Before We Get Started

For our discussion today we will be using the sermon series discussion guides. If you would like to follow along you can access this discussion guide on the website at mosaicchurchaustin.com and then select “community group resources” in the menu options.

Prayer

Because the main goal of our time together is to establish relationships and learn how to walk with one another in all that God has called us to be and do, we’d like to begin by praying for one another. So, does anyone have anything you’d like us to pray for, or  anything to share regarding how you’ve seen God moving in your life that we can celebrate together.

This Week’s Topic

Today, we conclude our series titled Family. We will be taking a look at what Scripture has to say when it comes to singleness, marriage, and parenting. If God has called us, singles, marrieds, and families, to be one big family together, then we need to better understand how to love, serve, and walk together in these different stages of life.

Today’s Topic

A Theology of Parenting

Discussion Questions

What was your relationship with your parents like when you were a kid? How has that influenced or shaped your life as an adult?

Luke 18:15-17

¹⁵ Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. ¹⁶ But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.¹⁷ Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

What was your favorite game to play as a kid? Why?

What do you think gets lost in most people’s lives when we “grow up” and leave our childhood behind?

Why would Jesus hold up children as a model for knowing and worshipping Him?

Rather you have your own children, neices/nephews, or work with children in some capacity, what are some ways you can nurture and inspire them know our Heavenly Father’s character, nature, and love?

Ephesians 5:15-17, 6:1-4

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is…

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

If you’re a parent, what do you enjoy most about parenting? What do you enjoy least?

If you’re not a parent, what do you enjoy most about leading/coaching the kids in your life? what do you enjoy least?

Why might a parent, or someone leading kids, put pressure on that child to perform and succeed in a given area of life? Where do you think that comes from?

What does Scripture uphold as the goal of leading, coaching, directing the children in our lives? 

How does that aim compare to the way you were raised? How does it compare to the way you lead the children in your life today?

Closing Thought

1 John 3:1-2

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. “

Romans 8:15-17

“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”

Matthew 6:9

“Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”

When you hear Scripture refer to God as our Father, what thoughts come to mind for you?

How might seeing God, rightly, as our sacrificially loving and merciful Father, help us to lead our children well?