SERIES TITLE
STAND FIRM fathers day
series overview
Culture is shifting. We see it all around us. So, how do people of faith live and love well in a culture of compromise? How do we stand firm without alienating the very people who need the grace and love of Jesus? Join us for a brand new 5-part series from the book of Daniel, and let’s discover together how Daniel and his friends personified courageous faith in a spirit of love and truth.
sermon TITLE
fathers day at eastside
Jake Barker
Sermon Summary
Jake Barker focuses on the desire and challenges of being a good dad, urging fathers to grow into the men God created them to be. It emphasizes the importance of intentional fatherhood, rejecting the temptation to outsource parenting responsibilities or become apathetic. Using biblical examples, Jake encourages fathers to engage actively, fight against distractions, and have purposeful interactions with their children to make a profound impact on their lives.
Ice Breaker
Before we start talking about what makes dads more effective in their role, have everyone share an answer to this question: If you could instantly become an expert in any hobby, what hobby would you choose and why?
DISCUSSion
Discussion Questions
- Jake says that dads, in particular, are tempted these days to outsource their role to someone else or to check out completely. When things get complicated in your life, which is your greatest temptation?
- Read 2 Timothy 2:3-7. Paul encouraged Timothy here to be strong and engaged as a leader when facing challenges. Can you identify any areas in your own life where you might be struggling with apathy, and what can you do to overcome it?
- After reading Isaiah 42:13, Jake shared that God is not only a shepherd and father but also a war general, emphasizing the need to fight for family. How can you, as a father, commit yourself to the spiritual battle for your family and prioritize what truly matters?
- Paul was a spiritual father to Timothy when he wrote: “Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.” Why do you think it’s important for fathers to have one purposeful conversation each week and offer daily encouragement to their children? Can you think of a time when receiving encouragement or having a purposeful conversation significantly impacted your life?
- Paul’s letter to Timothy compares him to a soldier, athlete, and farmer – all engaged in challenging activities with a purpose. Which of these three roles do you find most relevant to your own fatherhood journey right now (or your spiritual journey as a follower of Jesus if you are not a father)?
WRAP UP & PRAYER
- Ask if anyone has any prayer requests to share.
- Ask God to help dads engage meaningfully with their children this week.
- Pray for strength to avoid abdication and apathy in parenting roles.
- Seek guidance for having purposeful conversations and offering encouragement to their children.