6-23-24
June 23, 2024

The Spirit-Filled Family

Fathers Who Lovingly Lead – Part 3

Pastor John Marc Wiemann
Ephesians 6:4

Main point: Ephesians 6:4 commands a father to bring his child up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. We will see the content, concern, and course of spiritual instruction.

I. The Content of Spiritual Instruction
Verse 4c

II. The Concern of Spiritual Instruction
Verse 4c

III. The Course of Spiritual Instruction
Verse 4c

Here are some books which may assist you in deeper study and application of the truths presented in today’s sermon. While the elders cannot endorse every concept presented in each book, we do believe these resources will be helpful in profitably thinking through today’s topic.

• The Heart of Anger by Lou Priolo
• Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
• The Shepherd Leader at Home by Timothy Witmer

The Questions for Spiritual Growth

Our Cornerstone mission is To Know Christ and Make Him Known. Community Groups help us to live out our mission as we discuss the Scripture passage from the sermon, how to apply it, and pray for one another.

  1. When it comes to the spiritual provision, would you say that your family is well fed or undernourished?

  2. What do the following passages reveal about the content of spiritual instruction, the importance of spiritual instruction, and the response to spiritual instruction? Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Psalm 34:11-16; 2 Timothy 3:14-17.

  3. How are discipline and instruction connected to each other in Ephesians 6:4?

  4. As you consider your family times in God’s Word, whether an established practice or a new plan, evaluate them on the following criteria:
    • Is your practice realistic?


    • Is your approach systematic? Do you have a plan?


    • Are you flexible? Do your devotions serve you, or are you legalistic about them?


    • Are you consistent? If someone asked, “Do you have family devotions?” could you answer yes with a clear conscience?


    • Is your approach interactive? Do you plan for and encourage conversation around the Scriptures?


    • Are you real? Does your attitude and commitment to family devotions communicate to your family that it is an important part of family life? Do they see you strive, by God’s grace, to walk with the Lord in your own life?