6-16-24
June 16, 2024

The Spirit-Filled Family:

Fathers Who Lovingly Lead – Part 2

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 definition, design, and delight of biblical discipline.

I. The Definition of Discipline
Verse 4b

II. The Design of Discipline
Verse 4b

III. The Delight of Discipline
Verse 4b

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. What are some common misconceptions and objections to parental discipline?

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

  3. Read Hebrews 5:13-14; 1 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 12:11. What is the meaning of the word “discipline” in these verses? How does it help you to understand the meaning of the word in Ephesians 6:4?

  4. Why does faithful discipline of a child first require self-discipline in the parent?

  5. What are some of the results of focusing on a child’s behavior rather than on the child’s heart?

  6. In what ways would identifying the thoughts and intentions of the heart help you as a parent to correct and discipline with a more Christ centered focus?

  7. What promises and perspectives in Scripture can provide encouragement and hope to be faithful and timely in discipline?

  8. How does Hebrews 12:5-11 help us to see God’s discipline of us? In what ways can we imitate God’s discipline of us? What does discipline produce in the parent-child relationship?