Shepherding & Shaping
Prepare for Launch
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Matt. 6:12-15; Rom. 3:23-27; 2 Cor. 12:7-10
“Practically Perfect”
"You must be kind, you must be witty," goes an old Disney song, as children recite a recipe for their perfect nanny. But when Marry Poppins arrived, maybe you found yourself resentful of her sugary tactics as she tackled every problem gracefully. Unlike her, most of us can't do chores with a "snap" or blow away on an umbrella after a season. Instead, those who aren't "practically perfect in every way" must rely on God's grace. So, as we shape our children, how do we embrace God's favor and reflect it into our children's lives?
The gospel of grace gives us a new lens through which we see ourselves, our kids, and our parenting.
THE BIG IDEA
God gives us strength in our weakness, help in our struggles, and mercy when we fail. We don't earn his forgiveness, and we shouldn't require that from our children. We've all "sinned ... and are justified by his grace as a gift" (Rom. 3:23-24). And we forgive because of who we are, not because others have earned it.
So there's no "perfect parent" award or "parenting police." Christ commands whole-life devotion — to "be perfect" or complete "as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matt. 5:44). But Jesus says that starts by seeing our need for grace before God (Matt. 5:3). Don't miss how owning and admitting our mistakes eases the burden of "perfection" on our children. Make space for them to drop their guard and open up to you. Extend them the same graciousness God gives us (Titus 2:11-14).
While losing our temper at our kids is wrong, choosing not to repair and apologize creates a bigger issue. Remember, God forgives those who forgive others (Matt. 6:15). And forgiveness goes both ways! If we expect our kids to say, "Sorry," when they're wrong, are we willing to model that for them? When we admit our mistakes and ask for forgiveness, we show them our priority is repairing the relationship.
Do you need to rely more on God's grace in your parenting?
THE BIG QUESTION
Modeling Grace
Reflect God's Grace in Your Parenting
INTRODUCTION
Launch the study with a CONVERSATION STARTER on the Big Idea.
Read or watch “Practically Perfect” (above). What do you take from that Big Idea and Big Question? ICE BREAKER — Get everyone engaged and talking.
When someone apologizes to you, how does that change your feelings toward them?
ACT I
FINDING JESUS — 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
As you read through this passage, consider: As you read through this passage, consider: Where do you see Jesus in this passage?What does the passage reveal about Christ’s character?How can reflecting on and applying this passage draw us closer to Christ?
ACT II
THE A-TEAM — Merciful & Gracious People
We’ve found that drafting a “fantasy team” of Bible people makes for a fun and edifying way to discuss Scriptural examples. So prepare by making your “draft board” below, listing your favorite examples of merciful and gracious people in the Bible. Next to each name, note why you would choose them, and how they showed mercy.
NOTE: Jesus is everyone’s top choice & unavailable for selection in this draft! Feel free to discuss his mercy and grace before you begin the process though (2 Cor. 8:9; 1 Tim. 1:16-18). #1 #2 #3 #4 #5If you’re studying in a group, break into groups and work together to choose your
“A-Team” of mercy, tracking each team and discussing each pick as they’re made. Warning: Be ready for the other team to “steal” your top choices! At the end, review the two teams and acknowledge all of the great examples of mercy in Scripture for us to imitate. Who almost made the cut? What do all of these people have in common (besides their graciousness)? ACT III
REACH OUT — Connect with each other with this question.
Which is harder to deal with: your mistakes or your child's? Why?
WRAP UP
THE CHALLENGE — Ready to put it into practice?
Share a personal struggle or shortcoming you've had with someone.
REQUEST — Go to God in a closing prayer.
For example: "Oh God, help me see my shortcomings clearly before serving others" (cf. Matt. 7:3-5).NEXT SESSION — Communication
Prepare by reading John 10:3-4; James 1:19-27; Col. 4:5-6