LifeGroup Discussion Guide

VISION SERIES

Session 2: The Revival of Domestic Discipleship
“As for me and my house”

Start the discussion.

This second session emphasizes the need to prioritize discipleship at home, that the younger generation will be raised who know the Lord and are faithful to Him.

Scripture text(s):
“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children.” — Deuteronomy 4:9 ESV

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”- which is the first commandment with a promise - “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:1-4 NIV

Start by opening in prayer. 

Share key points from the Session.

Other passages:
Joshua 24:15b; Psalm 127:1; Ephesians 5:15-18; Genesis 12:1-3; 10-15; 20:1-3, 26:1-7; Judges 6:25-26.

Main idea:
We need to be intentional in discipleship at home if we want to see our young people not fall away, but instead, grow up with resilient faith in God.

Some key points: 

• Recent statistics show the dire condition of discipleship in our young people. There is an urgency to prioritize discipleship and evangelism at home. 

• Parents are primary disciplers. Many of us have some kind of plan for our children’s education and career. How many of us have a plan for our kids’ spiritual growth? 

• While the children's ministry aims to teach God’s truths and nurture children in following Jesus, the discipleship of our children cannot be outsourced. As seen in Joshua’s example, it is an imperative to pass on a godly legacy otherwise spiritual decline occurs quickly (Joshua 24:15b; contrast Judges 2:6-10, 11-13). 

• Tyson outlines five types of fathers: Irresponsible father, Ignorant father, Inconsistent father, Involved father and Intentional father. 

• Three characteristics of Intentional parents:
  (1) They view their role as sacred - Family discipleship requires God’s help (Psalm 127:1; Ephesians 5:15-18).
  (2) They deal with their own brokenness so they do not pass it on to their children - We are prone to generational dysfunctions that we perpetuate, e.g. lying, favouritism, etc. (Genesis 12:1-3; 10-15; 20:1-3, 26:1-7). But regardless of our baggages, there is hope for us to break free and be “reparented” (Deuteronomy 4:9; Ephesians 6:1-4).
  (3) They build a plan and pathway for the raising of their children - Families benefit from having structure and consistency in household habits, comprising Rhythms, Rituals, Resources, Reminders and Retelling. 

The good news is that no matter our family background or experience, we have hope in God Who can redeem, heal and empower us (Judges 6:25-26). 

Discuss Questions

• What was one thing you felt challenged by, from this message, and why? 

• How are the three characteristics of Intentional parenting consequential for us?

• How can you be part of the revival of domestic discipleship, that families/marriages/homes may flourish in the world? 
  

Do It

Action steps:

• Family Life Ministry launch 

• Parenting resources 

• Inner Healing ministry/retreats 

• Youth mentorship

Take a step to act on one of the above. 

Go into smaller groups to (1) Share your action step; and (2) Pray for each other’s marriages/families and home life, as well as for a friend/colleague who might be struggling on the family front (without disclosing sensitive details).