May 15, 2022

Family Matters: Discipleship in the Home
May 15, 2022
Pastor Jonathan Falwell/ Cody Mummau/ Jeremy Rader/ Derek Idol

 

Everyone seems to have a favorite story they will tell on one—or all—of their children. Can someone share a light-hearted moment?

Today we continue our series, “Family Matters.” Three of the youth pastors from Thomas Road will join Pastor Falwell on the platform today as they discuss important factors that need to be present in our homes as the children and grandchildren are taught the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was encouraging to hear that 79% of children who grow up in homes where both parents are committed to a genuine walk with Jesus Christ and exhibit godly behavior in the home, remain faithful to Jesus once they leave home to begin their own life. The good news, as Dr. Maxwell said last week, is that if you’ve blown it so far, you can change that “while it is today!”

Focal Passage: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

How important is it to have a plan for discipleship within the home?

  • Read Deut. 4:6-9. What did Moses tell parents? Why was it so important for parents to take these actions? How important is it to “plan” how you wish to bring up a child?
  • Why does God put the responsibility onto parents to take the role of teaching? Why must parents be committed to Jesus? Why will being a godly parent never happen accidentally?

Why is this something that can’t be left to the church to handle?

  • How many hours each week are your children in church, or at a church activity? (Not Christian school or being with friends). How many hours each day are your children in an activity with you (eating, conversation, activity)? How many hours each week are they in school? Where will they get their role models?
  • How can you make more time during the week for church activities for you and your child? What activities could you take advantage of? Will you be there with them?

What are the roadblocks to discipleship?

  • Read 2 Cor. 11:13-15 and 1 Pet. 5:8. List the hindrances that will occur as you commit to seeing your child is discipled (not “disciplined”)? How can you lessen the influence the school, technology, or friends have on your child?
  • Read 2 John vv. 7-8. What do you see as the largest roadblock to your child’s spiritual walk? How can you work with your child to do overcome it?
  • In your heart (think), do you feel you could be a roadblock to your child’s spiritual growth? Can you change whatever you are doing to bring about change for your child?

How do we develop practical steps to disciple our families?

  • Read 1 Pet. 2:21. Why is it so important that you model a love for Christ with your lives? How do you do that? How do you model taking up your cross daily?
  • What are some other practical steps you can take to set an example for your child? Why is delegating the responsibility to the church wrong?

Where do we start?

  • Again, what were you told to do in the passage in Deut.? Is this a good place to start? Why should the husband and wife sit down and make a plan for what they wish to accomplish for their child(ren), even before a child is born?
  • Why are conversations with your child about your beliefs so important? Why is it important to admit you don’t know something, but will find the answer?

So what happens when you didn’t start right? What do you do then?

  • Read Hebrews 12:1-2. How can you apply this passage to someone who has just gotten saved? If the children see a complete, 180* change in you, what effect will it have on them? Will God hold your past sins over your head? Why not?
  • Why is it so foolish to stress and worry about whether you really meant it when you went forward down an aisle? If you are alive, what can you do today?

When does it end?

  • Hopefully, there will be people of all ages in your group. If so, let the older ones answer this, as they probably know the right answer! Hint, don’t expect it to end.

What’s the ultimate goal?

  • In Genesis, what was the first thing God said to Adam and Eve, and later to Noah?

In Matt. 28:18, what does He desire from believers? Is this the same thing?

  • Who has He graciously given us to set the example for? What is our greatest goal for our children?

Close:

Our greatest job in life will be to see our children embrace our love for God, wholly, completely, mind, soul and spirit, in their own lives. That’s why John wrote in 3 John v. 4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” However, it takes a whole community to raise a child to follow Jesus. This means the parents, the extended family, the church, mentors, and those who make up the family’s social circle of friends. It is never a part-time job.

We would never build a house without a plan, yet we birth a child and seldom ask advice from Christians whom we admire. Last week Dr. Maxwell gave us five areas of life that will help us put a plan into action as we raise our children: faith, responsibility (in all areas), relationships, attitude, and generosity. These apply today as we strive to fulfill Deut. 6:4 and have the goal of raising children who will love the Lord God, with all their heart, soul, and strength, and love other people more than they love themselves. We want them to Love God and Love People.