NO Greater Calling, Part 1

As parents, we spend a lot of time thinking and planning for our child’s future. Where to send them to school… what activities to get them signed up for. We do an awful lot to help prepare them for this life. But God is calling parents to more. Academics, sports, future jobs… these are all secondary. In God’s eyes, there is “NO Greater Calling” that a parent has than to make a deliberate decision to point and lead their children to Him.

Key Scripture

Joshua 24:14–16

Discussion Questions

Don’t be afraid to add to this list, skip questions that don’t work for your group, or branch off with additional questions as discussion unfolds. Conversation is key! This is the time to work through the application of scripture and have group members figure things out together.

1. Read Joshua 24:14a. What does reverence or fear for the Lord look like? On the flip side, read Isaiah 41:10. How do these two verses compare/differentiate from each other?
2. Pastor suggested that we need to set an example for our kids to serve the Lord. What ministry are you personally involved in? How and where have you served together with your family/kids?
3. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 tells us to teach, correct, and rebuke others through scripture. When it comes to parenting, why does it seem like we’re doing more correcting than encouraging? Does that need to shift? If so, how can we do that?
4. Read Proverbs 14:26. Pastor said that there is a 100% chance that our children will stand in front of the Lord one day. Are you raising your children or grandchildren to love, fear, reverence, and honor the Lord? What are some practical ways that you can do this? What’s one change that you can make today to better guide your kids? Discuss with your group how you do this and the successes and struggles that you have encountered.
5. Read Joshua 24:15. Everyone serves something or someone. If you’ve accepted Christ as your personal Savior, what are some things you “served” before you were made new in Him? Do you still find yourself struggling with any of these things? If yes, how can your life group help you in your pursuit to prioritize God? If not, what are some practical things you do to keep God first place in your life?
6. Pastor said that it is crucial to lead your kids to reverence and honor God in order to protect them from the storms of life which will inevitably come their way. How have you seen this play out in your own life? What verses can you think of that reinforce this truth?
7. What if your children are grown and have never accepted Christ as their personal savior? Perhaps you weren’t saved when they were growing up and you didn’t lead them in the truth, or maybe they have chosen to walk the other way regardless of your influence. How can you as a parent continue to guide them and lead them to salvation from afar?
8. Even as dedicated believers, we are bound to fail as parents now and then. How do we ensure that we aren’t relying on our own strength to lead our families? From where and from who does our help come from and how do we keep ourselves on track and not reliant on our own abilities? How should we react when we fail?

Accountability

• Where are you reading in the Bible this week and what is God revealing to you?
• Discuss any struggles you may be going through with your group.
• How can you be praying for your group this week? How can they be praying for you?

Questions about following Jesus?

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