Parenting on Purpose: Discipline: God’s Design for Growth – (Week 3)
Speaker: Tony Nzanza
Worship and check-in: As part of your check-in for group, take time to break bread together. Read these verses of Scripture together 1 Corinthians 11:28; Psalm 34:22 (We would encourage you to read the whole Psalm as part of your own preparation). Eat of the cracker and juice as you remember what Jesus did for you on the cross, knowing that we can come to the table accepted and that He is our refuge. Play this worship song as a reminder that the Name of Jesus is above all names “What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship”
Bible Readings: Hebrews 12:5-11 (NIV) – read this in various translations as you prepare for the group. Proverbs 29:15, 17; Amos 3:3; Colossians 3:20; Matthew 21:28-31; Ephesians 4:26; Psalm 23:4; Psalm 103:12-14; Psalm 127:3-5; Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 29:15
Preparation and Discussion for Group Time:
In this series, we are considering God’s guidance and insights on how to raise children to be strong in their faith and fully focused on Him. Together we will uncover practical wisdom that will empower you to navigate the incredible journey of parenthood toward this goal. Tony Nzanza (Elder and Field Development Director, Africa (Scripture Union Global) took a difficult topic of discipline, sharing with us some thoughts from the Bible and 4 things we can embrace in our parenting or for that matter any of our significant relationships.
- Tony shared the difference between Punishment and Discipline:
- PUNISHMENT- Inflict Pain for an Offence that instills Fear.
- DISCIPLINE – Training for Correction for Maturity.
If discipline is God’s design for growth, consider how you respond and how you discipline. Read Hebrews 12:5-11 and then share what was highlighted to you about discipline and how God disciplines us as His children.
- here are different types of parents – undisciplined/absent parents, lifeguard parents (jump in when required), inconsistent parents (today one way, tomorrow another way), split decision parents (don’t agree on how to discipline), lawnmower parents (remove any obstacles to spare them pain, hurt or consequences) and helicopter parents (overprotect/micromanage)
Consider what type of parent style you have, had, or think you may have if you had children. Read these verses of Scripture: Proverbs 29:15, 17; Amos 3:3; Colossians 3:20; Matthew 21:28-31; Ephesians 4:26; Psalm 23:4. Share with the group what would or could you do differently knowing some truths from God’s word about how we are to parent, discipline and guide our children. - 4 things we can embrace in our parenting or significant relationships:
- Invite God into our parenting/relationship space.
- Learn to be adaptable and flexible.
- Set clear boundaries (demonstrate our love for them).
- Practice grace and forgiveness.
Read Psalm 103:12-14; Psalm 127:3-5; Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 29:15. Then share with the group what needs to shift for you to embrace your parenting or significant relationships.
Check out and Prayer:
Pair up and pray for one another for the Holy Spirit would help us to receive and give discipline in a way that honours God and helps us in our spiritual growth.
Love God:
- Meditate on Hebrews 12:11 “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
- For personal study check out the following devotions on YouVersion:
Love People:
- For upcoming next steps in your discipleship journey; like Baptism or serving. Sign up online at Church Center/ the website.