A Caring Community With a Global Vision to develop every person into a fully devoted follower of Christ
 
June 15, 2003
Rev. Rurel Ausley

The Role of the Father
Matthew 7:9-11; Eph.5:20-6:4


1. Can you relate some instance in your life when you wanted to be just like your father? What are some of the ways that children want to be like their fathers? How important do you think it is for fathers to be a good role model? A Christian? Our society today seems to put down fatherhood (TV, etc.); how might we be reaping the results of discounting the role of fatherhood in our society? What are some ways that fathers might be more effective parents?

 

2. In what ways do you want your children to “wear your shoes” and follow your example? What things do you hope they don’t follow? What can you do about that now? When your children are grown and gone, what things will make you the proudest of them? In other words, what should a father be modeling now??

 

3. First, discuss how the role of the father is to connect with God. (Eph. 5:20-6:4) What does it mean to be the spiritual leader of the home? How do children get their ideas about God from their father? If this is so, what ideas about God are you giving your children?? In what ways can we use our imperfections and failures to teach our children about God? What will be the impact upon our children if the father is not a Christian? Are you a Christian? What would your family say?

 

4. Secondly, discuss how the role of the father is to connect with his family. (Eph. 5:20-6:4) Why do you think Paul would take up family relationships in the context of “being filled with the Spirit”? Why would you think that living out the Christian life in the home would be the most important place in life? What does being filled with the Spirit do to help us be better husbands, wives, and children? Are you filled with the Spirit (Eph.5:18), and is it showing in your home life? With your children? With your spouse? Why is it not enough just to be the “breadwinner”? In what ways do can fathers nurture too? Discuss some practical ways that fathers can connect with their children.

 

5. In what ways should fathers instruct their children? How do fathers instruct by words? By example? What do children learn about God from their father? How important then is it that fathers set the example of godliness in the family? (Deut. 4:9-10; Gen.18:19)

 


6. What does it mean for fathers to love their children? Every father would say they love their children. But what should that mean practically? If a father is too busy to spend time with his children, what does that communicate? If a father demonstrates no compassion for his child’s hurts, what does that communicate? If a father is more concerned about his work and wealth, what does that communicate? Does your child know that you love him/her? How do you express affection to your child? (Rom.12:10 6)

 

7. Thirdly, discuss the role of the father to connect with his church. What difference does it make in the family when the father takes a leadership role in the church? What difference does it make for a child to encounter a father teaching Sunday School? Why are males dropping out of the church? What can be done to bring fathers into the church? How would this impact his family?