Small Group Studies

Mix Tape Week 7 Study

BIG IDEA

What does it take to be an unforgettable parent? This is the question we are asking and answering today. Whether we are parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, spiritual parents, or more, we all want to parent well. We want to lead the children in our lives well, but how do we do this? Today, we are going to turn to Scripture and see what it teaches about being unforgettable parents.

BREAK THE ICE

Who is a parent who you admire? What do you admire about them?

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Bible Study Questions

1. What is one thing you think kids need most from their parents and other caregivers in their life?

WATCH SERMON RECAP

2. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. One of the things that kids need most is unconditional love. As you read about Scripture’s definition of love, which trait is easiest for you to practice? Which is the most difficult?

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

3. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Based on this verse, what does it look like to support the kids in our life?

1 Thessalonians 5:11

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

4. Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9. According to these verses, why is it important to live godly lives?

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

4 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Application

1. As you think about the way you are loving the kids in your life, what is going well? What needs improvement?

2. In what ways do the children in your life need support? What is one way you can support them today?

3. Are you currently encouraging your kids to live godly lives? What is one way you would like to improve?

MOVING FORWARD

Spend some time with your group talking about some of the mistakes to avoid as parents: not monitoring our kids’ media, not knowing their friends, refusing to have hard conversations, and not encouraging them in their relationships with God. Which one of these three areas do you want to grow? Share this with your group. As you share, tell them one specific way you would like to grow. After everyone has shared, pray for each other and for the children in your lives. Pray that God will help guide each one of you as you seek to parent well.

Going Deeper

As we think about being unforgettable parents, it is important for us to remember something that Jesus taught us in the New Testament. When He came to earth, He gave us more insight and truth into who God is. Part of what He taught was that we have an invitation to address God in a way that is personal and intimate. We get to address God as Father. In fact, He is our perfect Heavenly Father. This is a truth that you and I need to rest in and teach the children in our lives as well.

  • Read Matthew 6:5-13.

    • How does this invitation to call God "Father" affect our relationship with Him?
    • How is the fact that God is our Heavenly Father different than other religions?

  • Read Matthew 7:9-11.

    • As our Heavenly Father, what characteristic of God is described in these verses?
    • How have you seen this to be true in your own life?
    • How can you help the children in your life understand that God is generous to His children?

  • Read Luke 15:11-32. The father in this story represents God the Father.

    • Do you see yourself in this story more as the older or the younger son? Why?
    • What do we learn about God the Father based on these verses?
    • Is this kind of love and forgiveness from God easy for you to receive or difficult? Why?
    • How can you help the kids in your life understand this kind of love from God the Father?

God’s role as our Heavenly Father is personal and intimate. While no father on earth is perfect and even the best earthly father will let us down, God is perfect. We can always count on Him. Take a few minutes as a group to pray. Thank God for everything He has done for you. Thank Him for the invitation to call Him “Father.” Ask Him for help as you all seek to help your kids understand just how much He loves them.

MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)

Psalm 103:2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.