Facing FatherhoodSample

Transitioning to an Empty Nest

We know our kids will eventually leave our homes, but many of us aren’t ready for this transition in our parenting. This study provides valuable insights for fathers who find themselves in the season of life when their children have left the nest or are about to leave. In times of transition and change, we need to seek wisdom from God's Word to navigate this new phase and purpose in parenting.

READ

2 Timothy 3:10-17 NLTBut you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

REFLECT

The Legacy Left

• In these verses, the apostle Paul reminds Timothy, “You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance.”Children also watch the example of their parents. What is the legacy that your own father has left behind for you?
• What is the “right path” that we are trying to direct our children to? How can we continue to direct our children even when they no longer live in our homes?
  

The Struggle Lesson

• Whether we ever discuss it with our children, they also see “know how much persecution and suffering I have endured.” What have been some of the hardships that your kids have seen you walk through?
• Our children have wanted also when we have struggled through hardship. Are there areas of our lives that we need to repent to our children?
  

The Faithful Remain

• As a faithful leader, Paul tells Timothy “you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught.” Without making demands, what are the ways we are encouraging our children to remain faithful?
• How are we prioritizing faithfulness in our own lives to the study of the Bible?
  Write down a specific Bible passage that has been meaningful to you as a father and take some time to share that with your children.