Being Family

For the inept . . . but trying

Marriage-A Good Idea After All

Read Genesis 2:15-25

All of creation was declared good-except one thing. What was it? What was God's solution? Why do you think it was important for Adam to have a "helper?"

If married, in what ways do you need your spouse? In what ways are you a helpmate to your spouse? How does this differ from society's idea of personal independence?

What is God's description of marriage in v. 24-25? What purpose is there in this description?

Considering emotional, spiritual, physical, and social unity, which area(s) does your marriage most reflect verse 24? In what area(s) do you feel there is room for growth? (If single, how does this impact your view of  & preparation for marriage?)

Read Ephesians 5:21-33

What instruction does Paul give for wives in this passage? For husbands? How has our culture reacted to these instructions?

How does verse 21 bind the roles together? How does it bring clarity to how God intended the marriage relationship to function?

How would you describe the heart condition required to fulfill Paul's instructions?

How have you applied or embraced these instructions in your marriage (or your idea of marriage)? In what ways are you challenged? How have you benefited?

Additional study:

Read Colossians 3:12-14

What virtues does Paul mention in this passage? What part does each play in marriage? What binds the virtues all together?

Which of the character traits mentioned in this passage are easiest for you in your marriage? In your life? Which are the most difficult in your marriage? In life?

Read Mark 10:42-45

What charge did Christ give to His disciples in this passage? How is Christ's charge to serve reflected in God's plan for marriage?

How do you try to serve in your marriage? What are the risks? What are the rewards?

Read Philippians 2:3-7

Put this passage in your own words. What is the attitude and position with which we are to approach life? How does this translate to marriage?

Parenting Tips for Moms (& Dads)

Read Proverbs 31:10, 25-31

What are the qualities of a "virtuous woman" listed here? How important would you say these qualities are in life? In parenting?

What do you think is the most appealing character trait listed in this passage? Why?

Why should these attributes be applied to all Christians, regardless of gender?

If you are a woman, how is this passage encouraging to you? Challenging?

If you are a husband/father/son, in what ways do the women in your life reflect these qualities? How often do you verbalize your appreciation (see verse 29)?

Read Deuteronomy 6:1-9

What are the instruction listed here with regard to God's ways?

What are the promises associated with these passages (v. 2-3)?

What are the specific instructions given to parents?

Its important to note verses 6 and 7 are connected. Why are these inseparable?

What does verse 5 really mean? How do/can you model this for your kids?

Additional study:

Read Colossians 3:18-21 and 4:2

How are verses 18-21 still very applicable and profitable today?

How are these verses all connected to good parenting?

Read Proverbs 14:26, 20:7, and 22:6

What truths do each of these passages communicate? How do they encourage you?

Which passage is the most meaningful/instructive to you? Why?

Read Ephesians 6:7-8, Colossians 3:23

What does it mean to parent "wholeheartedly?" What can keep you from this goal?

In what ways do you serve your kids by raising them with discipline and in the "instruction of the Lord?" How will this serve them in life?

Breaking the myth of the Perfect Family

Read Genesis 4:3-7

How did the Lord react to the offerings brought to Him by Cain and Abel?  What was (or could have been) the difference in the offerings that Cain and Abel brought to the Lord? 

What are the emotions behind Cain's reaction in v.5?

How does God say in response to Cain's reaction?  When you read God's words to Cain, what is the emotion you hear in God's voice?  Why?

God is trying to encourage Cain to do what is right.  How do God's role, words and encouragement set for us a model of parenting?

Read Genesis 4:8-16

What do you think brought Cain to the place of such horrible action against Abel?

Read through the interaction between Cain and God starting in verse 9.  What discipline/punishment does God bring to Cain's life?  How does Cain respond?  How then does God respond to Cain's complaint?

How does God show His deep affection for Cain, even in the midst of discipline (see v.15)?  What does this communicate to you about godly parenting?

Additional study:

Read Hebrews 12:5-11

What is the tie between discipline and love in this passage?  Can you have one without the other (in a parenting relationship)?

What is the result of good discipline (see verse 11)? How important does that make discipline, if we are to be godly parents?

Read Psalm 94:11-13

What is the tie between discipline and teaching in th is passage?  How are the two the same thing?  How are they different?

What does the passage say about the man God disciplines/teaches?  How has good discipline impacted your life-how did it train you?

Read Proverbs 5:11-13, 22-23

The proverbs have a very high view of discipline.  Why do you think God is so clear about our receiving discipline?  About its necessity in parenting effectively?

In order to be effective in discipline, it is so necessary to be able to receive it.  What are the warnings of this passage?  What kind of heart condition is required to receive discipline well?  How are you doing in that department?