This small group discussion guide draws directly from Calvary Hawthorne's sermon “SUNDAY WORSHIP | 10 AM | DR. HOSEA COLLINS | CALVARY HAWTHORNE | 06.21.2026” so you can keep engaging with the message all week. Read, reflect, and share it with your small group or friends.
WHO'S YOUR DADDY?
Small Group Discussion Guide
Based on the Father's Day Sermon — Galatians 4:3-7
"Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." — Galatians 4:7
📋 OVERVIEW FOR FACILITATORS
Sermon Summary: This Father's Day message explored the foundational role of fatherhood — both earthly and heavenly — and why God designed fathers to be the source, sustainer, provider, protector, and teacher of the family. The pastor traced how sin in the Garden of Eden separated humanity from its relationship with God the Father, and how Jesus came specifically to redeem us so we could be adopted back into God's family. The central challenge of the message: Stop living like an orphan when you have a Father.
Central Question of the Sermon: "Who's your daddy?" — not as a question of information, but of revelation. How we live our daily lives answers that question more honestly than what we say on Sunday.
Key Scriptures:
- Galatians 4:3-7 (primary text)
- Psalm 106:6-8
- Ephesians 6:1-3
Estimated Total Time: 75–90 minutes
⏱️ SESSION AT A GLANCE
| Section | Time |
|---|---|
| Welcome & Icebreaker | 5–10 min |
| Scripture Reading | 5 min |
| Discussion Questions | 35–45 min |
| Personal Application | 10–15 min |
| Prayer Focus | 5–10 min |
| Total | 60–85 min |
Optional Deep Dive questions are available at the end for groups with more time or desire to go deeper.
👋 WELCOME & ICEBREAKER
(5–10 minutes)
Before diving in, take a moment to welcome everyone — especially anyone joining for the first time. Remind the group that this is a safe space for honest conversation. There are no wrong answers, and everyone's experience is valued.
Icebreaker Question:
Think about a father figure in your life — a dad, grandfather, uncle, mentor, coach, or anyone who stepped into that role. What is one word or phrase that describes what they meant to you?
[Leader Tip] This question is intentionally broad so that people with complicated or absent father relationships don't feel excluded. Affirm every answer warmly. If someone shares something painful, acknowledge it briefly and thank them for their honesty — the sermon speaks directly to that experience. You don't need to fix it; just make space for it.
📖 SCRIPTURE READING
(5 minutes)
Have someone read the passage aloud, or invite two or three people to each read a portion. Encourage the group to listen for words or phrases that stand out to them.
Primary Text — Galatians 4:3-7 (New King James Version)
"Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!' Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."
Supporting Text — Psalm 106:6-8 (New King James Version)
"We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; they did not remember the multitude of Your mercies, but rebelled by the sea — the Red Sea. Nevertheless He saved them for His name's sake, that He might make His mighty power known."
Supporting Text — Ephesians 6:1-3 (New King James Version)
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with promise: 'that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.'"
[Leader Tip] After reading, simply ask: "What word or phrase jumped out at you?" Let two or three people share briefly before moving into the discussion questions. This activates the group and helps people feel invested before deeper questions begin.
💬 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
(35–45 minutes)
Work through as many questions as time allows. You don't need to cover every question — choose the ones that best fit your group. Questions are organized from lighter and observational to deeper and more personal.
SECTION 1: Understanding the Message
Getting on the same page about what we heard
1. What was the moment in Sunday's sermon that hit you the hardest or stayed with you the most? What was it about that moment that resonated with you?
(Estimated time: 5 minutes)
[Leader Tip] This is a great opener because it invites people to share from their own experience of the sermon rather than feeling like they need the "right" theological answer. It also helps you gauge where people are and what themes to spend more time on.
2. The pastor described the biblical definition of "father" as: source, sustainer, provider, protector, teacher, leader, and nurturer. Which of those roles stands out to you as most significant — and why?
(Estimated time: 5–7 minutes)
Follow-up if discussion stalls: "Which of these roles do you think our culture most undervalues or overlooks when it comes to fathers?"
3. The sermon made the point that "sin is any act that claims independence from the Father." How does that definition of sin change or expand the way you normally think about it?
(Estimated time: 5 minutes)
[Leader Tip] Some group members may be more familiar with sin defined as "breaking rules." This question invites a relational reframe — sin as broken relationship rather than just broken behavior. Affirm both perspectives and help the group see how they connect.
SECTION 2: The Father's Heart
Exploring what God as Father really means
4. In Galatians 4, Paul uses the word "Abba" — an intimate, informal word for father, like "Daddy" or "Papa." How would you describe your current relationship with God? Does it feel more like a formal, distant relationship or a close, personal one — and what do you think shapes that?
(Estimated time: 7–8 minutes)
Follow-up if discussion stalls: "What would it look like practically for your relationship with God to feel more like 'Abba' than just 'God'?"
5. The pastor explained that Jesus came specifically to redeem us so we could be adopted — brought back into relationship with God as Father. In Roman culture, an adopted child had the exact same legal rights as a biological child. What does it mean to you personally that God chose to adopt you — not just forgive you, but make you family?
(Estimated time: 7 minutes)
[Leader Tip] This is a powerful question for people who grew up feeling unwanted, abandoned, or like they didn't belong. Be sensitive and allow silence. You might share briefly from your own experience to open the door for others.
6. Psalm 106:6-8 says God saved Israel "for His name's sake" — not because they deserved it, but because His reputation as a faithful Father was on the line. When have you experienced God showing up for you not because you earned it, but simply because He is who He is?
(Estimated time: 7–8 minutes)
SECTION 3: Living Like a Son or Daughter
Connecting the message to how we actually live
7. The pastor drew a vivid picture: a child who has never missed a meal, sitting in the corner crying because they're hungry — when all they have to do is ask. He said God feels something similar when we worry and strive as if we have no Father. Where in your life right now are you "crying in the corner" instead of simply bringing your need to your Father?
(Estimated time: 7–8 minutes)
Follow-up if discussion stalls: "What makes it hard to simply ask God for what we need, even when we know He's our Father?"
8. The sermon said: "In the world, the more independent you are, the more mature you're considered to be. In the Kingdom, it's the opposite." How does that challenge the way you approach your problems, your plans, or your sense of self-sufficiency?
(Estimated time: 5–7 minutes)
[Leader Tip] This question can feel countercultural and even uncomfortable — especially for high-achieving or self-reliant group members. Affirm that dependence on God isn't weakness or laziness; it's Kingdom maturity. The goal is trust, not passivity.
9. Ephesians 6 makes a distinction between obeying your parents (those who raised and poured into you) and honoring your father and mother (the position or role itself). The pastor said honoring the position of father and mother is something we do for our own benefit, not theirs. How does that reframe the idea of honoring a parent who may have been absent, difficult, or even harmful?
(Estimated time: 7–8 minutes)
[Leader Tip] This is one of the most sensitive questions in the guide. Some group members may have experienced abuse, abandonment, or deep wounds from parents. Be clear that honoring a position does not mean excusing harmful behavior or placing yourself in danger. It means releasing bitterness and trusting God with the pain. If the conversation goes deep, that's okay — but gently keep it focused on personal healing rather than processing others' failures.
🪞 PERSONAL APPLICATION
(10–15 minutes)
These questions are more reflective. You may choose to give people 2–3 minutes of quiet to think before sharing, or invite people to share only what they're comfortable with.
1. The sermon's central question was: "Who's your daddy?" — not as information, but as revelation. Based on how you've been living this past week — your anxiety levels, your decisions, your reactions to hard news — whose voice has been loudest in your life: God's or the enemy's?
2. The pastor said: "You don't need to know HOW. You just need to know WHO." Is there a situation in your life right now where you're stressing over the how when God is asking you to simply trust who He is? What would it look like to release that to Him this week?
3. The sermon ended with a challenge about honoring the position of father and mother. Is there a phone call, a message, or a gesture of honor toward a parent or father figure that you've been putting off? What's one step you could take this week?
📌 THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE
Choose one that fits where you are right now:
For those growing in trust: Each morning this week, before you check your phone or your to-do list, take 2 minutes to simply say: "Father, I trust You today. I don't need to know how. I just need to know You."
For those working through father wounds: Spend some time this week journaling about the difference between the earthly father you had and the heavenly Father God is. Ask God to show you one area where He wants to replace an old wound with a new truth.
For those ready to act: Make that phone call, send that text, or write that card to a father figure in your life — not because they deserve it, but because you do.
For those new to faith: Read John 1:12-13 and Romans 8:14-17 this week. Let those verses begin to shape how you see your identity as a child of God.
🙏 PRAYER FOCUS
(5–10 minutes)
Close your time together in prayer. You can pray as a group, invite specific people to pray, or use the prompts below to guide a time of open prayer.
Suggested Prayer Topics:
Gratitude — Thank God for pursuing us and adopting us into His family through Jesus, even when we didn't deserve it.
Healing — Pray for those in the group who carry wounds from absent, difficult, or hurtful father figures. Ask God to reveal Himself as the Father they needed.
Trust — Pray for the specific situations group members shared where they need to trust God's who instead of stressing over the how.
Fathers — Pray for the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures represented in your group and church — that they would be strengthened, encouraged, and empowered to reflect God's fatherhood.
Identity — Pray that each person in the group would walk through the coming week with a deep, settled sense that they are a son or daughter of God — not a servant, not an orphan, but an heir.
Suggested Closing Prayer: Feel free to use this or pray in your own words:
Father, we thank You that You never stopped pursuing Your children. Thank You for sending Jesus to redeem us — not just to forgive us, but to bring us home. Help us this week to live like we know who our Daddy is. When the bills come, when the fear hits, when the enemy whispers — remind us that You are our source, our sustainer, our provider, and our protector. Let us walk in the confidence of sons and daughters, not the fear of servants. In Jesus' name, amen.
🔍 OPTIONAL DEEP DIVE
For groups with more time or who want to go further
Deep Dive 1 — The Father as Foundation:
The pastor made a bold theological claim: "The biggest problem in the world is fatherlessness — and sin is any act that claims independence from the Father." Read Romans 5:12-19, which traces how one man's (Adam's) failure affected all of humanity, and how one Man's (Jesus') obedience restores it.
"Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned... For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many." — Romans 5:12, 15
- What does this passage reveal about how deeply connected we are to one another — for better or for worse?
- How does understanding Adam's role as "foundation" change the way you think about your own responsibility in your family, community, or workplace?
Deep Dive 2 — Adoption in the Ancient World:
The pastor explained that in Roman culture, adoption gave a child identical legal rights to a biological child — no exceptions. Read Romans 8:14-17 alongside Galatians 4:3-7.
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ." — Romans 8:14-17
- What does it mean to you that the Holy Spirit's role includes confirming your identity as a child of God?
- The passage says we are "joint heirs with Christ." What do you think that means practically — not just theologically, but in how you approach your daily life?
Deep Dive 3 — God's Name on the Line:
Psalm 106:8 says God saved Israel "for His name's sake." The pastor said: "If you carry His name, God will show up for His name's sake — because He can't let you make Him look like a bad Father."
- Read Ezekiel 36:22-23. How does this passage connect to the same idea?
- What does it mean for your faith — and your boldness — to know that God's reputation is connected to how He shows up for you?
- Is there something you've been hesitant to step into or pray boldly for because you were afraid of failing? How does the idea of God's name being "on the line" change that?
📚 RELATED SCRIPTURES FOR FURTHER STUDY
For group members who want to continue exploring this week:
| Topic | Scripture |
|---|---|
| God as Father in the New Testament | Matthew 6:9-13; John 14:6-9 |
| Adoption and identity in Christ | Romans 8:14-17; Ephesians 1:3-6 |
| The Prodigal Son — the Father's heart | Luke 15:11-32 |
| What Jesus restored | John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 |
| Honoring parents | Proverbs 23:22; Colossians 3:20 |
| Walking by faith, not sight | 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:1 |
📝 FACILITATOR NOTES
Before Your Meeting:
- Read through the entire guide and pray over your group
- Choose which questions best fit your group's needs and time
- You don't need to cover every question — depth is better than speed
- Have Bibles or a Bible app available for those who need them
Managing Time:
- If discussion is rich, it's okay to skip a question — don't rush meaningful conversation
- The Personal Application section can be shortened if needed; the most important thing is that people leave with something specific to carry into the week
- If your group consistently runs long, consider skipping Section 1 questions and starting with Section 2
Handling Sensitive Moments:
- Father wounds are real and common. Create space for pain without trying to fix it immediately
- If someone shares a difficult story, acknowledge it: "Thank you for trusting us with that."
- Redirect personal processing toward the group's shared experience when needed
- Remind the group that healing is a journey — tonight doesn't have to resolve everything
For Quieter Groups:
- Try asking: "What did you underline or write down from the sermon?"
- Pair people up for 2 minutes before bringing answers back to the full group
- Share from your own experience first to model vulnerability
For Talkative Groups:
- Use gentle time cues: "That's great — let's hear from someone who hasn't shared yet."
- Keep the Personal Application section as individual reflection rather than full group sharing
This guide was prepared for small group use following the Father's Day sermon. Permission granted for church use and reproduction.
Calvary Church | Small Groups Ministry "You are no longer a servant, but a son — and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." — Galatians 4:7