Connect

Main Idea:  God is our Heavenly Father, and earthly fathers are critical.

Introduction:  This week Pastor Chris preached about fatherhood and 5 building blocks that fathers and spiritual fathers can use to build up the children in their home or their spiritual children.

Discussion Starter: What is your favorite memory you have of your father or of someone who has been a spiritual father to you? 

Grow

Primary Scriptures:  2 Timothy 1:7, 1 Timothy 5:8, Philippians 3:12-14, Ephesians 2:10, 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Discussion Questions:

1. Teach your children to conquer fears. Read 2 Timothy 1:7. How can fathers teach children to conquer fears with faith? Were you taught as a child to trust God and turn to Him with your fears? How has God been faithful to you when you faced fear?
2. Provide for your family. Read 1 Timothy 5:8. Fathers provide for their families. How is your Heavenly Father providing for you, and how are you caring for your family through God’s provision?
3. Compete for the prize. Read Philippians 3:12-14. Paul taught Timothy to continue pressing on towards the goal of eternity with God. How can fathers point their children towards an eternal goal? How do we keep our focus on eternity?
4. Help your children discover their identity in Christ. Read Ephesians 2:10. This is a great verse to memorize! Do you have a plan to teach your children (or spiritual children) about who God is and who they are? If you do, share what resources and routines have been helpful. If you don’t, get started this week: plan to start reading God’s word together. The Gospel of Luke is a great place to start.
5. Leave a legacy. Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17. In “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” Steven Covey writes that we should “Begin with the end in mind.” In other words, see the end goal, and make a plan at the beginning for how to reach it. How can we apply this concept to how and what fathers should teach their children about God?

Protect

Suggestion:  Break into small groups of 2 or 3 for this section.

Read 2 Corinthians 6:16-18. Father’s Day is a day of celebration, but it may also be a difficult day for those who grew up without fathers or without godly fathers and for those whose fathers have died. Take some time to pray for those experiencing grief on this Father’s Day. Find hope in God as our Heavenly Father who will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).