At Trailhead, we believe that church is not just about growing in God’s Word but doing so in community. We have designed this study guide to help you follow along with Sunday’s message. Study the scriptures, take notes, and then reinforce what you learned by answering a few questions. Ask others to join you in discussion, whether it be with your family or your Trailhead study group. Let’s have church!
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Interactive Scriptures and Notes
This link is updated weekly, so we encourage you to select the “Email” button at the bottom to send your notes to yourself when you’re finished.
Motivation for Adults
1. Fear
2. Money
3. Food
Motivation for Children
1. Positive reinforcement with praise & encouragement
2. Belonging & recognition
3. Curiosity, which can be tied to creativity & imagination
4. Approval
5. Social influence
6. Accountability
7. Challenge & competition
8. Sugar
Proverbs 3:11-12 (NLT)
11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. 12 For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
Hebrews 12:5-11 (NLT)
5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” 7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
BALANCED PROCESS OF DISCIPLINE
1. If there is no trust, there is no voice
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Psalm 127:3-4 (NLT)
3 Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. 4 Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
2. Be a cheerleader, not a critic
Romans 5:8 (NLT)
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
DISCIPLINE NEEDS TO BE:
1. Consistent
2. Direct
3. Quick
4. Full of clarity
Other Notes
Discussion Questions
1) Parents play a crucial role in guiding children along the right path. How can parents succeed in this?
Why is it so important for parents to take this seriously and not ignore their responsibilities in shaping their children?
2) Scripture teaches us that God disciplines those He loves. Why is it necessary to apply Godly discipline with our kids?
Why might some parents shy away from discipline? What are some potential consequences of this?
3) Pastor Josh taught that discipline should follow a balanced process. Discipline first requires trust and unconditional love. Why are these crucial when it comes to a parent’s approach to discipline?
How would/have you put these principles into practice? How can you prevent anger and other emotions from influencing how you discipline?
Personal Reflection
Parents: How would you evaluate your approach to discipline? Is it balanced? If not, what can you do to change that?