Heart Connex Parents Page - October 19-22, 2011 - Guarding ...
Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next—Through Strong Heart Connections
PA R ENTS PAGE October 19-22, 2011 Guarding Your Reputation—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: What you think matters to me. So, if I were able to go back in time and change a decision I made that affected you, what would you want me to change? Why? 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Matthew 16:21-24. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these verses. Truth • God expects us to guard our reputation and our witness. Untruths • No one cares about how you act or what you say. • What you say and do is no one’s business. • You are free to act in any way you want, regardless of the consequences. 3. Explore Scripture: Read Matthew 16:21-24 aloud. Point out that this story took place about six months before Jesus died on the cross. Say: Before this story occurred, Peter was called the “rock” and was given a place of leadership. Here Jesus referred to him as a “stumbling block” or something makes it harder for people to know God. Emphasize the fact that we must guard our actions because of our influence on others. Say: Any time your actions direct others away from God’s plan, you become a stumbling block to them. God wants us to help people move closer to Him, but Satan is busy trying to move people away from God. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Say: The ancient Hebrews referred to Satan as an adversary or enemy. The Greeks called him diabolos, which means “tempter.” Either way, the enemy’s goal is your destruction. He wants you to ruin your reputation and your witness as a follower of Christ. Ask: Would it be more difficult to talk to your friends about Jesus if they saw you drunk or heard you cussing? Discuss responses. Note that Satan’s plan includes tempting us so that it will be difficult for others to hear us and trust what we say about Jesus. Encourage family members to protect their reputations and witnesses by refusing to fall for Satan’s temptations. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: May God bless you richly for guarding your actions and your witness. Parent Tip: Humans arrive on earth for one reason—to advance God’s kingdom through His power and for His glory. Children aren’t called complete the mission of a parent, but parents have the marvelous privilege of joining God in giving children everything they need to complete the unique mission God has for them. That is the greatest legacy any parent can leave.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
PA R ENTS PAGE October 19-22, 2011 Guarding Your Reputation—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: What you think matters to me. So, if I were able to go back in time and change a decision I made that affected you, what would you want me to change? Why? 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Matthew 16:21-24. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these verses. Truth • God expects us to guard our reputation and our witness. Untruths • No one cares about how you act or what you say. • What you say and do is no one’s business. • You are free to act in any way you want, regardless of the consequences. 3. Explore Scripture: Read Matthew 16:21-24 aloud. Point out that this story took place about six months before Jesus died on the cross. Say: Before this story occurred, Peter was called the “rock” and was given a place of leadership. Here Jesus referred to him as a “stumbling block” or something makes it harder for people to know God. Emphasize the fact that we must guard our actions because of our influence on others. Say: Any time your actions direct others away from God’s plan, you become a stumbling block to them. God wants us to help people move closer to Him, but Satan is busy trying to move people away from God. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Say: The ancient Hebrews referred to Satan as an adversary or enemy. The Greeks called him diabolos, which means “tempter.” Either way, the enemy’s goal is your destruction. He wants you to ruin your reputation and your witness as a follower of Christ. Ask: Would it be more difficult to talk to your friends about Jesus if they saw you drunk or heard you cussing? Discuss responses. Note that Satan’s plan includes tempting us so that it will be difficult for others to hear us and trust what we say about Jesus. Encourage family members to protect their reputations and witnesses by refusing to fall for Satan’s temptations. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: May God bless you richly for guarding your actions and your witness. Parent Tip: Humans arrive on earth for one reason—to advance God’s kingdom through His power and for His glory. Children aren’t called complete the mission of a parent, but parents have the marvelous privilege of joining God in giving children everything they need to complete the unique mission God has for them. That is the greatest legacy any parent can leave.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
