Scripture Reference: John 14:9-11
Teaching Pastor: Matt Zaine and Nate Moody
Title: Fatherhood
BIG IDEA: Calling God our “Father” has power because it means we have real relationship with the Creator of the Universe and Rescuer of our souls. The key to our fathering is in abiding with our Heavenly Father and with our children as we father them.
Discussion Questions:
“The nature of impending fatherhood is that you are doing something that you’re unqualified to do, and then you become qualified while doing it.” –John Green (author)
When one becomes a father, no one hands you an owner’s manual or step-by-step how-to of fatherhood. We bring all of our past experiences, wisdom and knowledge and are thrust into the job. We often teach our kids how to live, in the way we live our lives more than in the words we say.
This week, Pastor Matt Zainea and guest pastor Rev. Nate Moody of Brown-Hutcherson Ministries discussed the topic of fatherhood – how our past impacts us, how our dads’ example sets the stage, and the power of God as he invites us to receive him as our heavenly Father that can break strongholds and set new paths forward.
- If you were to write a “beginner’s manual” for new dad’s, what are the top 3 things you’d make sure were in it?
- Why do you think God chose to reveal himself to us in Scripture, versus an “owner’s manual”?
“More life is often caught than taught,” is a common expression for parents, especially dads in our culture. The idea is that our kids watch our behavior and often will do as we do, more readily than doing as we say.
- Share an example of this truth
- If you’re a parent: How do you feel like you are doing with this?
- If you’re not a parent: How did you experience this yourself in your own life (from your parents)?
- Read Prov. 22:6… How does the statement above connect with this Proverb?
“Abiding is the key to Fatherhood. How we use our Time, Presence, Authenticity, Obedience and Faithfulness to connect with our kids will directly impact them and will be affected by both our fear and our pride.” – Pastor Matt
- As a parent, how are you living out these out?
- As a person, how are you experiencing this with your heavenly Father?
Rev. Nate Moody (Brown-Hutcherson Ministries), share his story of how a lack of a father impacted him. He shared the challenges that came as a 15 year old where he – for the first time – met his biological father, his paternal grandmother, and was invited into a father-figure relationship with his pastor. All of this shaped him into the man he was to be and had become.
Matthew 11:27 – Rev. Nate’s summary: We know our heavenly Father because of what he reveals to us in his son, Jesus. We need to go to him to reveal our true Spiritual Father.
- Nate encouraged us to consider what it means for us to receive God as our Heavenly Father. What kind of impact does this have your life? How do you feel about the relationship with God as a Father?
“We all carry with us, parts of our dads into our life and we need the heavenly Father to help us.”
- What do you think Nate meant by this?
- What parts of your earthly father do you carry with you – good and bad?
- How do you think God wants to help you with this?
- Read Matt. 7:7-11, How do you think knowing this truth is helpful to your life?
Luke 11:1-2 – Rev. Nate’s Summary: The word ‘Father’ is powerful because it means relationship. When we allow God to be our heavenly Father, it has power to revolutionize our lives.
- How do you think accepting God as your heavenly Father changes your life?
- What impact could a renewed sense of his Fatherhood have on you today?
John 10:30 – Rev. Nate’s Summary: Me and the Father are one. Jesus had the same goals as his Father. He had the same mindset. He acted, spoke and thought like his heavenly dad.
- How much do your goals for your life line up with God’s?
- How much do you think as the Father thinks?
- How can you know these things? To who or what can you turn to inform you on how to live a God-centered life?
CHALLENGES
- For everyone: How are you doing when it comes to “abiding” with your Heavenly Father?
- Take time to assess your private bible-reading and study, prayer and meditation, and other devotional aspects of your life. Are you caring for your relationship with your Father that gives him space to speak to you?
- For parents: This week consider how you are Abiding with your kids. Ask them the following questions:
- “What do you feel like I spend too much time doing? Not enough time on?”
- “When we are together, do you feel like I’m ‘with you’ or distracted?”
- “What are my favorite…?” fill in the blank – do your kid(s) really know you?
- Ask your spouse:
- Same questions as above
- “How am I doing with being obedient to my call as a parent?”
- “Do you feel like I’m being faithful in my relationship with our kids?”
- For all:
- Take time this week to encourage a father you know. Share with them how you see God’s work in their life. Tell them an example of how you’ve seen them being a good dad. Encourage them to continue on and to seek the Lord in all they do.
