Wednesday, November 30, 2011

November 30, 2011

Read:  Psalm 95:1-7, Psalm 100 (Advent Reading: Matthew 21:23-32)

What similarities do you find in these two Psalms? Write them down and pray through them.

Are there any new thoughts in Psalm 100 that aren’t in Psalm 95? Write them down and pray through them.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

November 29, 2011

Read:  Psalm 95:1-7 (Advent Reading: Matthew 21:12-22)

Three times in these seven verses God is inviting us to “come”. Write down what He is calling us to come to do.

We all have countless things for which we are to be thankful. What are the points of focus in this passage?

Think about each one of these points of worship and gratitude. Pray and thank God for each one and what
they mean to you.

Monday, November 28, 2011

November 28, 2011

Read:  Psalm 95:1-7, Romans 11:33-36, Colossians 1:15-20 (Advent Reading: Matthew 21:1-11)

What does it mean to be Christ-centered?

How do you get distracted from God and become self-centered?

How can we, as a church, get distracted from God and become man-centered?

Saturday, November 26, 2011

November 26, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:4, Acts 17:11-12, 1 Corinthians 13:12

In what way does Paul describe spiritual maturity and the way to recognize it?

Why is it important for Christians to own their own faith (i.e., be critical thinkers)? How does it happen?

In what way can protective Christian parents actually hinder spiritual growth with their children?

Friday, November 25, 2011

November 25, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:4, Hebrews 12:4-11

What is implied by the fact that “train” and “discipline” are actually the same Greek word?

From a parenting perspective, how do consequences and expectations work together for a child’s benefit?

How do you see this play out in culture today? How can Christians be different?

Thursday, November 24, 2011

November 24, 2011

Read: Ephesians 6:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, James 1:19

How does listening and encouragement relate to each other? What would the opposite look like?

Knowing that encouragement is to be the mark of Christian behavior, what does this say to parents?

Why is it especially important for a parent to be a good listener? Why is assuming dangerous in parenting?

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

November 23, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:4, 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Explain how Paul’s encouragement to parents in Ephesians 6:4 relates to Paul’s reminder to Timothy.

Why is God’s word the standard for spiritual growth? How does this relate to both parents and children?

How often do you read the word of God? How can you incorporate the word of God in your parenting?

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

November 22, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:4, Deuteronomy 6:1-9

It is clear from scripture that parents are able to provide godly guidance for their kids. What else is implied?

What are you currently doing to grow in your walk with the Lord? Are you progressing? Why?

Describe how you are modeling a personal relationship with Jesus to your child. What does this tell you?

Monday, November 21, 2011

November 21, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:4, Proverbs 1:8-9, 4:1-9

What does the bible assume about parents even though the direction is given to children?

Who do you think has the majority of influence on youth today? What does this say about family life?

As a parent, describe your experience with this truth. How is God challenging you to grow?

Saturday, November 19, 2011

November 19, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:29, 6:4a, James 3:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Why do you think our words and what we say to one another is so important? What is the impact?

How would you describe verbal abuse? Why is this issue so critical in how we parent our children?

Explain the necessary balance between verbal correction and encouragement in parenting. Why?

Friday, November 18, 2011

November 18, 2011

Read: Ephesians 6:4a, Proverbs 3:3-5, Philippians 4:6-8

How are you tempted to exasperate your children? (i.e. overprotect, compare, overachieve, etc.) Why?

What connection do you see between parental anxiety and exasperating kids? How does Proverbs 3:3 help?

What does it look like to embrace rather than fight the inherent risks associated in parenting for you?

Thursday, November 17, 2011

November 17, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:25-27, 6:4a, Colossians 3:21

Why does Paul warn against unresolved anger? (i.e. what happens?) How have you seen this take place?

Why is this a critical issue in parenting and how does this relate to exasperating children?

What lessons should every parent take from Paul’s warning? What specifically applies to you?

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

November 16, 2011

Read:  1 Samuel 2:12-36

In what way did Eli neglect his role as both a father and a priest? Why? What was the result?

How could Eli have rationalized that he actually loved his sons? How do you relate to Eli’s challenge?

What are some ways you are tempted to unintentionally neglect your children? How will you change?

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

November 15, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:22-33, 6:4a

Given the context of Paul’s discussion about husbands and wives, what can we derive about parenting?

How have you always viewed the parenting roles of a mom and dad? (i.e. who’s in charge?) Why?

Given Paul’s instruction that a dad should lead the way, what is God teaching you about you?

Monday, November 14, 2011

November 14, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:4a, Genesis 4:1, 25, Psalm127:3-5

Describe how God views children when it comes to His plan and purpose for mankind.

How do you think children are valued today? How does this compare to when you were growing up?

What is the difference between a worldly value & a godly value toward kids? How should this impact parenting?

Saturday, November 12, 2011

November 12, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:2-3, 1 Timothy 5:2-8

Who does God say is responsible for the care and provision of parents, grandparents, etc.?

How can this responsibility be avoided or delegated in today’s culture?

How do you think this would impact family life? What is God teaching you about parenting and honoring?

Friday, November 11, 2011

November 11, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:2-3, Exodus 20:12, Matthew 15:1-9

Explain how the religious system of Jesus’ day was dishonoring to parents.

In what way does this help you understand Paul’s instructions to the Ephesian Christians?

Why would honoring parents lead to a happy and long life?

Thursday, November 10, 2011

November 10, 2011

Read: Ephesians 2:1-3, 6:1-3

In what way are we all born juvenile delinquents? How do you see proof of this in young children?

Why is it important to remember this truth as a parent? What happens when this is forgotten?

How are you tempted to minimize this truth with your children? What is God teaching you?

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

November 9, 2011

Read: Ephesians 6:1, Acts 4:8-20, Romans 13:1-7

Why did Peter oppose the religious authorities? Was he violating Romans 13? Why or why not?

How do you see Peter’s dilemma applying to children and family life today?

What counsel would you give to a child who wants to please God and lives in an abusive home?

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

November 8, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:1, Colossians 3:20, Romans 1:28-30, 2 Timothy 3:1-5

What connection does Paul make between obeying parents and following the Lord? Why?

In what way can kids be duped into thinking this connection doesn’t exist? Give examples.

Explain the lessons that are learned by children who do what they are told. How can you instill this truth?

Monday, November 7, 2011

November 7, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 6:1, Proverbs 1:8, 6:20-23, 30:17

Describe how obeying your parents will lead to life and disobedience will lead to death.

How are you seeing this play out in today’s culture? Give an example from your own experience.

Have you noticed a difference in obedience between girls and boys? How does God’s word address this?

Saturday, November 5, 2011

November 5, 2011

Read: Ephesians 5:31, Matthew 19:3-12, 1 Corinthians 7:12-17, 7:39-40

How do you see God’s approach toward marriage differing from the world’s approach toward marriage?

How do you see this impacting divorce rates today? (i.e. no fault divorce, irreconcilable differences, etc.)

Explain the three scenarios when God will allow someone to biblically divorce and remarry.

Friday, November 4, 2011

November 4, 2011

Read: Ephesians 3:4-6, 5:22-32, Matthew 5:14-16, Malachi 2:16

Describe how a biblical marriage is a witness to the world. (Hint: roles of husband and wife)

How do you think Satan approaches a biblical marriage given that 50% of Christian marriages fail today?

How does this elevate marriage beyond personal happiness? What kind of witness has your marriage been?

Thursday, November 3, 2011

November 3, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:31, 1 Corinthians 7:25-38

Why does Paul attempt to dissuade those who are single from getting married?

What does this say about the priority that marriage should have in life? What is your view?

How should this cause someone to count the cost before getting married? How did you count the cost?

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

November 2, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:31, 1 Corinthians 6:12-19, Genesis 2:22-25

Explain what Paul means when he says a husband and wife are united in marriage and become one flesh.

In what way did Adam and Eve model this oneness in marriage? In what way were they an exception?

How do you think this truth should make a difference for couples when they are dating?

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

November 1, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 5:31, Exodus 20:12

Why does Paul tell the man and not the woman to leave their father and mother? (Hint: Ephesians 5:25-30)

How is this an indicator if a man is ready for marriage? Why do you see people waiting to marry?

What is the difference between leaving your parents and honoring your parents when you are married?