Heart Connex Parents Page - September 21-24, 2011 - Respecting ...
Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next—Through Strong Heart Connections
PA R ENTS PAGE September 21-24, 2011 Respecting God’s Authority—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: I am in awe that Christ died for my sins and has forgiven me. If I were to accept total forgiveness from Him, but refuse to forgive members of this family who hurt me, I would be . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Deuteronomy 10:12-22. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of this passage. Truth • God both deserves and commands respect for His authority. Untruths • God is too far away for me to worry about Him. • God is like a grandfather—He’s nice, but you really don’t have to listen to Him. • Whether or not God exists, I am my own highest authority. 3. Explore Scripture: Make sure every family member can see a Bible for the reading of Deuteronomy 10:12-22. Ask family members to read the passage silently. Using the passage, discuss why we should respect the authority of God. Emphasize the following (and possibly others): • A healthy respect for God leads to blessings (v. 13). • Everything in the universe (including people) belongs to God (v. 14). • God personally chose every believer (v. 15). • God is sovereign and rules over all other powers (v. 17). • God is completely fair and deeply compassionate (vv. 17-18). • God has done amazing things in and around believers (v. 21-22). Read the list again. Ask: Do you find this a convincing case for respecting God’s authority? 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Say: Some people who grew up with twisted ideas about God might say, “I can only fear Him, not love Him.” Others may want to construct a god in their own minds. Hold a coin in your hand. Ask: If we used a jeweler’s saw to cut this coin in two—separating the head from the tail—would it still be a coin? (No) Can you “saw” God in two and He still be God? (No) Challenge your family to work toward blending their love for God and their respect for His authority. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: I bless this family for your love toward God and respect for His authority. Parent Tip: Parenting styles can influence how a child moves toward a personal relationship with Jesus. It is easier for children to grasp God’s grace when they live with parents who relate to them in grace. Conversely, it is difficult for children to see His grace when they seldom see that quality at home.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
PA R ENTS PAGE September 21-24, 2011 Respecting God’s Authority—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: I am in awe that Christ died for my sins and has forgiven me. If I were to accept total forgiveness from Him, but refuse to forgive members of this family who hurt me, I would be . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Deuteronomy 10:12-22. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of this passage. Truth • God both deserves and commands respect for His authority. Untruths • God is too far away for me to worry about Him. • God is like a grandfather—He’s nice, but you really don’t have to listen to Him. • Whether or not God exists, I am my own highest authority. 3. Explore Scripture: Make sure every family member can see a Bible for the reading of Deuteronomy 10:12-22. Ask family members to read the passage silently. Using the passage, discuss why we should respect the authority of God. Emphasize the following (and possibly others): • A healthy respect for God leads to blessings (v. 13). • Everything in the universe (including people) belongs to God (v. 14). • God personally chose every believer (v. 15). • God is sovereign and rules over all other powers (v. 17). • God is completely fair and deeply compassionate (vv. 17-18). • God has done amazing things in and around believers (v. 21-22). Read the list again. Ask: Do you find this a convincing case for respecting God’s authority? 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Say: Some people who grew up with twisted ideas about God might say, “I can only fear Him, not love Him.” Others may want to construct a god in their own minds. Hold a coin in your hand. Ask: If we used a jeweler’s saw to cut this coin in two—separating the head from the tail—would it still be a coin? (No) Can you “saw” God in two and He still be God? (No) Challenge your family to work toward blending their love for God and their respect for His authority. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: I bless this family for your love toward God and respect for His authority. Parent Tip: Parenting styles can influence how a child moves toward a personal relationship with Jesus. It is easier for children to grasp God’s grace when they live with parents who relate to them in grace. Conversely, it is difficult for children to see His grace when they seldom see that quality at home.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
