Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) - Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 13:24 (ESV) - Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

Proverbs 22:15 (ESV) - Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

Proverbs 29:15 (ESV) - The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

A few comments on marriage…
· Always respect and value God’s design for marriage and the family - even when it’s not your reality.

· Marriage is the most intense form of relationship we know.

· One of the best gifts you can give your child is a loving Christ-honoring marriage.

· The unity of mom and dad (husband and wife) is best for effective parenting.

Deuteronomy 6:4–9 (ESV) - “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Proverbs 14:26 (ESV) - In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.

Proverbs 20:7 (ESV) - The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!

Core Value - We value partnering with and equipping families as church and home blend together to influence the next generation toward authentic faith.

Ephesians 5:33-6:4 (ESV) - 33However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. 1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3“that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Colossians 3:18–21 (ESV) - Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) - Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

The goal of parenting is to guide, direct and influence your child toward authentic faith.

Thoughts on Discipline:
1. Think in terms of discipline, not punishment.

2. Our Heavenly Father models it.

Hebrews 12:3–11 (ESV) - Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” 7It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

3. Discipline is an expected part of parenting (v7 For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?)

4. Discipline develops respect for authority (v9 we respected them)

5. Discipline has a season in parenting (v10 for a short time)

6. Discipline takes wisdom and discernment (v10 as it seemed best to them)

7. Discipline needs to get the child’s attention. (v11 for the moment all discipline seems painful)

8. Discipline has lasting fruit. (v11 later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it)

9. Consistency and clarity are key.

10. Value process and progress over perfection.

Discussion Questions
1. Describe your greatest joy as a parent. If you are not a parent, what do you think would bring your joy as a parent?

2. Why is the marriage relationship an important foundation to effective parenting?

3. Read Proverbs 22:6. What has been your experience with this verse? In what way is it a source of hope and, potentially, a source of discouragement?

4. Regardless of the discipline method, what biblical principles are important to guide discipline?

5. Why is it important to focus on process and progress rather than perfection?

6. Praying for your children is absolutely essential. Why? Take some time to pray by name for each child (and grandchildren) represented in your group.