Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 2:7, 11-12; Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 1:8
Tue, 15 March 2022

Combining the Father’s and Mother’s Roles

Observation:

What do these passages say about the roles of a father and a mother?

Deeper Reflection
DISCIPLEMAKING IS SPIRITUAL PARENTING. IN BUILDING the faith of the Thessalonians, Paul did so “like a mother feeding and caring for her own children” (v.7, NLT) and “like a father with his children”, exhorting, encouraging and urging them in their walk with God (vv.11-12).There is no need to deduce from the two metaphors that Paul uses, that he is laying down a stereotype of sexual roles in the home: the mother feeding and the father teaching their children.14 In instructing fathers to “bring them [children] up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4), Paul is not saying that this is solely the father’s role and not the mother’s – a way which we tend to take. Even in the patriarchal culture in Old Testament times, the call of wisdom is, “My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching” (Prov 1:8). It is not healthy nor helpful in parenting to draw such clear lines regarding the father’s and mother’s roles. In parenting our children, it is wholesome that fathering and mothering are done in combining both the father’s and mother’s roles, and to do so in partnership as a team. I have observed over the years that many parents are not on the same page in parenting. And this results in conflicts between husband and wife, confusion for the children and division in the family. Parenting ought to be grounded on the foundational “one flesh” commitment of husband and wife (Gen 2:24). 
14 John R. W. Stott, 54
Application:

What changes do I need to make regarding my parenting roles?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for pastors and staff: To be effective in spiritual parenting of people under their charge
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

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