Sermon Notes Follow Along
The Prodigal’s Father: The Heart of the Father
Luke 15:11-24
1.) Godly fatherhood is vital because it points us toward _____________ ______________.
2.) It’s important to acknowledge that while for some Father’s Day brings joy, for others, it brings ___________________.
3.) Biblical fatherhood is not about domination or control; instead, it is about ___________________ and service.
4.) According to the message, acting like a man, according to God’s purposes is not ___________________, but crucial to the wellbeing of families and society.
5.) In the parable of the “Lost Son,” the father was _______________ and _____________ looking, watching, and waiting for his son to return.
6.) In the Jewish context of the day, it was considered ___________________ and ____________________ for a respected adult man to run.
7.) The father in the story prioritized his son’s return over his own ___________________.
8.) This parable provides a picture of God as a Father who pursues and ____________ toward us.
9.) Our families and society desperately need fathers and father figures who stay ___________________.
10.) We are all called to better reflect the ___________________ of our Heavenly Father.
Answer Key: 1.) God Himself, 2.) tears & grief, 3.) responsibility or sacrifice, 4.) toxic, 5.) actively and intentionally, 6.) undignified and shameful, 7.) reputation (or dignity), 8.) runs, 9.) engaged (or present), 10.) heart.
Personal & Grace Collectives Study Guide:
The Prodigal’s Father: The Heart of the Father
This study guide is designed for individual reflection and for use within Grace Collective small groups, based on the message shared by Pastor Paulo.
Key Points from the Message
- The Pointer to God: Earthly fatherhood—and the roles of those who step into father-like positions—point us toward the character of God Himself.
- Redefining Masculinity: Biblical manhood is not defined by “toxic” traits like aggression or control. It is defined by responsibility, sacrifice, and earning trust through consistent love.
- The Waiting Father: In the Parable of the Lost Son, the father represents God’s heart—a heart that watches for us, waits for us, and is filled with compassion rather than a desire for an apology.
- Sacrificial Love: The father in the parable wasn’t too worried about his “dignity” and “reputation” as he run to meet his son, proving that his love for his family was greater than his pride.
- Base Verse: Luke 15:20: “While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.”
- The Lord’s Prayer: Jesus taught His disciples to address God as “Our Father in Heaven.”
Notable Quotes
- “The world does not need FEWER godly fathers. The world desperately needs more fathers who embody the calling and nature of our Heavenly Father.” Pastor Paulo
- “His love was greater than his pride. His compassion was greater than his dignity.” Pastor Paulo
Practical Ways to Live This Out
- Stay Present: If you are a father or a father figure, commit to “showing up” even when relationships are difficult. Refuse to quit when things get challenging.
- Audit Your Influence: Consider how you are using your strength. Are you using it to serve and protect, or to control? Seek to model responsibility over domination.
- Mentor Others: Recognize that “fatherhood isn’t limited by biology.” Identify someone in your sphere—a younger relative, a student, or a youth in the church—who could benefit from your guidance and support.
Grace Collective Group Discussion Questions
- Pastor Paulo mentioned that Father’s Day can be complicated for many. How can we as a church family better support those who carry wounds from absent or ungodly men?
- Redefining Terms: The message argues that “acting like a man according to God’s purposes” is helpful and good. How does this definition differ from the “toxic masculinity” we often hear about in culture?
- The Father’s Run: Discuss the significance of the father running in the parable. Why is it so hard for us to set aside our “dignity” or “reputation” to restore a relationship?
- Emulating the Father: In this parable, the father “embraces the son before we he even finishes his apology.” How can we model this type of grace in our own families and friendships this week?
- Community Impact: Pastor Paulo noted that millions of children grow up without a father present. What are some practical ways our small group can step into the lives of those who need a “father figure?”