In Our Home
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

Ephesians 6:4 commands fathers to discipline and instruct their children. Discipline is difficult and every situation calls for a unique response. But we find several general principles in this verse:

• Parents must not discipline without love.
• If parents love their children, they will provide fair and consistent discipline and instruction.
• The expression "bring them up" implies the idea of cherishing our children.
• “Instruction” carries the idea of teaching, counsel, admonition, or warning (Stott, Ephesians, 248). 

As I mentioned in the sermon yesterday, a massive study on faith transmission involving four-generation families of more than 3,000 parents has found that a warm relationship with the parents, and in particular the father, is the single most important factor in faith transmission.

Paul's words to fathers were extremely counter-cultural at the time of his writing. In fact, Roman law virtually gave the father the power of life and death over a child. And it is counter-cultural for fathers today to open their Bible and instruct their children in a warm and pastoral manner. Often today, discipline is completely left up to the mother.

We need homes and marriages that make known the gospel. Our children are the first audience impacted. We are called to help them know and follow Jesus.

The people of Grace Church are here to help you know and follow Jesus in your home.  We have two great opportunities for strengthening your marriage and assisting men in the spiritual leadership with their children.

• Sign up for marriage mentoring in the church app.
• A five-week class for men begins next Sunday at 9:15.

It's your move.