Teaching Series Introduction:
According to a study from University College London, nearly a quarter of us have experienced a complete breakdown in a significant relationship during the pandemic. Friendships have been stretched; families have been fractured; romances have struggled. Yes, over the last 2 years many of us know that our relationships have taken a serious hit.
This important teaching series is all about those relationships. Rooted in the biblical book of Proverbs, this is a chance to reflect, rebuild and refresh all our relationships in this post-pandemic world.
You may find it helpful to download and take our Relationships Healthcheck alongside this teaching series.
‘The crisis of Covid has distanced us from each other. We see anew how far apart we are. The result must be a new way to bring us together.’
(Jon Yates)
SESSION 9:
Honouring Parents In An Age Of Independence
BY: Nathanael Ballew
DATE: Sunday 10 July 2022
BIBLE PASSAGES: Read online
Proverbs (Chapter 15, verse 20)
1 Timothy (Chapter 5, verses 1-8)
Throughout our lives, our relationships with our parents change. At various stages the emphasis of the relationship changes. And as part of this, there comes a time when we shift from being cared for by our parents, to caring for our parents. What does it mean to honour our parents throughout all of our lives? How do we live grateful lives in an age of independence?
Listen Online: Podcast
Watch Online: Church At Home
Listen Online
Watch Online
Children’s & Youth Resources:
These resources will be used within the various groups in-person on a Sunday morning. This means that if you are unable to attend one of our Sunday Gatherings, you can still study and follow along with the same material at a time that is best for you. However you study, we encourage you to engage with your group as much as possible. If you would like to know about how you can get connected with our children’s or youth groups please contact us, we would love to hear from you.
Youth Resources
This Weeks Youth Video:
Children’s Resources
This weeks Children’s Video:
Bible Study Questions:
There are two different sets of questions for you to use, whether you are exploring the Bible within your Life Group, in other group settings, or simply using them on your own.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
A. DISCUSSION STARTERS
These are simple questions to provoke discussion together out of the talk (ideal if you are watching our Sunday Service online with others in your group):
1) Was there anything that particularly helped you during the talk?
2) Was there anything that you didn’t necessarily agree with, or found difficult to understand in the talk?
3) RESPONSE QUESTION. As a result of the talk, what:
a. Changes do you want to see?
b. Truths do you need to remember?
c. Actions do you need to take?
B. QUESTIONS TO EXPLORE
These are questions that are based on the talk and the surrounding themes:
1) What would you say it means to ‘honour’ someone?
2) Read 1 Timothy 5:1-8 and Proverbs 15:20. From these verses, what strikes you about the possibility of the relatonships between different generations?
3) Verse 4 talks about putting your ‘religion into practice’. What might that look like for the different generations in your life?
4) In his talk on Sunday, Nathanael reflected on Jesus’ earthly parents. He noted that they were not perfect – they lost him when he was young, they tried to interrupt his ministry, and they said that he was ‘out of his mind’ in his ministry. How might this encourage you regarding the ‘failings’ of your parents?
5) Paul gives a holistic way to treat people of all generations in v1-2. What could that look like in church life?
6) Nathanael talked about what it might mean to ‘honour’ parents that have either failed us, or worse been abusive or toxic towards us. he asked us to reflect on the question, ‘What does it mean for me to honour my parents, now?’ How would you answer that question?
7) Take some time to pray. Ask that God would help you to honour your parents, whatever that looks like for you. Pray that we would be a church that models healthy inter-generational love and respect.
FURTHER RESOURCES:
