Homes Full of Gladness and Rejoicing
Proverbs 23:23-25; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Ephesians 6:1-3

1. What is God’s design for the family?

Is there a supernatural design or is the family only a product of social evolution?

2. What are the parent’s roles in God’s design?

2.1 Teach Deut 6:4-9

Questions for consideration…

We may be teaching doctrine and world-view with our mouths, but what are we modeling in our lives? Take some time to consider what your schedule, your priorities, and your appetites really love and count important.

Do we functionally model the hope of the Good news of Christ in our home by openly repenting and forgiving? Is the language of repentance backed up by a Holy Spirit empowered change of behavior?

Does our teaching influence the heart or only external behaviors?

Does our family schedule reflect the primacy of Scripture, worship, fellowship with God’s people and a love for his church? In what ways is Christ not primary? What needs to change this week?

2.2 Discipline Heb 12:5-11

When you discipline your children, what is your motive? Are you angry? How do you reconcile with them after the discipline is carried out?

Does our discipline come only as a result of being inconvenienced or having our feelings hurt or our rights offended, or does discipline come that we might raise our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?

2.3 Be honorable – Be aware of the sins in your own heart

3. What are the Children’s roles in God’s design?

3.1 Obedience is to flow forth from honor

3.2 Honor is to continue for all of life

3.3 Honor, and all that it means, is a process, not an event.

Are you aware of the common sins that lurk in your heart? Do you find yourself moving toward your parents, rather than away from them? Do you surround yourself with friends who honor their parents? Do you go to your parents to confess your sins and struggles in life?

4. What about those who are intentional orphans?