1. The Model Father Luke 15:11-32 A study of the Father and the Prodigal Son

2. We have our PANIC moments Men in the maternity waiting room At times most men wonder what they have gotten themselves into. God is our Father and our model for being the father that God desires of us.

3. 1 - APPROACHABLE Luke 15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, When in trouble – who do they run to first? - Parents! We must be approachable. Even when they disappoint us.

4. 2 - SPIRITUAL Was this father spiritual? He lost (for some time) his son. Even God loses some of his children Luke 15:21 And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

5. 2 - SPIRITUAL Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Many think this is an “iron clad” guarantee for perfect kids Proverbs are general truths – not guarantees Many men depend on the wife for the spiritual training – WRONG!

6. 3 - COMPASSIONATE Luke 15:20 And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. Ran, Hugged him, Kissed him Fathers can show compassion

7. 3 - COMPASSIONATE Today – Macho – Big boys don't cry – Yes, they do. John 11:35 Jesus wept. Luke 19:41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it Are we compassionate, loving, forgiving toward our children?

8. Model Father Today is Father's Day – a day to honor our fathers and remember what God wanted fathers to be and do. Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

9. Model Father On the Positive Side Be Approachable Be a Spiritual Leader Be Compassionate Seek to be the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son.