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Session Outline:
Learning to become a flexible, yet firm parent.
It’s easier to build a child than to repair
an adult.
GAL. 5:16-23 So
I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the
sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit,
and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict
with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by
the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are
obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft;
hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those
who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the
Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
The above scripture talks about some pretty specific
standards we are to follow. None of us are born and grow up instinctively
following this mandate. We are sinners and we need discipline and instruction
that will help us to overcome in these areas. The negative behaviors in our kids
must be dealt with.
Life Implication:
There is a clear biblical relationship between discipline and
love.
MATT. 24:12 Jesus says "and
because lawlessness (un-discipline) is increased most people’s love grows
cold.
1 TIM. 1:3-5 says that the goal of
instruction (discipline) is love
The Bible makes it clear that we are to discipline our
children. Studies have shown that we are raising several generations of kids who
are manifesting dysfunctional behavior which can be directly linked to a lack of
discipline and structure in their life.
The biblical goal of discipline is threefold; To teach submission
(Heb. 12:9) and produce legitimacy (Heb. 12:8) and righteousness (Heb.
12:10-11).
Behavior is determined by the consequences which
follow it.
SOME SCRIPTURES ON DISCIPLINE:
Heb. 12:7-11 Endure
hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not
disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes
discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover,
we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it.
How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our
fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God
disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 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.
Prov. 13:24 he
who spares the rod hates his son — but he who loves him disciplines him
diligently.
Prov. 19:18 discipline
your son while there is hope — and do not desire his death.
Prov. 22:15 foolishness is bound
up in the heart of a child — the rod of discipline will remove it far from
him.
Prov. 23:13-14 do
not hold back discipline from the child — even though you beat him with the
rod — he will not die — beat him with the rod and deliver his soul from
sheol.
Prov. 29:15 the
rod and reproof give wisdom — but a child who gets his own way is a shame to
his mother.
Prov. 29:17 correct
your son and he will give you comfort — he will also delight your soul.
Eph. 6:4 fathers don’t provoke
your children to anger — but bring them up in the discipline and instruction
of the Lord.
1 Tim. 3:4-5 he must manage his
own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If
anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s
church?)
1 Tim. 3:12 deacons must be good
managers of their children.
A lack of discipline is one of the biggest problems we have in
our culture today.
The result is that our kids lack patience
and the ability to apply critical thought.
Our kids will normally do what we inspect,
not what we expect.
SPANKING (Factors to consider)
to listen to the audio of the Session.
2/1/2003