The Big 10 - Week 4: Honoring Your Parents
Small Group Discussion Guide
For the week of May 17th, 2020
Connecting (Aim for 15 minutes)
Breaking the Ice/Think Time
In your opinion, what does it mean to honor someone?
Quick Review… Looking back at your notes from this Sunday’s sermon, what caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Understanding the Truth (Aim for 30 minutes)
Read Exodus 20:12
1. Explain in your own words what Exodus 20:12 is saying. (See Eph 6:1-3, Deut 5:16, Pro 1:8-9 for further context.)
2. Consider the verse and what it is design to accomplish. How does it benefit the parent? How does it benefit the children?
3. Scripture recognizes that the family is a building block for faith. Why do you think God prioritizes the family? Why does Satan try to drive a wedge in our family relationships?
4. Honoring our parents means that we care for them as they begin to age. How does our culture's view of both authority and aging affect our obedience to Exodus 20:12?
Living the Truth (Aim for 20 minutes)
1. In what ways do you feel good about how you are "honoring" your parents? Which aspects need attention? How will you address these?
2. To honor our parents means to have respect for them. It means you admire them for their God given qualities and abilities. What God given qualities or abilities will you chose to "honor your parents" for? (Seek to not only care for your parents, but learn from them.)
God not only hears but loves to answer prayers that are “according to His will.” (1 John 5:14-15). We can pray confidently when we pray obediently to this truth. You have just spent time discovering God’s will for you. Now, ask God for what you need to fulfill His will in your life, your friends & family, neighbors, church & community. Don’t be afraid to ask forgiveness where you have blown it, strength where you are weak, courage where you are afraid.
Prayer Requests (Aim for minimum of 10 minutes)
Pray for each other and spend some time praying that God reveals to you the promises of His covenant relationship through your parenting and your parents.