The Importance of Fathers
Fathering is the hardest job on earth. The Bible is clear by the use of the word “father” to describe God – that the father is in some measure to be a human, earthly reflection of God Himself.
Click here to watch the sermon with ASL interpretation.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing about this message that you found particularly compelling, encouraging, challenging, or beneficial?
- What are three words you would use to describe your relationship with your father?
- How has your relationship with your earthly father impacted how you relate to your Heavenly Father?
- In what ways does our culture “sit at the feet of the enemy” when it comes to the importance of fathers?
- Read and discuss Genesis 1:27-28. Consider that God created fathers. Why is this significant? What are the results of stepping away from God’s design?
- Read and discuss Psalm 103:13 and 68:5. Consider that God created fathers to be a reflection of Him. What does this mean? How do dads uniquely reflect God? How have you observed or experienced this?
- Read and discuss Matthew 7:9-11 and Ephesians 6:4. Consider how human fathers are an imperfect reflection of our Heavenly Father. Why is it important for earthly fathers to own their imperfection?
- Consider Pastor Jim’s practical takeaways for fathers: Be authentic (Deuteronomy 6:6-9), be a daddy (Romans 8:15) and leave the results to God (Proverbs 22:6). If you are a father, how can you implement and grow in each of these? How are you working to skillfully launch your children into the world for the purposes of God? If you are not a father, how can you encourage those around you who are (or will be) in each of these?