Intentional Discipleship: Nurturing Faith in Families
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to discuss the importance of vision and intentionality in parenting, grandparenting, and disciple-making. On this Father's Day, we are reminded of the church's mission to make disciples, a call that extends beyond waiting for revival to actively engaging in the process of discipleship. This mission is not limited to parents but includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, and the entire church community. We highlighted several families who exemplify intentionality in raising their children, not because they are perfect, but because they are committed to this mission.
We explored the idea that parenting with intentionality involves understanding each child's unique needs and guiding them accordingly. This approach is supported by scriptures like Psalm 127:3-5 and Proverbs 22:6, which emphasize the importance of raising children in a way that aligns with their God-given paths. We also discussed the role of grandparents and extended family members in supporting and nurturing the younger generation, highlighting the importance of staying connected and involved.
The conversation extended to the broader context of the church, emphasizing that making disciples is not just about programs but about living out the example of Christ in our daily lives. We are called to be spiritual fathers and mothers, guiding and nurturing those around us with love and intentionality. The church is a family, and each member has a role to play in this mission. By focusing on discipleship within our homes and extending that to our communities, we can fulfill the mandate given to us by Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Intentional Parenting and Discipleship: Parenting with intentionality means understanding each child's unique needs and guiding them in their God-given path. This involves having a clear vision for their spiritual growth and being proactive in teaching them the values of faith, hard work, and godliness. [10:29]
2. Role of Extended Family: Grandparents, aunts, and uncles play a crucial role in the spiritual development of children. Their involvement and intentionality can provide additional support and guidance, helping to reinforce the values and teachings imparted by parents. [05:51]
3. Church as a Family: The church is not just a place of worship but a family where each member has a role in making disciples. This involves more than just programs; it requires living out the example of Christ and being spiritual fathers and mothers to those around us. [40:52]
4. Vision and Identity: One of the greatest needs in our culture today is for individuals to find their true identity in Christ. As a church, we are called to speak life and identity over people, helping them to see themselves as God sees them and guiding them in their spiritual journey. [54:28]
5. Impact of Discipleship: If every member of the church committed to discipling just one person, the impact would be profound. Discipleship is about building relationships and investing time and effort into the spiritual growth of others, following the example of Jesus and Paul. [55:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:01] - Call to Make Disciples
[01:56] - Vision and Intentionality in Parenting
[02:48] - Introducing the Panel
[03:51] - Cultural Shifts in Parenting
[04:53] - Importance of Vision and Intentionality
[05:51] - Role of Extended Family
[06:44] - Scriptural Foundations
[07:46] - Joy of Godly Parenting
[08:39] - Intentionality in the Home
[09:33] - Challenges of Single Parenting
[10:29] - Proverbs 22:6 and Vision for Children
[11:15] - Practical Intentionality
[32:06] - Addressing Feelings of Failure
[39:01] - Role of Grandparents
[39:55] - 1 Corinthians 4: Spiritual Fathers
[40:52] - Church as a Family
[41:45] - Expanding Discipleship
[53:27] - Vision and Identity
[54:28] - Making Disciples in Everyday Life
[55:01] - Impact of Discipleship
[55:50] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 127:3-5: "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court."
2. Proverbs 22:6: "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
3. 1 Corinthians 4:15-16: "Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 127:3-5, how are children described and what is their significance to parents?
2. What does Proverbs 22:6 suggest about the long-term impact of how children are raised?
3. In 1 Corinthians 4:15-16, what distinction does Paul make between guardians and fathers, and what does he urge believers to do?
4. What examples of intentional parenting and discipleship were highlighted in the sermon? ([10:29])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of children as "arrows in the hands of a warrior" in Psalm 127:3-5 relate to the concept of intentional parenting discussed in the sermon?
2. What does it mean to "start children off on the way they should go" according to Proverbs 22:6, and how does this align with the idea of having a vision for your child's spiritual growth? ([10:29])
3. How can the church community act as spiritual fathers and mothers, as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 4:15-16, and what does this look like in practical terms? ([40:52])
4. The sermon mentioned the role of extended family in supporting children's spiritual development. How can grandparents, aunts, and uncles contribute to this mission? ([05:51])
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Psalm 127:3-5, how can you view your children or the children in your community as a heritage from the Lord? What practical steps can you take to invest in their spiritual growth this week?
2. Proverbs 22:6 emphasizes the importance of guiding children in their God-given paths. What specific actions can you take to understand and support the unique needs of each child in your life? ([10:29])
3. Considering 1 Corinthians 4:15-16, how can you act as a spiritual father or mother to someone in your church or community? Identify one person you can mentor or disciple and plan a way to start this relationship.
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of vision and intentionality in parenting. What is one area in your parenting or mentoring where you feel you need more intentionality? How can you address this? ([01:56])
5. How can you involve extended family members in the spiritual development of your children or the children in your community? Share one idea and plan to implement it this month. ([05:51])
6. The sermon discussed the church as a family where everyone has a role in making disciples. How can you contribute to this mission within your church? Identify one specific action you can take this week. ([40:52])
7. Reflect on the idea of speaking life and identity over people, as mentioned in the sermon. Who in your life needs encouragement and affirmation? Plan a way to speak life into their situation this week. ([54:28])
Devotional
Day 1: Intentional Parenting and Discipleship
Parenting with intentionality means understanding each child's unique needs and guiding them in their God-given path. This involves having a clear vision for their spiritual growth and being proactive in teaching them the values of faith, hard work, and godliness. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to "train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." This means recognizing the individual gifts and callings of each child and nurturing them accordingly. Intentional parenting is not about perfection but about commitment and consistency in guiding children towards their spiritual destiny. [10:29]
Psalm 127:3-5 (ESV): "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."
Reflection: Think about each of your children or young people in your life. What unique gifts and callings do you see in them? How can you intentionally nurture these gifts in your daily interactions?
Day 2: Role of Extended Family
Grandparents, aunts, and uncles play a crucial role in the spiritual development of children. Their involvement and intentionality can provide additional support and guidance, helping to reinforce the values and teachings imparted by parents. Extended family members can offer wisdom, experience, and a different perspective that enriches the child's spiritual journey. This collective effort creates a strong support system that helps children grow in their faith and character. [05:51]
Deuteronomy 4:9 (ESV): "Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children."
Reflection: How can you, as an extended family member, be more intentional in supporting the spiritual growth of the children in your family? What specific actions can you take this week to reinforce the values and teachings they are receiving?
Day 3: Church as a Family
The church is not just a place of worship but a family where each member has a role in making disciples. This involves more than just programs; it requires living out the example of Christ and being spiritual fathers and mothers to those around us. The church community is called to nurture and guide each other in love and intentionality, creating an environment where spiritual growth can flourish. [40:52]
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 (ESV): "But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the church community as a spiritual father or mother? How can you intentionally invest in the spiritual growth of someone in your church family this week?
Day 4: Vision and Identity
One of the greatest needs in our culture today is for individuals to find their true identity in Christ. As a church, we are called to speak life and identity over people, helping them to see themselves as God sees them and guiding them in their spiritual journey. This involves affirming their worth and purpose in Christ and encouraging them to live out their God-given potential. [54:28]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to be reminded of their identity in Christ? How can you intentionally speak life and encouragement into their situation today?
Day 5: Impact of Discipleship
If every member of the church committed to discipling just one person, the impact would be profound. Discipleship is about building relationships and investing time and effort into the spiritual growth of others, following the example of Jesus and Paul. This relational approach to discipleship can transform lives and communities, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial relationship. [55:01]
2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection: Who is one person you can commit to discipling? What steps can you take to begin building a meaningful, intentional relationship with them this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I think sometimes we're waiting for revival to happen to be the thing that saves everything when he said, go make disciples. Those are two different postures. One is we're waiting for something else to happen, hoping that that's the thing that changes. And I'm not saying that we don't. Maybe revival we do, but he said, go make disciples and maybe revival comes by us going and making disciples." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Children are God's love gift. They are heaven's generous reward. Children born to a young couple will one day rise to protect and provide for their parents. Happy will be the couple who has many of them. A household full of children will not bring shame on your name, but victory when you face your enemies for your offspring will have influence and honor to prevail on your behalf." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Proverbs 23, give respect to your father and mother for without them, you wouldn't even be here and don't neglect them when they grow old. Embrace the truth and hold it close. Don't let go of wisdom instruction and life giving understanding. When a father observed his, his child living in godliness, he is ecstatic with joy. Nothing makes him prouder." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Dedicate your children to God and point them in the way that they should go. And the values they have learned from you will be with them for life. And really what that says is train them in the best direction. They are best suited to go." (13 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You know, having a vision, you know, God gives us a vision. I think he also gives us a vision for our kids, our grandkids. And I think those he puts into our life, if we'll open ourself up and it could be it could be that that little punk at work or something, you know, but really what comes down to sometimes is they haven't been parented well or they're missing something in their life. And that is their identity." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I think the church has kind of got it wrong a little bit because the church has started focusing on making believers and Jesus said, go make disciples, you know? And so even in our home a little bit, you know, and then we have so many cultural pressures and things, uh, time is a big thing. What does it look like to parent with intentionality?" (404 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You know, I think that's a great point because we do a lot of times we tend to look at. How we've done things and we can look at it as regret or we can look at it. I loved what you said. Like you can look at it as a disadvantage or an opportunity. And, you know, all of us are continuing to learn and grow, whether you like it or not. You're learning, growing. We do the best that we can. And we can always do some things different and better. I just think in the different seasons, we have different opportunities." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "But you get to be their biggest champion. And really, I think as we've learned, you know, the importance of hearing the voice of God. We get to see the individual call on their life. Who God's actually made them to be. And I think grandparents especially get this incredible privilege to speak life over them. Declare life over them. And call those things forward, if you will. And so, what an incredible thing. So, again, it's all, it's important that we handle this. Because God's grace is sufficient. You know, we do the best we know how to at the time." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "For although you could have countless babysitters in Christ telling you what you're doing wrong. And in some translations, it says we have many teachers, right? He says, you don't have many fathers who correct you in love. And that's kind of the distinction that they're making here. But I'm a true father to you. For I became your father when I gave you the gospel and brought you into union with Jesus, the anointed one. So I encourage you, my children, to follow the example that I live before you." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You know, we're making disciples in our homes. And it really does. I'm down to that thing. Follow me. That's where Jesus started. That's how I made disciples. Follow me. And Paul says, follow me as I follow Christ. And it really is that simple. I think we've made it so complex. We've made it so cumbersome. And then we don't do it. And I just I think you'll hear us talking more and more about this. I mean, think about this. If every person in the church would just disciple one person, can you imagine the impact?" (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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