Session 3: Man and His Legacy

In Session 3, we're challenged to consider the profound impact of fatherhood on our families, society, and spiritual lives. The Old Testament ends with a stark warning in Malachi 4:6 about the importance of fathers turning their hearts to their children. This reminds us that there's no greater need in every generation than godly fathers. We're called to be 'smart dads' who intentionally invest in our children's lives, not just through provision, but through presence, guidance, and spiritual leadership. Pastor Kyle outlines a practical 21-year plan for fathers to meet their children's four primary needs: seeing certain things in dad, receiving things from dad, experiencing moments with dad, and hearing heartfelt words from dad. This plan isn't just about biological fathers - it applies to grandfathers and spiritual fathers too. We're reminded that it's never too late to heal broken relationships and that forgiveness is key to our own freedom and growth.

Key Points:

•Dad is destiny: A father's presence is crucial for developing healthy masculinity in sons and femininity in daughters

•Three types of dads: problematic, good, and smart

•Smart dads have guidance, vision, and strategy for intentional parenting

•Children need to see, receive, experience, and hear certain things from their fathers

•Forgiveness and reconciliation are important for healing father wounds

•Becoming a spiritual father can impact lives beyond biological children

Scripture Reference:

Malachi 4:6 - "He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers."

Discussion Questions:

How does the concept of 'Dad is destiny' challenge or affirm your view of fatherhood, and what implications does this have for society?

In what ways can men who didn't have positive father figures break the cycle and become 'smart dads' for their own children or others?

How might the Old Testament's ending focus on fathers turning hearts to their children apply to our modern context?

What are some practical steps you can take to implement the 'smart dad plan' in your own life or to support others in doing so?

How does the speaker's emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation with fathers resonate with your own experiences or struggles?

In what ways can spiritual fatherhood fill gaps left by absent or problematic biological fathers, and how might you engage in this role?

How does the concept of 'seeing, receiving, experiencing, and hearing' from fathers align with biblical principles of parenting?

What challenges do you foresee in implementing intentional fatherhood, and how might faith and community help overcome these?

How might the idea of 'bestowing masculinity' or 'affirming femininity' as a father's role be understood and applied in a Christ-centered way?

In what ways does the speaker's personal journey of forgiving his father challenge or inspire you to address your own family relationships?