God in Sandals: Fatherhood

God in Sandals - Fatherhood
by John Burke, June 17, 2007

Today was Father’s Day – and appropriately, “Fatherhood” was John’s theme. Naturally, it’s the right time to say “Congratulations” to the fathers our there, and also to acknowledge how important the role of “Father” is, and how hard it is to be a father in today’s world. Of course, not all of us are (or ever will be) fathers – but we all had an earthly father. We also all have a heavenly Father. Since this is something we all share, this Second Helping will focus on the parallels between our two “Fathers”. (Note, even though you may not have had any personal experience with your biological father, you may have had the “father” role played my one or more others in your life – and if so, make that person/people the focus in these discussions).

As context for this discussion, let’s very briefly review some of John’s points from the message. John noted that God wants to be a “Father” to us in very real ways. He also pointed out that while God is an ideal model of Fatherhood, in our minds we often draw the line in the other direction: our initial understanding of God is based on our own experience with our earthly father. As a result, we can have a hard time seeing aspects of God as Father that we did not see in our own fathers. John noted different ways that God is a Father to us. Our discussion will ask you to look for links or gaps between your father(s) here and God as your father. (For groups, a lot of this discussion will be in pairs, with the general discussion at the end. So if you are in a group, pair off before you start).

1. As John noted, a key father role is Provider. When we think about a father as a “Provider” we tend to think about material needs. What were the critical material needs that your own father provided for you? Was there any necessity that was not provided? What about “extras” – did you get “good” gifts too? Take some time to share with each other about your perceptions of your father as a “Provider”. Now, think about God: What sort of Provider has God been for you? Think for a minute about whether you see any relationship between your view of your father and your view of God as Provider, and share those thoughts. (10 minutes)

2. Another role of a father is to give us a sense of personal value and worth – often by taking an interest is us as individuals, making sacrifices for us, or by reinforcing our importance in their lives. Can you think of a key example of how your father did (or didn’t) give you a sense of value? Share your ideas with your discussion partner. What about God? Clearly God made the ultimate sacrifice for us: He died for us. But, has God shown you your importance in other ways – maybe in the same way or areas as your father here? If you see any parallels – share this with your discussion partner. (10 minutes)

3. As John pointed out, fathers are also Protectors, and their protection can come in direct ways, but also in preparing us to protect and take care of ourselves. Was there a way that you can identify that your father gave you protection in either of these ways? Do you see any relationship between this protection and any way that God has protected you – maybe from yourself and your own choices… or maybe making you prepared for something that was coming up in your life? Share any observations/experiences you have on this. (10 minutes)

4. As John said – as we mature, our fathers will often become a friend to us. Take a minute to think of what your good friends are like. Write down or mentally list some things that describe a “friend”. Now, can you identify a way your father has been like a friend to you? Share this with your discussion partner. Now, take a look at your relationship with God. Are there any ways that God is like a friend to you? Discuss this with your partner. (10 minutes)

5. Now that you’ve had a chance to think about and discuss the similarities and differences in our different “Fathers”, it’s time for some group discussion. But before you do: think about your observations and discussions so far: Do you see any patterns? For example, does your relationship with God seem to have the same features as your relationship with your father here on earth? Do you see the same gaps or the same strengths? If so, note these – or any other observations. Now, in the group, discuss your thoughts about these relationships. Also discuss any other personal insights or questions that arise about God’s role as Father. (15 minutes)

6. Since a father-child relationship is so personal, it is likely that there are some deep issues that come out of a discussion like this. Take some time at the end to think and pray individually about the discussion overall, and your own insights. Have you heard God talking to you about anything you need to do – perhaps as a father yourself, or perhaps to talk to your own father about? Do you have any insights you don’t want to lose? Some wounds that seem fresh that you should talk about with someone? Some characteristics of a Father relationship with God that you have never experienced and want to know more. Write down what you are thinking or hearing from God and note any steps you need to take. Also write down a time in the next week when you will review or begin the next steps. (5 minutes)


Bible verses from today’s message:

And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.
Matthew 23:9

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God.
Psalm 68:5

How gladly would I treat you like children and give you a desirable land…I thought you would call me 'Father' and not turn away from following me.
Jeremiah 3:19

Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Matthew 6:8

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Matthew 7:11

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Matthew 6:26

Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?
Matthew 26:53

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one.
John 10:28-30

When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.
John 15:26

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
John 15:1-2

Anyone who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them…Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them…I no longer call you servants, because servants do not know their master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you.
John 14:21-23, 15:15-16

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Luke 12:32

This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…"
Matthew 6:9

Related Next-Step Resources:

• The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancy (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Jesus the One and Only by Beth Moore (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Experiencing the Heart of Jesus by Max Lucado (available at Gateway Bookstore)
  

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