Begin by reading Psalm 103:13 and Luke 11:13. Family is from God. It is
part of His plan. Read Colossians 3:18-21. Why do you think God made families? Are family relationships and our relationship with God similar? Why or why not? Discuss.
Just like our relationship with God, a father disciplines, trains and has compassion on his children. Read Deuteronomy 11:19, Proverbs 3:11-12 and Ephesians 6:4. What benefit do you see in disciplining a child AND having compassion on them? Explain. How is this similar to how God responds with us? Discuss.
Jon made it very clear, home, NOT THE CHURCH, should be the primary place children are learning scriptural truth. He said children spend over 80% of their free time at home and 1% at church. It is the parents who should be teaching their children scripture. It’s like show and tell. SHOW your children by your example what you are teaching them and talk about it often. In what ways are you teaching those around you? Are you all talk, or do you live what you teach?
A father finds joy in his children. Read Zephaniah 3:17. Name a time when God showed His love for you. How did you respond? Whether you have a good relationship with your earthly father or not, God is our perfect HEAVENLY Father who delights in, and loves you. Read Luke 11:13. A father provides for his children. List two times when God showed up and provided for you.
A father protects his children. Read Proverbs 18:10. In what ways do you see God protecting you? Explain, then read Romans 8:15. The presence of a father is life changing. What are a few ways you have seen how children are different when they don’t have a father around verses some that do? Explain what it’d be like if we didn’t have OUR Heavenly Father!
Read 1 Peter 1:3-4. Do you think of Heaven often? Why or why not? The enemy always tries to end what God has established. Discuss why this is, and how it effects your life. Read what Jesus said in John 10:10. How does this make you feel? Explain.
Close by reading 1 John 3:1. Take a sticky note and write down 5 ways you see how God loves you. Close by discussing the groups sticky notes and pray for families to strive to keep God first, remembering He knows and wants what’s best for us as HIS children!