Great Dads Love Through Firm, Compassionate Discipline

Mission Focused Men for Christ

Episode Summary: Over the years, as I have thought about seeking to be a great dad to my five (now grown kids), there is one verse of Scripture that always comes to mind. It is God’s statement to the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinth 12:9, “In weakness, my power is shown the more completely.” Boy, have I claimed this verse over the years, especially since of all things, God puts DADS and NOT MOMS in charge of the discipline and training of the kids! Can you believe that? The family code sections of Ephesians and Colossians address wives, then husbands, then children—commanding them to obey their parents. So, we might expect the next group Paul addresses to be parents; but it is not. How about mothers? No. When it comes to household management and training the children, Paul instead addresses FATHERS, Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. This week, we again look to God, the ultimate GREAT DAD and dig into another profound characteristic of HIS FATHERLY LOVE: The Lord disciplines the one he loves.

For Further Prayerful Thought

1. Would downloading the written version of thee 7 principles to pray over, share with your wife, or pass on to your adult children as parents to your grandchildren we valuable?
2. As you compare your tendencies as a disciplinarian, to the picture given in these seven biblical principles, where do you need to adjust the most?
3. Would it be worth your time to listen to last year’s podcast series on parenting? These titles from season 1 were:

• Fatherhood Is Irreplaceable in God’s Design of Humans S1 E#32 6/14/20
• Responding to the Argument that the Bible Teaches Patriarchy S1 E#33 6/21/20
• The Right Use of Authority to Punish Evil S1 E#34 6/28/20
• Kids Don’t Have It In them to Grow THEMSELVES Up S1 E#35 7/5/20
• Raising Kids Up in the Way They Should Go S1 E#36 7/12/20

DISCIPLINE CHECK LIST when DISCIPLINING YOUR CHILD

1. Make sure he knows what he IS and IS NOT to do.
2. Give a warning (to help him but also to double check that he understands the rule).
3. Give your child the right to appeal if he thinks you are wrong.
4. Consistently enforce the rules.
5. Engage your child's conscience by asking, "What did you do?"
6. Correct specific behavior; don't attack character.
7. For serious, willful rebellion express inner grief over his rebellion.
8. Administer punishment that fits the crime.
9. After confession is made and punishment given, do your best to let your child know that fellowship with you is not broken.
10. Tell your child that God punishes you too.
11. Don't let this check-list tyrannize you. If you ask for his help, God will make your weakness the opportunity to show his strength.

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