October 6, 2019 Sermon Notes and Slides
Sermon Notes & Slides
A Father’s Instruction
Proverbs 4
Tony Chute, Interim Pastor
Overview: The book of Proverbs teaches us how to make good and godly decisions in all of life’s circumstances, particularly in the home. Although some might find it strange to look to the Old Testament for instructions on raising children (due to their own misconceptions), its wisdom is unsurpassed and therefore applicable today. According to Proverbs, parents have the primary responsibility to raise their children, such that those who neglect this role are viewed as accomplices in their demise. This responsibility includes both formative and corrective discipline but carries with it the possibility that children may still reject parental values. Therefore, in order to do our part as parents, we must take the lead in passing biblical values to the next generation. We do this by placing primacy on godly character; showing them the blessing of following God’s ways; setting before them the danger of departing from God’s ways; and providing practical helps to navigate through life.
01. For those who disregard the importance of family, know that God has founded the world with wisdom such that society depends on the family.
02. For those who have failed their family, know that God will forgive you for past neglect and will bless the work you begin today.
03. For those who belong to the Northpoint family, know that God will add to this family as we honor Him in all that we do.
Questions for Discussion and Discovery
1. What preconceptions or misconceptions might a non-Christian have about family and parenting in the Bible? How would you address these ideas in a way that shows the wisdom of family values in Proverbs?
2. Discuss the importance of formative and corrective discipline. How has your character been shaped by formative discipline? Who influenced you the most inside the home? Who or what influenced you most outside of the home? In what ways is corrective discipline empty without formative discipline?
3. How should we understand Proverbs 22:6 as it relates to parental responsibility? Does this verse guarantee that children will always embrace the values of their parents? How does Proverbs 13:1 and 30:11-12 speak to the reality of wayward children?
4. Why is it important for both parents to speak into the life of their children with equal authority? How does Proverbs 1:8 and 6:20 address this as a shared responsibility? How important is it for parents to show their love and respect for one another as they raise children to do the same? See 2 Timothy 1:3-5.
5. What wisdom did your parents pass down to you that was “common sense” wisdom? How can such ordinary lessons from life help us to become wise? How does Proverbs move beyond common sense to teach us how to glorify Christ with our family?
For Further Reading: Elisabeth Elliott, The Shaping of a Christian Family: How My Parents Nurtured my Faith (Revell, 2005).