PG, Week 2

Summary: Last week we talked about engaging in your child's life.  Now, how do you do that exactly? Scripture teaches us 2 basic truths to help parents engage in the life of their children: training your child and doing everything for your child in love.

Texts: 1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Corinthians 9:25 and 16:14; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21; Proverbs 22:6; 13:24; 3:11-12; 4:10; 19:18.


Training As Discipline:
Proverbs 22:6, 1 Timothy 4:8, 1 Corinthians 9:25.

1. When we hear the word "discipline" we usually associated it with something negative.  Yet in Scripture, Paul describes athletes and soldiers as people with great discipline in that they have habits, routines, and positive aspects of their life that they practice and do daily in order to achieve a goal.

a.  In parenting, what are the things you are training and disciplining your children to do?
If you're not a parent, what are the things you are training and disciplining yourself to do right now in various aspects of life?

(examples: finances, school, job, relationships, health, other goals you are working towards).

b.  In 1 Timothy, Paul mentions that all of the things listed above are great to do.  But what about spiritually?  What are you doing in your life to train spiritually?

(examples: Bible reading, evangelism, discipleship, finances, church involvement, serving).

c.  What are the big things that you are passing (or would want to pass) on to your kids?  How do you plan on teaching them these things?

d.  1 Corinthians 9:25 mentions that many people train for something that is perishable and doesn't last long.  How is spiritual training more important?  Why should you be interested in your spiritual health even more than your financial/physical/professional health?  Why is there such an urgency about our kid's health and academics and success in life, but generally a lack of urgency and intentionality with spiritual things?


2.  As parents (and with other relationship in our lives as well), our motto should be to do all things in love.

a.  What does Proverbs 13:24 and 3:11-12 say about loving your kids?  What should you do for them and in their lives?  (reproof, discipline, training, equipping, encouraging).  What does Scripture say you are doing to them if you don't do these things?  (hating them, causing their life to be harder and shorter)

b.  Oftentimes, kids struggle with discipline because they don't see the love and purpose behind it.  Read Proverbs 19:18, Ephesians 6:4, and Colossians 3:21.  What are practical ways that you can show love to your kids, even during discipline?  If you dont' have kids, what are ways that you can show love even during a difficult conversation at work, during a conflict, or when dealing with a difficult person?


Read Luke 22:42.  Did you know that even though we sinned against God, that Jesus took our punishment, the wrath of God?  John 3:16 explains that he did that because God loves us.  When it comes to sin in our lives, what does this story say about you?  What does this story say about God?  Now, how should you respond to this incredible gift?