"Discipline Gives Children Hope"
INTRODUCTION
This Proverbs miniseries introduces a biblical view of relationships. We will focus on topics such as the formative power of relationships, the nature of friendship, how parents and children should relate to one another, how husbands and wives should relate to one another, and how we should relate to those in authority over us.
OPENING DISCUSSION
Parenting is one of life's most challenging yet rewarding responsibilities. We all want to raise children who are wise, respectful, and prepared for the future. Proverbs offers ancient wisdom on how discipline plays a role in shaping a child’s character. Before we dive into specific verses, let’s start with this question: What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘discipline’? Do you associate it more with punishment, training, or something else?
BIG IDEA
The wise parent is committed to disciplining their children in love.
OPENING DISCUSSION
Parenting is one of life's most challenging yet rewarding responsibilities. We all want to raise children who are wise, respectful, and prepared for the future. Proverbs offers ancient wisdom on how discipline plays a role in shaping a child’s character. Before we dive into specific verses, let’s start with this question: What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘discipline’? Do you associate it more with punishment, training, or something else?
BIG IDEA
The wise parent is committed to disciplining their children in love.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Read Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
Read Proverbs 13:24
"Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him."
Read Hebrews 12:7-11
“It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
- What does it mean to "train up" a child? How is training different from punishment?
- What do you think "the way he should go" refers to? How does Proverbs 6:23 help us here?
- What are some practical ways parents can be proactive about training their children?
Read Proverbs 13:24
"Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him."
- Proverbs instruct parents to discipline their children with a “rod” five times. What do you think is meant by "the rod" in this verse? And how should that shape our parenting practices?
- Why do you think the proverb contrasts sparing discipline with hatred rather than indifference?
- How can parents discipline in a way that reflects love rather than frustration or anger?
Read Hebrews 12:7-11
“It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
- What stands out to you from this verse about God’s discipline?
- How have you experienced God’s discipline in your own life? What were the results?
- If you’re a parent, what is one step of growth you would like to take as a result of this discussion?