Embracing Fatherhood: Understanding God's Perfect Love

Summary

Today’s gathering was a celebration of fatherhood, but also an honest look at its complexities and challenges. For many, Father’s Day is a joyful occasion, but for others, it brings pain—whether from loss, disappointment, or longing. Yet, no matter our experiences, we are all shaped by our understanding of fatherhood, and this shapes how we see God, ourselves, and the next generation. The invitation is to look beyond our broken images of fatherhood and discover the true character of God as our perfect Father.

We are reminded that every person is made in the image of God, but that image has been marred by sin. Our earthly experiences with fathers—good or bad—are not the measure of who God is. Instead, God’s character is the standard, and Jesus reveals the fullness of the Father’s love, presence, guidance, and grace. As we reflect on what it means to be a loving father, we see that provision is not about wealth or status, but about doing our best, modeling perseverance, and trusting God to multiply our efforts. Presence is vital; the absence of fathers leaves deep wounds, but God is always present, inviting us to be present for others as well.

Guidance and discipline are acts of love, not control. True guidance points the next generation toward wisdom and blessing, and discipline, when done in love, reflects God’s own care for us. Yet, above all, a loving father is marked by grace. The story of the prodigal son and modern examples remind us that grace—undeserved favor—has the power to transform hearts and relationships.

No matter our past, God offers us adoption into His family and redemption for our future. Through Jesus, we are invited to experience forgiveness, new beginnings, and the empowering love of the Father. The call is to reflect this love to others, investing intentionally in the next generation and trusting God to use our imperfect efforts for His perfect purposes.

Key Takeaways

- Our understanding of fatherhood deeply shapes our view of God, ourselves, and others. If our earthly fathers failed us, we may project those wounds onto God, but Scripture calls us to reverse this thinking: God is the perfect Father, and our experiences are only a dim, often broken reflection of His true nature. Healing begins when we let God define fatherhood for us. [01:03:19]

- Provision is not measured by material abundance but by faithfulness, humility, and trust in God’s ability to multiply what little we have. Whether we are parents, mentors, or simply part of a community, we are called to provide for others—sometimes materially, often spiritually—knowing that God can use even our smallest offerings for great impact. [01:08:35]

- Presence is transformative. The absence of fathers leaves lasting scars, but the presence of a loving, attentive father (or father figure) brings stability, identity, and hope. God models perfect presence, never abandoning His children, and calls us to be present for those around us, especially the vulnerable and fatherless. [01:14:19]

- Guidance and discipline, when rooted in love, are essential for growth and flourishing. Discipline is not about punishment but about shaping character and imparting wisdom. As we guide others, we must do so with patience and humility, remembering that our example speaks louder than our words. [01:19:19]

- Grace is the heart of the Father. True fatherhood is not just about setting standards but about offering forgiveness and second chances. When we extend grace—especially when it is undeserved—we mirror the heart of God, who adopts, redeems, and empowers us to start anew, no matter our failures or regrets. [01:23:51]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Connecting as a Church Family
[02:30] - Worship and Praise
[05:10] - Father’s Day Greetings
[07:00] - The Challenge of Fatherhood
[10:00] - The Impact of Fatherhood on Society
[12:00] - A Biblical Vision for Fatherhood
[14:00] - Created in God’s Image
[16:00] - Our Broken Reflections of God
[18:00] - The Character of a Loving Father
[20:00] - Provision: Trusting God with Little
[23:00] - Presence: The Power of Being There
[26:00] - Guidance and Discipline in Love
[29:00] - The Transforming Power of Grace
[32:00] - Adoption and Redemption in Christ
[34:00] - Responding to God’s Invitation
[36:00] - Investing in the Next Generation
[38:00] - Closing Prayer and Announcements

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The True Character of the Father

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### Bible Reading

1. Genesis 1:27
"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."

2. Luke 15:11-32 (The Parable of the Prodigal Son)
*(Alluded to in the sermon as the story of a father’s grace)*

3. Matthew 7:9-11
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 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!”

---

### Observation Questions

1. According to Genesis 1:27, what does it mean that both men and women are created in the image of God? How does this shape our understanding of God as Father?
*(see [01:01:39])*

2. In the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), what actions does the father take when his son returns home? What do these actions reveal about his character?

3. In Matthew 7:9-11, what comparison does Jesus make between earthly fathers and our heavenly Father?
*(see [01:09:32])*

4. The sermon mentioned that our experiences with earthly fathers can affect how we see God. What are some examples given of how this happens?
*(see [59:50])*

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that our image of God can be “marred” by our experiences with earthly fathers. Why is it important to let God define fatherhood for us, rather than our own experiences?
*(see [01:03:19])*

2. The story of the boy who gave his lunch to Jesus (referenced in the sermon) shows that God can multiply even our small offerings. What does this teach us about faithfulness and provision?
*(see [01:08:35])*

3. The absence of a father is said to leave “deep wounds,” but God promises to always be present. How does God’s presence differ from human presence, and why is this significant for those who feel abandoned?
*(see [01:12:37])*

4. The sermon describes discipline as an act of love, not control. How does this understanding of discipline reflect God’s character, and how might it change the way we guide others?
*(see [01:19:19])*

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to let God, not our earthly experiences, define what a perfect Father is. Are there any past wounds or disappointments with your own father (or lack of one) that you find yourself projecting onto God? What would it look like to invite God to heal those places?
*(see [01:03:19])*

2. When you think about “provision,” do you tend to measure it by material things or by faithfulness and trust in God? Can you share a time when God provided for you or your family in an unexpected way?
*(see [01:08:35])*

3. Presence was described as transformative. Who in your life needs you to be more present—whether as a parent, mentor, or friend? What is one practical step you can take this week to be more present for them?
*(see [01:14:19])*

4. The sermon encouraged inviting mature Christian men to be present for children who lack a father figure. Is there a child or young person in your extended family, church, or community who could benefit from your intentional presence or encouragement? What could you do to invest in them?
*(see [01:17:32])*

5. Guidance and discipline were described as acts of love that shape character. If you are a parent or mentor, how do you balance discipline with grace? Is there an area where you need to show more patience or humility?
*(see [01:19:19])*

6. The story of Francis Chan and his daughter illustrated the power of grace. Is there someone in your life who needs to experience grace from you, even if they don’t “deserve” it? What would it look like to offer that grace this week?
*(see [01:23:51])*

7. The sermon ended with a call to invest in the next generation. Who is one person God might be asking you to intentionally invest in? What are two simple steps you could take this week to begin doing so?
*(see [01:31:12])*

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for healing where fatherhood has left wounds, for the ability to see God as the perfect Father, and for the courage to reflect His love, presence, and grace to others—especially the next generation.

Devotional

Day 1: God Is Our Loving Father Who Calls Us His Children
God’s love for us is lavish and unconditional, inviting us to become His children regardless of our past or failures. Even when we mess up or feel unworthy, God looks at us with compassion and calls us His own, offering us a place in His family. This identity as beloved children shapes how we see ourselves and others, and it is the foundation for healthy relationships and a secure future. No matter your experience with earthly fathers, God’s love is perfect and always available to you. [01:05:04]

1 John 3:1 (ESV)
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Reflection: In what ways have your experiences with earthly fathers shaped your view of God, and how can you open your heart today to receive the lavish love He offers as your perfect Father?


Day 2: A Loving Father Provides for His Children
Provision is not about wealth or status, but about doing your best to care for those entrusted to you, trusting that God can multiply even the smallest offering. Whether you have much or little, God sees your heart and your efforts, and He is able to provide for your needs in unexpected ways. Sometimes, provision means humbly accepting help or being the answer to someone else’s prayer. God’s heart is to give good gifts to His children, and He invites us to ask Him for our daily bread, believing that He will supply what we truly need. [01:09:32]

Matthew 7:9-11 (ESV)
Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Reflection: What is one area of need—physical, emotional, or spiritual—where you can trust God to provide today, and how might you be an answer to someone else’s prayer for provision?


Day 3: A Loving Father Is Present and Engaged
Presence is more than just being physically nearby; it’s about being emotionally and relationally available, making those you love feel valued and important. The absence of a father can leave deep wounds, but God is never distant—He sends His Spirit to be with us, inviting us to call Him “Abba, Father.” Whether you are a parent or a mentor, your presence can be a powerful reflection of God’s nearness, offering stability and love to those who need it most. Consider how you can be present for the next generation, both in your family and in your community. [01:12:37]

Galatians 4:6 (ESV)
And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

Reflection: Who in your life needs your presence and attention this week, and what is one intentional way you can show them they are valued and not alone?


Day 4: A Loving Father Guides and Disciplines with Care
True love involves guidance and discipline, not out of anger but out of a desire to see others grow and flourish. Discipline is a sign of care, and guidance helps shape character and future choices. God disciplines those He loves, and He calls parents and mentors to do the same with gentleness and wisdom, avoiding actions that provoke anger or resentment. Your words and actions have the power to bless and direct the next generation—what you model and teach today will echo into their future. [01:19:19]

Ephesians 6:4 (ESV)
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Reflection: How can you offer guidance or correction to someone in your care today in a way that reflects God’s love and patience, rather than frustration or anger?


Day 5: God Offers Adoption and Redemption to All
No matter your past, your wounds, or your regrets, God offers you adoption into His family and redemption through Jesus Christ. He is the only perfect Father, and He knows your deepest needs and longings. Through Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, you are invited to start fresh, forgiven and empowered to live a new life. Your story is not over—God can still work in and through you, no matter your age or circumstances. Embrace His grace, and let it transform how you love and invest in others. [01:25:41]

Romans 8:15-16 (ESV)
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

Reflection: Where do you need to experience God’s adoption and redemption today, and how can you let His grace empower you to invest in someone else’s life this week?

Quotes

See what great love the father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God. And so what do I see? I see a God who is loving. I see a God who looks at us, even though we mess up, even though we reject him. And he says, I love these guys. I love them. [01:05:37] (00:00:23 seconds) Edit Clip

When grace prevails in whatever form that may be, people take note, and they are reminded of their gracious heavenly father. So a loving father has grace, discipline. We're supposed to have the fear of the Lord, but grace. That's the God we serve. [01:24:04] (00:00:26 seconds) Edit Clip

God isn't just a better father than any human being ever could be. He is in fact the only perfect father. He knows your wounds. He knows your regrets. He knows your longing to get this life right. And so he offers two gifts to every person on earth. The first of them is adoption. No matter what your past is, God says, my child to you. [01:24:51] (00:00:30 seconds) Edit Clip

The second thing God offers to you is redemption. Folks, you need to know your story is not over. You can be 99 years old and if there's breath in your lungs, the story is not over. God can still work in and through you. [01:25:37] (00:00:16 seconds) Edit Clip

Christ, Jesus Christ, who though fully God didn't see God, didn't see equality with God as something to be held onto, but willingly humbled himself to take human flesh, to become fully God, fully man, to live a life that was completely sinless, empowered by the Holy Spirit of God, in the image of God, uncorrupted, unstained, and then willingly allowed himself to be brutally tortured and murdered, to pay the price for all our wrongs, for everything that we've done that has corrupted the world, everything that we've done that has separated us from our loving Heavenly Father. He paid the price. And then just to prove that he is who he said that he is, three days later, just as he promised, he rose from the dead, victorious over sin, death, and Satan. And here's the thing, in that action, Jesus covers your guilt and he empowers you to start fresh in life. [01:26:02] (00:01:09 seconds) Edit Clip

I'm so excited as we celebrate the dads in our midst to be able to see what happens when the church doesn't say, well, there's nothing we can do, but when the church together steps in to show the next generation that there is hope, that there is a God in heaven who is the perfect heavenly Father. [01:29:26] (00:00:26 seconds) Edit Clip