Last Saturday, I so enjoyed being with you once again! Here’s a recap of the content, followed by the discussion questions and fellowship points we provided. Please follow up with your youth on these matters. I’d encourage you to set aside a specific time to pursue fellowship together about this important issue of responding to your authority in the very near future. Parents, I would also encourage you to read chapter 7 of Instructing a Child’s Heart, entitled “Authority is God’s Plan.” It would make an excellent follow up to this message.
MESSAGE POINTS -three implications about parental authority from Ephesians 6.1-3:
- Parental authority comes from God
- Parental authority calls for (respectful) submission
- Parental authority seeks our good
NOTE: Our hope and help in the gospel: see Eph 1.7, 5.18
DISCUSS – questions used in discussion groups:
- How was your understanding of your parents’ authority affected by this message?
- Where is it easiest for you to gladly submit to their authority? Where is it hardest for you to gladly submit to their authority? (be as specific as possible)
- For the area in which it’s hardest, how do you need to think differently? What truths from God’s word can help you do that?
- How does the gospel provide hope and help for gladly submitting to your parents’ authority? Are you hopeful in the gospel right now? Why or why not?
APPLY – suggested fellowship points to continue the conversation:
- The Encouragement Point (for parents to ask): As your parent, the areas where I’m most encouraged about your glad submission are… (be as specific as you can).
- The Input Point (for parents to ask): As your parent, for your answer to question #3 above, are there any ways I am tempting you in that regard? Let’s talk about how I can help you grow in that area, with the hope and help available in the gospel.
- The Evaluation Point (for youth to ask): As my parent, what is the main way you’d like to see me grow in my glad submission? What observations or help would you have for me in that area?
