responsibility that the guilty party had shirked? As a consequence, did the first generation “do what was neutral in the sight of the Lord”? If we parents do not teach our children the things of God, from whom will they learn? 3. The family as God’s learning community consists in three priorities, the first of which is theological . What does theology mean? “You can’t understand anything unless you begin with the existence, the character and the plan of God.” How is this claim affirmed by (read these verses aloud) Job 28:28 ; Proverbs 1:9, 9:10; Psalm 111:10 ? Why does all knowing begin with a knowledge of God? 4. Read aloud Psalms 8:1-4 , 19:1-6 ; Romans 1:18-20 . What awesome spectacle has God literally enveloped us within to show us his glory? Describe some specific, everyday events and objects in creation that parents can use to “give awe to our children” about the Creator. Why is instilling divine awe in our children crucial for their well-being? 5. “Parents must live in awe of God in order to pass on this awe to their children.” Would your children say that “my parents live in awe of God and talk about him all the time”? Identify some specific, practical steps that you can take as parents to invigorate your own awe. How can you ensure that your awe is authentic? 6. What is the chief resource that God has provided to help parents become better “family theologians,” to a level fitted to their station in life? What are other readily available resources that are helpful for this purpose? Remember that people are resources, too. How Did It Go Last Week? Share your successes and trials with the group. (10 minutes) In the coming sessions, questions and topics will be provided here for group discussion of your experiences in putting into practice what you learn each week.
Session 1
GETTING TO THE HEART OF PARENTING
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