1. Have the passage read in two versions nasb, KJV, (NKJV, ESV) and a more dynamic like the NIV, or Living.
2. Have everybody study the passage and look for the pattern. (series of imperatives and motivations)
I. The father's teaching v. 1-2
a) "Remember" assumes obedience (Grk for obey) - compare with James 4.17
b) Obey "with the heart" Is it enough for our kids to do what we say with a bad attitude?
What kind of obedience does God expect?
c) long life compare with 5th command
d) "peace" or NIV "prosperity" translate shalom: completeness, soundness, welfare, peace
II. Mercy and Truth v. 3-4
a) checed: ---kindness; deeds of devotion (used of God for his “covenant love”)
b) Truth or faithfulness:
1. faithfulness, reliability, trustworthiness, i.e., a state or condition of being dependable and loyal to a person or standard (Ge 24:27);
2. true, certain, sure, i.e., that which conforms to reality, and is so certain not to be false (Dt 13:15), see also domain LN 70;
3. honesty, integrity, i.e., be in a state or condition of telling the truth, and living according to a moral standard (Ne 7:2);
Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Hebrew (Old Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
NOT LIKE MATT 23.23
c) "bind" and "write" Compare with Deut 6.4-9 What does this figurative language suggest?
NECK. 1. Heb. ’ōrep̱ is used of the neck, or back of the neck; it is also translated ‘back’, when used of enemies turning their back in flight (e.g. Ex. 23:27). It is used of similar ideas in respect of conflict (Gn. 49:8; Jb. 16:12), and also in the descriptive metaphor of the hardened or stiffnecked, meaning obstinate or rebellious (Dt. 31:27; 2 Ki. 17:14; Is. 48:4).
Wood, D. R. W., & Marshall, I. H. (1996). New Bible dictionary (3rd ed.) (810). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press.
HEART:
Heart in Hebrew refers to one’s emotions (Prov. 12:25; 13:12; 14:10, 13) but more often to his intellect (such as understanding, 10:8; discernment, 15:14; reflection, 15:28), or will (5:12).
Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (Pr 3:5–6). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
III. Trust, depend, acknowledge v. 5-6
a) TRUST: Hebrew, bāṭaḥ expresses that sense of well-being and security which results from having something or someone in whom to place confidence.
Oswalt, J. N. (1999). 233 בָּטַח. In R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer, Jr. & B. K. Waltke (Eds.), Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer, Jr. & B. K. Waltke, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (101). Chicago: Moody Press.
b) LEAN NOT: to lean on, trust in, support What does the picture of leaning imply?
"own understanding" stands in contrast to trusting in God
c) Acknowledge (TNIV submit to) Do you act like someone who knows God? Our actions acknowledge his teachings and commands.
d) "direct" or "make straight" speaks more about guidance in ethical behavior than particular choices such as career or mate. --NIVAC
NOTE, that nothing in the context here gives any indication of discerning God’s specific will. It is all about ethical behavior.
IV. Fear the Lord v. 7-8
a) What is the opposite of fearing the Lord in this verse (5)? What does that teach us about the meaning of the fear of the Lord?
What does the parallel phrase teach us about fear of the Lord.
b) "flesh" lit. naval figure of speech where the navel represents the body.
V. Honor God with possessions v. 9-10
a) Honor: to make (lit.) heavy, weighty, (fig), honoured
opposite of taking God's name in vain
God does not need your money. Why do we give? What does the concept of first fruits teach us about honoring God? Just with the tithe?
b) plenty restates the old covenant expectation;
(Exodus 23:19)
Numbers 28:26-31;
Deuteronomy 26:1-11.
promise corresponds with Malachi 3:10
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the LORD of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the vwindows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.
VI. Don't despise God's correction v. 11-12.
a) Compare with Proverbs 12.1 Why?
b) "discipline" (musar) may use punishment as a teaching method to supplement verbal correction, but it is not clear that physical punishment is in view here." ---NIVAC [though it probably is included.]
c) compare with Hebrews 12.3-6
What are some lessons or applications about parenting that we take from this passage.
APPLICATION:
1. Note, teaching and commands. Are you teaching and are you giving commands that will see your children through life?
2. We should train (punishment can be appropriate) our children.
3. We should seek to restore them when possible.
4. The primary (most important) thing that a father teaches his son is what God is like (primarily by his example).
5. What is the main function of punishment? Justice or Discipleship?
What characterizes discipline that is focused on justice?
What characteristics of punishment indicate a focus on discipleship?
5b. The rant: When the focus of our discipline becomes exacting justice or "evening the score," we have lost our way as parents. Consistency is very important, consequences are important, children do need to "know their place", and occasionally we have to be pretty tough with our kids, BUT it should be with a view to disciple them (not just discipline them). When discipline becomes all about justice, that will characterize and sometimes poison our relationship with our children. It is a wise "battle" for the heart, mind, and spirit not just a "smack down" to teach them a lesson" (although they will probably need to "learn their lesson" now and again along the way). Matthew 23.23 has a lot more to do with parenting than we might first think.
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