Faith That Lasts

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Big Idea: Home is the place where our faith gets shaped the most.

Opening Question: How was faith discussed in your home growing up, if at all? What effect did this have on you?

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - Living The "Shema"

• Deuteronomy 6:4 is known as the "Shema." (Hear) What is the core command given here, and how does it set the foundation for everything that follows in verses 5-7?
• Verse 5 tells us to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." What could this look like in a household setting?
• Verses 6-9 discuss impressing these commands on our children and providing constant reminders of them. What might these verses suggest about the schedule, culture, and even the decor of the home?
• What are ways you could "talk about the Lord" in these different daily rhythms within your own home?
• What challenges might families today face in trying to live out the principles of Deuteronomy 6:4-9?
• What are some ways to respond to these challenges?

Ephesians 6:4 - Nurturing, Training & Instucting:
Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers (possibly translated as parents) not to "exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

• What are some ways we might unintentionally frustrate our children?
• The Greek word “ἐκτρέφω/ ektrephō”, which is often translated as “bring them up”, suggests a “nurturing up.” How might this nuance of meaning affect how we parent or grandparent?
• What is the difference between "training" and "instruction" as mentioned here, and why are both crucial for discipleship? Can you provide some examples?
• How does Ephesians 6:4 complement or expand upon the principles we discussed in Deuteronomy 6:4-7? 
• What are some of the challenges today that might make it difficult for parents to "bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" without provoking their children? (Consider cultural pressures, time constraints, financial pressures, technology, etc.)
• What is the role of the “extended family” in supporting these principles?

Personal Application:

• What is one specific challenge from these passages that you want to pray about or seek support for from the group this week?
• How can our group support one another in forming grace-centered homes, whether we currently have children in the home or not?

Closing Prayer:
Let’s pray for one another, asking God for wisdom, patience, and grace as we seek to build homes that honor Him and raise up the next generation in His ways.

Big Idea: The faith of the parent(s) has a significant impact on the children.

Opening Question: What priorities did your parent(s) unintentionally communicate to you as you were growing up?

Exploring Our Identity in Christ:
Matthew 16:24 (NIV): "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'"

Luke 9:23 (NIV): "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"

• What does "deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me" mean for your personal identity as a follower of Jesus?
• How does following Jesus challenge common cultural ideas of self-fulfillment?
• What is a time when prioritizing Jesus' call impacted a parenting decision?

Mark 1:17 (NIV): "'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.'"

• Jesus's invitation wasn't just to follow, but to be transformed into "fishers of men." How does viewing yourself as a "fisher of people" influence your parenting goals and methods? 

John 13:34-35 (NIV): "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

• How does this definition of love translate into the daily interactions and atmosphere of your home? In what ways do your children see this Christ-like love demonstrated (or challenged) by your identity as a follower of Jesus, especially towards other family members or those outside the home? 
• Where in the day do you most experience Jesus’ love?

Galatians 5:22-25 (NIV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."

• The Fruit of the Spirit describes the character that flows from a Spirit-led life. How do you see these "fruits" developing in your own identity as you strive to "keep in step with the Spirit"?
• When you're parenting, which of the Fruits of the Spirit do you find most challenging to embody (e.g., patience when tired, self-control when frustrated), and which come more naturally? 

Application:

• In a short phrase, can you explain why you follow Jesus? Have you shared this with your family?
• Considering all these passages, how does your core identity as a Christ-follower fundamentally change why and how you parent or grandparent, compared to someone who doesn't have that as a top priority?
• What's one area of your parenting or grandarenting where you feel your identity in Christ is strongly reflected, and one area where you sense a greater disconnect or challenge?
• What is one practical step you can commit to taking this week to more intentionally bring your identity in Christ to bear on your parenting or grandparenting, based on our discussion today? How can we support each other?

Closing Prayer:
Let’s pray that our identity as Jesus-followers shapes how we raise our children.

Big Idea: Family identity has a significant impact on children.

Opening Question: How did your family discuss and practice their faith growing up, whether in church or home settings?

Acts 10:2 – The Devout Household of Cornelius

• What characteristics of Cornelius and his household's faith are highlighted in this verse? What does it mean for an entire family to be "devout and God-fearing"?
• The verse mentions specific practices: "gave generously" and "prayed to God regularly. While his devotion to the Lord may not have cost him his rank as a soldier, it would still be an unusual thing for a Roman soldier to do. How does this passage suggest his faith impacted his entire family?
• In what tangible ways do you see your own family's faith being practiced together in daily life (e.g., prayer, acts of service, sharing resources, discussions about faith)? 

Joshua 24:15 – Joshua's Declaration

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

• Joshua makes a bold public declaration of commitment, specifically including his "household." What's significant about a leader (like Joshua, or a parent today) making such a clear, intentional decision for their family's spiritual direction?
• Who typically takes the lead in spiritual matters in your home?
• What does it practically look like for "your household" to "serve the Lord" in your everyday life, as Joshua declared? Are there areas where a clearer, more intentional family decision might be beneficial?

2 Timothy 1:5 – Timothy's Sincere Faith

"I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am convinced, now lives in you also."

• Paul commends Timothy for his "sincere faith," specifically noting it "first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice." What does this passage tell us about the power of faith being passed down through generations within a family?
• Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or have spiritual influence in a family, what steps can you take to intentionally model and nurture "sincere faith" for the younger generation, building on the example of Lois and Eunice?
• Does your family have stories of faith in action?  How are these shared and passed on?

Application:

• Looking at all three passages, what common themes emerge regarding what it means for a family to practice their faith together? (e.g., intentionality, leadership, modeling, serving together, spiritual disciplines, generational legacy).
• What are some of the challenges families face today in practicing their faith together? 
• If your family were to choose one actionable insight or practice from these passages to strengthen its shared faith this week, what would it be and why?
• What is a guiding theme or metaphor for your family?

Suggested Resources: How to Find Your Family Metaphor.

Closing Prayer:
Let’s ask God to help us lead, model, and nurture faith together in our homes, for His glory and the spiritual legacy of future generations.

Big Idea: Eating together often is the “keystone” Christian habit that unlocks the others and significantly shapes the culture of the home.

Opening Question: What role did shared meals have in your family growing up?

Read Matthew 9:10-13, Mark 2:15-17, and Luke 5:29-32.

• Who was at the table with Jesus in these accounts, and who was critical of Jesus’ choice of dinner companions?
• How would you summarize what happened when Jesus ate with people?
• How can our family meal times become more than just eating, but places of shared stories and shared affection? What might that look like in practice?
• Does (did) your family invite others to join in meals? If so, on what types of occasions?
• The frequency of people gathering for shared meals seems to be declining.  What do you think contributes to this?

Application:

• What are some common challenges that prevent our families from having intentional, faith-deepening meals today? How can we overcome these?
• What is one step you would like to take to deepen your family’s experience of eating together?
• How can our Connection Group support one another in making our family meals (and homes) places where faith is actively lived out and shared?

Closing Prayer:
Let’s pray that our shared meals are places of connection and care.

Big Idea: Family faith grows through patterns of work, rest, and play. Most families do not rest and play enough.

Opening Question: What one or two words would you use to describe your personal and family calendar in the past week?

Read these passages about Sabbath and Rest:

• Genesis 2:2-3: "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done."
• Exodus 20:8-11: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."
• Mark 2:27-28: "Then he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.'"
• Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Discuss:

• Genesis 2 shows us that God Himself rested. What does it teach us about the nature of rest, and why do you think God modeled this for humanity?
• The Fourth Commandment (Exodus 20:8-11) is quite specific about who is to rest on the Sabbath. What does including servants, animals, and foreigners highlight about God's prioritization of rest?
• Jesus states in Mark 2:27-28, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." What does this tell us about the purpose of rest, especially in contrast to a legalistic approach? How might this principle apply to our modern lives and families?
• Matthew 11:28-30 offers a different kind of rest – soul rest found in Jesus. How do you see the physical rest of the Sabbath (or a day of intentional rest and renewal) connecting with the spiritual rest Jesus offers? How can cultivating physical rest help us receive spiritual rest?
• “Resting” does not imply sitting in a chair and doing nothing.  What type of activities do you think promote healthy rest?
• Resting provides an opportunity to “reset” or “reground”.  What does this look like to you?
• What are some challenges your family faces in implementing consistent patterns of rest? What does "rest" look like (or could look like) in your family, beyond just sleeping?
• What kind of "play" or recreational activities does your family currently enjoy together? How do these activities build connection and fun?

Application:

• Looking at work, play, and rest, which area do you feel is most in balance in your family life right now? Which area needs the most intentional cultivation?
• What is one prayer you have for your family regarding the rhythms of work, play, and rest, and how these rhythms can draw you all closer to Jesus?

Closing Prayer:
Let’s pray for one another’s family calendars and God’s wisdom in setting them.

Big Idea: Small things often.

Opening Question: What is a one small, positive interaction or "micro-moment" you've had with a family member in the past week?

Read Deuteronomy 6:7-9 again together: "Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

• What is your initial impression of these verses? What stands out to you about God's instruction to the Israelites regarding teaching their children?
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Read Philippians 4:8 together. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

The concept of "micro-habits" refers to tiny, consistent actions that, over time, lead to significant change. In the context of our families, what might some "micro-habits" look like?

• How do our small daily habits help to direct our thoughts, as Philippians 4:8 refers to?
• How do you understand "grace" in the context of family relationships? How is it different from "rules-based" or "performance-based" parenting/family dynamics?
• What are some "grace-based microhabits" your family might develop? Brainstorm ideas with one another.
  • (Here are some ideas to get you started: a phrase said when someone leaves the home for the day. A habit around meals. A post-it note area of things you are grateful for. An easy family-viewable place to share prayer requests and answers to prayer.)

Closing Prayer:
Let’s pray that our shared meals are places of connection and care.

Big Idea: Encouraging your children and grandchildren to develop meaningful relationships with five or more Christian adults outside the home is a crucial part of forming their own resilient faith.

Opening Question: Who are some of the people, other than your parents, who most shaped your life growing up?

Read 1 Timothy 1:2;18, 2 Timothy 1:2, and 1 Corinthians 4:17.

• How did Paul refer to Timothy?

Read Acts 18:24-26.

• What did Pricilla and Aquilla do for Apollos?

Read Titus 2:3-8.

• What does Paul encourage in this passage? 

Who are some of the parent figures in your life? What difference did they make in you?

Are there people in your life who can speak truth to you or whom you can rely on for advice and help?

Who are the younger people in your life that you are sensing God’s nudge to invest in?

If you are a parent, how can you promote healthy connections between your children and older believing adults outside the home? Who is already investing in your kids?

Brainstorm with one another about ways you can foster intergenerational relationships in your life.

Closing Prayer:
Let us thank God for the people who have invested in us and pray for those whom God is calling us to invest in.

Big Idea: Let’s allow what we have learned together to make a lasting change in our homes.

Opening Question: What is something you’ve learned from our time together in this study that you wish you had known years ago?

Read 1 John 3:4 What emotions does this passage evoke in you?

Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9
If this passage, especially verses 7-9, were written specifically for your family, how might it have been worded? What examples might it have given?

Joshua 24:15 “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

What is one key takeaway or practical change you've implemented in your home or personal life that you hope will help build lasting faith?

Andrew’s Note: In your group’s final session together, I encourage you to take extra time in prayer to bless one another and pray for God’s favor and help with the specific needs of each person.  Here’s a guide for how to do that:

1. Opening (5 minutes)

Leader says something like:
“As we close our time together, we’re going to practice speaking God’s blessings over each other. The Bible tells us that ‘the tongue has the power of life and death’ (Proverbs 18:21). When we speak blessings, we are agreeing with God’s heart and reminding each other of His promises. This isn’t fortune-telling or flattery. Instead, we are declaring what God’s Word already says is true about each person.”

Pray together:
“Holy Spirit, come and guide our words tonight. Help us to speak life, encouragement, and truth over one another. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

2. Scripture Foundation (5 minutes)
Read aloud together

• Numbers 6:24–26
• Romans 15:13

The leader says something like:
“These passages remind us that God Himself is the source of every blessing. We are simply His messengers, passing on His love and truth.”

3. How It Works (2 minutes)
The leader says something like: “Here’s how we’ll do this:
One person will sit in the center while others gather around. As we pray for them, different people will speak short blessings. Use Scripture if you can. Keep it short and simple. For example:

• ‘May the Lord give you peace this week.’
• ‘May God strengthen your family in love.’
• ‘May you walk in joy and confidence in Christ.’

When you’re in the center, just sit with open hands and receive.”

4. Blessing Time (30–40 minutes)
Leader: “Let’s begin. Who would like to go first?”

(Go around until each person has had a turn. Remind people to keep blessings focused and not get too long or turn the prayer into a sermon.)

If people need help, the leader can prompt with phrases like:

• “May you know…”
• “May the Lord give you…”
• “May God’s presence…”

5. Group Blessing (5 minutes)
Leader says: “Before we close, let’s speak God’s blessing over the whole group together.”

Everyone reads Numbers 6:24–26 in unison:
‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.’

6. Closing Prayer (1 minute)
Leader prays: “Father, thank You for speaking life and truth over us tonight. Seal these blessings in our hearts and help us live them out. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Refer to the optional Group Handout for additional tips on leading a service of blessing.