Worth Fighting For
Part 3 – How to Thrive at Parenting
Discussion Guide
A huge part of the family dynamic is raising children. It seems as if everyone has parenting advice to share, but most of it seems to conflict. The Bible tells us how we can thrive in parenting. When our priorities are in the right place, this relationship works better for both the parent and child. The practical takeaways from this message also apply to spiritual discipleship and healthier relationships.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Do you get discouraged easily? Who or what do you turn to for encouragement? Do you have a good parenting or discipling model?
2. Read Colossians 3:21. What is the parent's role in a child's life? How can your constant correction or nagging work against your parenting goals?
3. Prioritize connection over correction. Read 1 Corinthians 16:14 and Deuteronomy 6:4-7. No matter what situation you are in, how will you act? How do your children, employees, or friends know that you love them? What should be your first priority? How does your family calendar reflect that priority? What is the significance of the directions God gives us for child-rearing in these verses?
4. Own the discipleship of our kids. Read Ephesians 6:4. Does this instruction still apply to parenting today? How does it differ from the time it was written? What do you have to do to “bring them up”? Is this a one-time thing or an ongoing process?
5. Create a discipleship plan. The message spoke to several ways you can be intentional about teaching your children about God or discipling a friend. What thoughts come to your mind?
6. Action Step: Where do you need to make a change? Is it making a stronger connection? Having a consistent plan for correcting? A plan for teaching and nurturing your children in spiritual truth? Is there a relationship where you need to make the first move? Is that move, “Hello, I’m thinking about you. I just want you to know I love you”? Or is it “I’m so sorry. I was wrong. Can you forgive me?”
Deeper
Read through these examples of healthy parenting in the Bible.
7. Read 1 Samuel 1:10-28: What does Hannah pray for? What does she offer God? How does her husband, Elkanah, support her vow?
8. Read Judges 13: What key question does Manoah ask the angel of the Lord? How did Samson’s mother support his future calling?
9. Read Exodus 1:22-2:10: How did Moses’ parents defy the law? What type of courage did that take? How could his mother have placed him in the Nile? How did the Lord direct Moses’ life from this early incident?
10. Read Luke 15:11-32: How did the Prodigal son’s father show good parenting? How is this a great example of God’s love?