Heart Connex Parents Page - October 30-November 1, 2011
Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next—Through Strong Heart Connections
PA R ENTS PAGE October 30—November 1, 2011 Confronting the Spirit World—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: When I was in school, some parents would do things that embarrassed their teenagers. Some of those embarrassing things included . . . I will try not to embarrass you with my actions. 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Ephesians 6:10-18. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of this passage. Truth • God encourages us to stand against any form of evil—seen or unseen. Untruths • Evil and evil spirits don’t really exist. That’s just a superstitious belief. • If I leave the spirit world alone, I’m pretty sure it will leave me alone. • We can’t win a battle against evil or the spirit world. 3. Explore Scripture: Reread Ephesians 6:10-18 and share that Paul wrote these words while in prison. Point out that since he under Roman guard, he would have been very familiar with the uniform and armor of Roman soldiers. Say: He used a description of a Roman solder’s uniform to help us see what we need to face physical and spiritual attacks from evil. The Greek wording indicates more than just a fight. We are in close, hand-to-hand combat against evil forces. Share that God has called us to stand firm against evil, whether we see it in the physical world or it’s unseen in the spirit world. Say: We must take action and put on the whole armor for survival and victory. We can’t assume that any piece is unnecessary for the fight or more important than any other piece. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Say: Paul identified a uniform that includes armor for protection and for attack. The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, and the shield of faith are all provided for our protection against seen and unseen evil attacks. Believers need to stand their ground and be prepared to swing the sword of the Spirit against spiritual enemies and pray. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this step. 7. Blessing: Say: May God bless you as you use spiritual weapons against evil in the world. Parent Tip: Parents who choose to be buddies instead of parents probably won’t end up with a buddy but with an estranged teen or young adult. Parents who try to be buddies seldom raise children with a kingdom focus. Parents who choose to be a parent will probably end up with a warm, lifetime friendship with their children and will have a better chance of raising kingdom kids.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
PA R ENTS PAGE October 30—November 1, 2011 Confronting the Spirit World—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: When I was in school, some parents would do things that embarrassed their teenagers. Some of those embarrassing things included . . . I will try not to embarrass you with my actions. 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Ephesians 6:10-18. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of this passage. Truth • God encourages us to stand against any form of evil—seen or unseen. Untruths • Evil and evil spirits don’t really exist. That’s just a superstitious belief. • If I leave the spirit world alone, I’m pretty sure it will leave me alone. • We can’t win a battle against evil or the spirit world. 3. Explore Scripture: Reread Ephesians 6:10-18 and share that Paul wrote these words while in prison. Point out that since he under Roman guard, he would have been very familiar with the uniform and armor of Roman soldiers. Say: He used a description of a Roman solder’s uniform to help us see what we need to face physical and spiritual attacks from evil. The Greek wording indicates more than just a fight. We are in close, hand-to-hand combat against evil forces. Share that God has called us to stand firm against evil, whether we see it in the physical world or it’s unseen in the spirit world. Say: We must take action and put on the whole armor for survival and victory. We can’t assume that any piece is unnecessary for the fight or more important than any other piece. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Say: Paul identified a uniform that includes armor for protection and for attack. The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, and the shield of faith are all provided for our protection against seen and unseen evil attacks. Believers need to stand their ground and be prepared to swing the sword of the Spirit against spiritual enemies and pray. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this step. 7. Blessing: Say: May God bless you as you use spiritual weapons against evil in the world. Parent Tip: Parents who choose to be buddies instead of parents probably won’t end up with a buddy but with an estranged teen or young adult. Parents who try to be buddies seldom raise children with a kingdom focus. Parents who choose to be a parent will probably end up with a warm, lifetime friendship with their children and will have a better chance of raising kingdom kids.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
