Proverbs 22:6 says, “‘TRAIN Up a Child’ in the way he should go…” This is God’s instruction to parents. Parenting God’s way isn’t hands-off… it’s intentional.
Key Scripture
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.
- What are the main differences between teaching a child and training up a child? Have you ever thought about these differences before? Pastor mentioned a study that said 75% of Christians were saved before age 14. If you have young kids, how will this influence or change the way you raise them?
- What does it look like to study your child so that your parenting is more effective? How has your instruction to your specific child(ren) been based on how they are wired?
- Read Matthew 18:3. Children are pliable in a way that adults can never be, hence the importance of beginning their training when they are young. What does training a child look like when they’re an infant/toddler vs. a teenager or adolescent? What are the similarities, and what are the differences?
- Read Deuteronomy 6:7. In what ways are you following the instructions in this verse regarding your children? What are some ways that you could expand on this directive?
- Think about Jacob and Esau or Cain and Able. There’s no denying that God wired kids differently – even if they came from the same parents. If you have multiple kids or siblings, how was parenting different or creative based on unique personalities?
- Read Hebrews 12:6. Has the Lord ever had to “chasten” you in some way? How did you feel or react in that moment, and what were the results of that chastening? What did you learn about yourself and God in those situations?
- Read Proverbs 13:24, Proverbs 22:15, and Proverbs 29:17. Pastor mentioned that the goal of discipline is repentance, not revenge. Discuss what this means for your household. What does discipline look like when done through love?
- A.W. Tozer said that the most important thing about us is what we think about God. How do you incorporate eternal and biblical training into your daily parenting routine? How do you demonstrate daily the love of Christ and the truth of His Word?
Accountability
- Where are you reading in the Bible this week? What has God been revealing to you through your quiet time with Him?
- Discuss any struggles you may be going through with your group.
- How can you pray for your group this week? How can they be praying for you?
Questions about following Jesus?
Want to know how simple it is to have a relationship with Jesus? Interested in talking with someone about Jesus? Let us know below.