Discussion Guide: Week starting: Nov 30

Suggested weekly rhythm:
  1. Start with prayer.
  2. Review upcoming events/announcements.
  3. Share and Confess- Discuss the highs and lows of the week and practice any accountability.  Stop and pray for anything that comes up during this time.
  4. Read this week's scripture and work through the discussion questions below.
  5. Pray to close your time and for anything specific that came out in the discussion time.

Discussion Questions
(You likely won't get through all of them, so be sure to choose a few from each category)   
Ephesians 6:1-4
Main Idea: 
Biblical parenting reflects the heart of God by combining firm truth with tender grace, disciplining and guiding children in a way that draws them closer– not drives them away.

Head (Understanding the Passage)
  1. Read Ephesians 6:1–4. What stands out to you most in Paul’s instructions to both children and parents? Why do you think Paul pairs discipline and instruction (truth) with not provoking to anger (grace)?
  2. How does Hebrews 12:5–8 expand our understanding of why God disciplines His children? What does this teach us about the purpose behind parental discipline?
  3. Jamus said that “discipline proves acceptance.” How does this align with Scripture? How is this different from the way many people view discipline today?
  4. Proverbs speaks often about “the rod.” Jamus emphasized the principle of the rod rather than one specific method. What does that principle teach us about the nature of training, correction, and consequences?
  5. Why is disciplining children in anger inconsistent with the nature of God?
Heart (Personal Reflection)
  1. Think back to your own upbringing: what messages—spoken or unspoken—did you receive about discipline? How have those experiences shaped your parenting style for better or for worse?
  2. Where do you tend to lean more naturally: truth without grace, or grace without truth? How has that shown up in your relationships at home?
  3. When we discipline our children from a place of personal frustration rather than love, what is really going on in our hearts in that moment?
  4. Jamus warned that some kids can struggle to understand God as a loving Father because of the way their earthly father related to them. How does that truth land on you personally?
  5. What expectations—spoken or unspoken—might you be placing on your child that could be fueling silent anger, anxiety, or pressure? How can you discern the difference between healthy guidance and crushing expectations?
  6. The enemy often whispers accusations to parents like, “You’re not enough,” “You’re failing,” or “Your kids’ struggles are your fault.” Which of these lies do you tend to hear most, and what gospel truth counters it?
Hands (Living It Out)
  1. What is one specific way you can better reflect the grace of God to your children this week? Be specific: tone of voice, time spent, physical affection, patience, etc.
  2. What is one specific way you can better reflect the truth of God to your children this week? Think structure, boundaries, consistent consequences, or clear expectations.
  3. If anger is a struggle in discipline moments, what practical steps could help you slow down, pray, or calm your heart before addressing behavior?
  4. What would “reconciliation-based discipline” look like in your home? How can you ensure your discipline brings your child closer to you rather than away?
  5. Identify one expectation you need to release and one encouragement you want to intentionally offer to your child this week.
  6. Consider the language Jamus recommended: instead of “It’s okay,” say, “You sinned against God and against us, but we forgive you.” How could shifting your language help your child understand the gospel more clearly?
  7. What is one thing you can do this week to bring more joy, connection, or delight into your relationship with your child—something that reminds them they themselves are a gift, not their achievements?