Father's Day: Marks of a godly Man

Recap:

We looked at the principle of male leadership (Genesis 2:18-23), examples of male leadership (Phil. 2:20-30), and an explanation of how we arrive at that kind of male leadership (Phil.2:21).

Questions:

1-Read Gen 2:18-23 and discuss the implication this has on gender roles and male headship specifically. 

          *Woman is made for man and from man. Woman is brought to man, and woman is named by man. These are clear marks of God's design for male headship (leadership).

2-Discuss some of the negative effects of men failing to lead. What toll does it take on mom and kids when dad is disengaged spiritually?

          *Kids become underdeveloped when dad is willing to throw a ball with them, but is unwilling to dial into their hearts. When dad doesn't engage spiritual it send a message to the rest of the family it isn't really that important.

3-When have you seen spiritual leadership done well? 

4-Let's rehearse the qualities associated with spiritual leadership. Read verse 20. How is being genuinely concerned more helpful than being incredibly qualified? 

          *People who are genuinely concerned work hard and get results. People who fancy themselves knowledgeable just regurgitate their knowledge with little concern as to whether or not it is helpful to you. Their goal is to sound smart, not be edifying. 

5-Read verse 22. Why is spiritual consistency so important for our children (or those over whom we have influence)?

          *More often than not, our consistencies become our children's consistencies. If you have a consistent relationship with Jesus it will be a gift to your children.

6-Read verse 25. How does a competitive nature derail spiritual leadership? 

          *Our natural competition is borne out of selfish ambition. Self-ambition is antithetically to good leadership because good leadership is not about you rising to the top, it is about you helping others rise.  

7-Read 26-30. What does it communicate to our families when we elevate Jesus' mission over personal comfort and gain?

          *It is saying with our lives, "Jesus is really worth it!" Mom and Dad gave up that?! This Jesus must really be something to be desired....You never communicate the worth of Christ more clearly than when you sacrifice for Him.

Application:

What conclusion did we reach regarding the how of becoming these kinds of men? 

          *If you're struggling to be concerned for other, or elevate Jesus' mission, etc...you don't become those things by trying to become those things, rather you become invested in those because you love Jesus and He is invested in those things.