Session 14 Study Questions - Man as Father

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." Luke 15:20

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4

1. Just as men have lost much of their traditional role as husbands in modern society, they have lost their role as fathers. Write down some examples where men no longer serve in traditional "fathering" roles, compared to the past.
2. Some suggest that children in today's society have "outdistanced" their fathers. What do you think they mean by this statement? Do you believe this to be true? If so, can you give some examples?
3. The evangelical church has made great efforts to counteract the trend which strips men of their role as husbands and fathers. Give some examples of how the church is attempting to foster their men to be godly fathers.
4. Yet the church falls short at times of the goal of encouraging men to be good, godly fathers. Can you give some examples where the church falls short?
5. The Father in the parable of the prodigal son is often the third most discussed character (after the prodigal son and the elder son). Do you agree? If so, why might this be the case?
6. Pick out some characteristics of the father in the parable of the prodigal son which emphasize that this father is an example for all fathers to follow.
7. If you must choose one characteristic of a Christian father which would be a foundation for godly fatherhood, what would that characteristic be?
8. If our congregation could institute some new activities to facilitate godly fathering, what might be some of those activities?