Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, the Apostle Paul in v.16 encourages the spiritual leaders of the family to train their disciples in righteousness. Perhaps this is best understood as the practical application and intended result of the teaching, reproving and correcting aspects of discipleship. This is where the maturing disciples are cheered on and encouraged as they strive to live their lives “equipped for every good work”… honoring and glorifying God. Called by God to disciple our families, we cannot instruct from a vacuum. Given the task of the discipleship of our families, we must be consistent and capable students of the Bible ourselves, credible in our godly behavior and sufficiently equipped to eagerly pass on what we know to be scripturally true. I can think of no greater task and no greater responsibility than the intentional discipleship of our families. In addition to the predominant use of Scripture, I would also recommend the following complementary resources which may be considered quite helpful in the family discipleship process:
Tom Joyce
Tom currently serves as Pastor of Discipleship, Family and Next Generation at Immanuel Bible Church, Springfield, VA. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and also received Masters Degrees from Harvard University and Capital Bible Seminary. Tom retired from the Navy in July 2003 after a 25-year career where he and his wife, Deshua, led and ministered to men, women and families in the Naval Aviation community. He is a frequent speaker at Word of Life.
character but also His marvelous creative work and His gracious redemptive plan for the salvation of man. The effective use of daily family devotions is a great way to foster a culture of open and honest dialogue regarding the practical application of the truths of the Bible. Secondly, an important part of the discipleship of our family involves using the Scriptures to assist in the recognition, rebuking and avoidance of sin in our own lives and in the lives of those under our care. Setting a consistently strong example of godly living in and out of the home provides clear application of Paul’s intent. We must be mindful to anchor our daily living according to the tenets of Scripture and not allow our family to be influenced or governed by the changing culture of this world. Thirdly, the Apostle Paul reminds us that we must gently but consistently confront sinful deviations from God’s Word and
Big Truths for Little Kids Richie Hunt and Susan Hunt
TheOlogy: Ancient Truths, Ever New Marty Machowski
The Gospel Story Bible: Discovering Jesus in the Old and New Testaments Marty Machowski Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family Paul David Tripp New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional Paul David Tripp
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we cannot instruct from a vacuum ”
Devotionals for all ages
Quiet Times are customized for every age group so the whole family can learn biblical truth together. WOLSTORE.ORG
godly living in an effort to effect genuine confession, repentance, correction of behavior and restoration to the fellowship of not only the family, but, more importantly, to effect a restored and vibrant relationship with God.
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