Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

-What do you think it means to provoke or exasperate?

Exasperate: Irritate, frustrate, provoke to anger

-What are some things that parents do that exasperate their children?

Teasing
Unjust or unexplained punishment
Anger: Yelling
Neglect: Ignoring
Favoritism
Unrealistic expectations
Living through your children
Grades
My definition of clean
Expectating non-Age appropriate behavior from young children
Never good enough!

-Why do you think it’s important for parents to avoid doing things like this?

-What do you think it means when Paul says “Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.”?

Discipline=nurture and Instruction
Teach, correct, admonish, punish for the purpose of helping bring about maturity!

-How do we do the second part (discipline and instruct, while avoiding the first part (provoking or exasperating)?

Avoid the things which exasperate from above while disciplining and instructing.
Avoid preaching at your kids or constantly correcting which could lead to exasperation.
Perhaps provide a good example and talk about the example on a regular basis. Why do we do what we do?

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. —Deuteronomy 6:6-7

-What does verse 6 say to us and how would we know if his commands were written on our own hearts?

The ways of God must first be written on our own hearts, valued and followed before we can effectively transfer them to our children.
Set an example of what a life following Jesus looks like.
Kids may not listen to you, but they will often imitate you!

-What do you think verse 7 means and how would we do this?

Teach as you go. When situations arise, talk about it.
Ask intentional questions which would lead them to the right conclusions.

-How will you apply these principles in your life this week?