1 Peter 2:24). The gospel is not "you can." It is "Jesus did, and because He did, now you can."

a first step worth taking

One of the most powerful things a father can do is lead his family in prayer, perhaps for the first time. It is where the real action is.

Southbridge has a whole team ready to walk alongside your family through Bridge Kids and Family Ministry.

Watch and Keep Reading

Watch or listen to the full sermon, Living Under Authority, preached by Dr. Rob Wilton at Southbridge Fellowship on Sunday, June 21, 2026. 

Looking for a church community in Raleigh?
Southbridge Fellowship is a non-denominational church in North Raleigh that gathers every Sunday for genuine community, engaging worship, and biblical + practical teaching that connects to real life.

We are located at 12621 Strickland Rd., Raleigh, NC 27613. Plan your visit: