Lesson 6 - Leading in Child Development – Discipline

Children will at times disobey. They will act out their carnality and sinful nature. Left to themselves they will destroy themselves. Loving correction will arrest their attention, teach them to honor truth, and set their feet on a path toward God. Loving discipline delivers a child from the bondage of selfishness into the freedom of obedience!

Psalms 128:1-6

Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. Yea, thou shalt see thy children’s children, and peace upon Israel.

The Psalmist pictures the beauty of godly home life. It is a picture of happiness and peace. He pictures fruitfulness and satisfaction. Following God’s way always brings blessings. A well-disciplined family is a testimony to the truth of God’s Word even in our day today.

• Why do homes guided by secular values experience so much frustration and stress as they try to raise their children?
• Who really is the fault for this frustration?
• How should godly parents view the nature of children?
• What are some elements in a “loving spanking?”

Proverbs 22:15

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, and the rod of correction shall drive it away.

Proverbs 13:24

He that spareth the rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him diligently correcteth him.

• How does a loving spanking drive away foolishness?
• Can a parent claim they love their children if they refuse to punish disobedience and disrespect?
• At what age should parents begin to discipline their child?

Proverbs 19:18

Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

Proverbs 23:13-14

Withhold not correction from a child: for if thou strike him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt strike him with the rod, and deliver his soul from hell.

• What do you think “while there is hope” (Prov 19:18) means?
• What does a parent need to do to allow his child to go on into hell?

Proverbs 29:15

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but the child that is left to his own will bringeth his mother to shame.

• What eventually happens to a parent who feels he can’t discipline his child?

Colossians 3:21

Fathers, provoke not your children to indignation, lest they be discouraged.

Ephesians 6:4

And you, fathers, provoke not your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and correction of the Lord.

• How might a father provoke a child to wrath through a discipline event?

As fathers, we must be sensitive to the hearts of our children. We must be careful to keep from stirring resentment in their hearts towards us. Inconsistency, perfectionism, harshness, selfishness, pride, lack of genuine love, and lack of time for our children will build bitterness towards us. Exposing their personal faults before others and undue criticism will discourage children and cause them to withdraw.

• What are some early signs of a child who resents his parents?
• What are some ways to be sure we are reaching the heart of our child?
• Explain the fallacy of the idea that discipline warps a child’s personality.
• How does a spanking for disobedience put greater authority in our voice for times when we use a lesser punishment?
• How can a parent know when a child is too old for a spanking?
• What are some wrong ways to correct children?