This week, we're laying the foundation for our journey by exploring the profound impact of fatherhood and embracing our role as God's ambassadors in our homes.

Provocative Ideas for Reflection:

Scripture for Reflection:

• Psalm 127:3-5:

  "Children are a heritage from the Lord..."

• Ephesians 6:4:

  "Fathers, do not exasperate your children..."

Discussion Questions:

1. How do the provocative statements resonate with or challenge your current view of fatherhood and your daily priorities?
2. Tripp states that many parents "get lost" in the daily grind. Can you relate to this? How?
3. What does Tripp mean by "ownership parenting" versus "ambassadorial parenting"?
4. How does the recognition that our children don't actually belong to us change how you view your role as a dad?
5. How does being an "ambassador" of God apply to the daily interactions you have with your children?

Dad Challenge for the Week Ahead:

1. Write down the provocative statements and post them somewhere visible, like your bathroom mirror.
2. Spend 15 minutes this week intentionally observing your child(ren), write down one specific thing you admire about each, and share it with them.

This week, we're diving deep into the core of parenting by understanding that true change begins in the heart, not just with outward behavior.

Scripture for Reflection:

• Luke 19:10:

  "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

• Proverbs 4:23:

  "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."

Discussion Questions:

1. Tripp states that in parenting, we're dealing with a child's "condition," not just their behaviors. What does he mean by this?
2. The parables of the lost illustrate aspects of "lostness." Which aspect resonates most with your experience, and why?
3. How have you observed the "lie of autonomy" and "lie of self-sufficiency" in your children's behavior?
4. What does Tripp mean by "foolishness" in the heart, and how does understanding this help you respond differently?
5. Since parenting is a "heart-rescue mission," what does it look like to provide insight, compassion, and wisdom in everyday moments?

Dad Challenge for the Week Ahead:

1. When your child exhibits stubbornness, try to identify if it stems from the "lie of autonomy" or "self-sufficiency."
2. Reflect on a recent conflict. How might understanding their "lostness" or "foolishness" change your response next time?

This week, we're exploring the profound truth that parenting is deeply intertwined with God's boundless grace and forgiveness, for both us and our children.

Scripture for Reflection:

• Ephesians 2:4-5:

  "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy..."

• Psalm 103:8-11:

  "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger..."

Discussion Questions:

1. What does Tripp's concept of "present grace" mean to you, and how can we tap into it daily?
2. How does our own desperate need for God's mercy impact our ability to show mercy to our children?
3. In what moments do you find it most challenging to extend grace to your children? What triggers your frustration?
4. How does recognizing that we are all "works in progress" change our approach to mistakes (our own and our children's)?
5. What are practical ways you can intentionally "shower your children with grace" this week?

Dad Challenge for the Week Ahead:

1. Reflect on a recent instance where you reacted with less grace than desired. Confess your need for God's mercy and consider a more gracious response.
2. Choose one specific way to intentionally extend mercy to your child this week (e.g., patient listening, quick forgiveness).

This week, we're bringing all the foundational gospel principles together, applying the message of redemption and transformation to the practical aspects of parenting.

Scripture for Reflection:

• Philippians 4:13:

  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

• Matthew 28:18-20:

  "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me...'"

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the truth that "Jesus would have never needed to come" if rules could change hearts impact your reliance on rules vs. grace?
2. How does understanding your authority as "ambassadorial" change your approach to discipline?
3. What is the practical difference between aiming for behavioral control versus heart change?
4. How does adopting a "process mentality" help you manage frustration and maintain hope in parenting?
5. How can you intentionally apply the gospel to a specific parenting challenge this week?

Dad Challenge for the Week Ahead:

1. Choose one area where you focus on behavior and instead, make a conscious effort to address the underlying heart issue.
2. Reflect on a recent frustration with a lack of immediate change. Pray for patience and ask God to help you engage in the "unending conversation."

This week marks the beginning of our practical application phase, starting with a crucial internal struggle: how we, as dads, handle our anger and frustration.

Theme: Handling Parental Anger & Frustration

This week, we'll address our own internal struggles with anger and frustration. Recognizing that these often stem from our own heart issues, we'll explore how the gospel provides the grace and power to respond with patience and mercy, reflecting God's character in our homes.

Scripture for Reflection:

• James 1:19-20:

  "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen..."

• Ephesians 4:26-27:

  "'In your anger do not sin': Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry..."

Weekly Devotional

Reviewing Last Week's Challenge:

Last week, you were challenged to apply the gospel to a specific parenting challenge, focusing on heart change over behavioral control, and trusting God's process. How did intentionally applying gospel principles impact your approach and perspective?

Complementary Resource:

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the idea that our biggest problem is *us* apply to moments of parental anger? What are your common triggers?
2. How can we practically seek God's grace in the moment before reacting in anger?
3. How does modeling confession and seeking forgiveness teach our children about grace and humility?
4. What unmet expectations or desires often lead to your frustration in parenting?
5. What are practical steps to be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry"?

Dad Challenge for the Week Ahead:

1. Identify one specific trigger for your anger. Before reacting, pause, pray for grace, and choose a gospel-centered response.
2. If you lose your temper, humbly confess it to God and, if appropriate, to your child, modeling repentance.

Building on our gospel foundation, this week we tackle one of the most practical and challenging aspects of parenting: discipline.

Theme: Disciplining with Grace & Consistency

This week, we'll explore how to implement effective discipline that aims for heart change, not just outward behavior. We'll learn to reflect God's character in our consistency and grace, understanding discipline as a tool for discipleship.

Scripture for Reflection:

• Proverbs 13:24:

  "Whoever spares the rod hates their children..."

• Hebrews 12:7-8:

  "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children..."

Weekly Devotional

Reviewing Last Week's Challenge:

Last week, you focused on identifying triggers for anger and intentionally extending mercy. How did practicing grace and confession impact your reactions and relationships within your family? What did you learn about your own heart in the process?

Complementary Resource:

Discussion Questions:

1. How does understanding discipline as representing God's law and our ambassadorial authority change your approach?
2. What are practical ways to address the heart behind the behavior, not just the behavior itself?
3. What makes consistency in discipline difficult for you, and what steps can you take to improve?
4. How can you ensure your discipline is tempered with grace and mercy, rather than anger?
5. Share a recent discipline scenario. How might applying this week's principles lead to a different outcome?

Dad Challenge for the Week Ahead:

1. Identify one recurring behavioral issue and commit to a consistent, grace-filled, heart-focused approach this week.
2. Before a disciplinary moment, take a moment to pray for wisdom and patience.

This week, we shift our focus to the dynamics within our homes, exploring how to foster healthy sibling relationships and resolve conflicts with grace.

Theme: Fostering Sibling Relationships & Resolving Conflict

This week, we'll apply our gospel foundation to the common challenges of sibling dynamics. We'll learn to see conflict as an opportunity to address the heart's "lostness" and "foolishness," guiding our children towards mercy, forgiveness, and Christ-like character in their interactions.

Scripture for Reflection:

• Romans 12:18:

  "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

• Ephesians 4:32:

  "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other..."

Weekly Devotional

Reviewing Last Week's Challenge:

Last week, you focused on identifying triggers for anger and intentionally extending mercy. How did practicing grace and confession impact your reactions and relationships within your family? What did you learn about your own heart in the process?

Discussion Questions:

1. What are common triggers for sibling conflict in your home? How do you typically respond?
2. How does understanding character issues as "worship problems" change how you address sibling arguments?
3. How can you help your children see their own "lostness" or "foolishness" (e.g., selfishness) in a conflict?
4. How can you model and teach kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in the midst of disagreements?
5. Share a specific sibling conflict scenario. How might applying these principles lead to a more gospel-centered resolution?

Dad Challenge for the Week Ahead:

1. When sibling conflict arises, guide your children to identify the heart issue and discuss how God's grace helps us love and forgive.
2. Intentionally praise your children when they show kindness, compassion, or forgiveness to each other.

This week, we'll apply our gospel foundation to the pervasive and complex challenges of technology and media in our children's lives.

Theme: Navigating Technology & Media

This week, we'll equip ourselves to guide our children through the digital landscape by understanding how technology can appeal to heart issues like identity and false gods. We'll focus on shaping their worship and discernment, not just managing screen time.

Scripture for Reflection:

• 1 John 2:15-17:

  "Do not love the world or anything in the world..."

• Philippians 4:8:

  "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble..."

Weekly Devotional

Reviewing Last Week's Challenge:

Last week, you focused on fostering sibling relationships by addressing heart issues in conflict. How did gently guiding your children towards identifying selfishness or pride, and praising kindness, impact their interactions?

Complementary Resource:

Watch this video for additional insights on navigating technology.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you see your children (or yourself) seeking "identity" from technology or media?
2. In what ways might technology become a "false god" in your children's hearts?
3. What are practical strategies for guiding children to discern media content based on Philippians 4:8?
4. How can we move beyond rules for screen time to address the underlying heart issues?
5. What does it look like to model healthy, Christ-centered technology use for your children?

Dad Challenge for the Week Ahead:

1. Have an intentional conversation with your child about their favorite media. Ask *why* they enjoy it and what it makes them feel or desire.
2. Identify one area of your own technology use where you can model greater intentionality this week.

This week, we focus on the bedrock of our families: our marriage. A strong, gospel-centered marriage is the most powerful foundation for effective parenting.

Theme: Building a Strong Marriage as a Parenting Foundation

This week, we'll explore how investing in a strong, gospel-centered marriage is a vital act of parenting. We'll see how our own identity in Christ frees us from seeking validation from our spouse or children, allowing us to love selflessly and model a grace-filled home.

Scripture for Reflection:

• Ephesians 5:25-28:

  "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church..."

• 1 Peter 3:7:

  "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives..."

Weekly Devotional

Reviewing Last Week's Challenge:

Last week, you focused on navigating technology and media with a heart-focused lens. How did exploring the "worship" aspect of media consumption impact your conversations and modeling for your children?

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the health of your marriage directly impact the atmosphere and effectiveness of your parenting?
2. How might seeking identity from your spouse (rather than Christ) affect your ability to love selflessly?
3. What does Christ-like love for your wife look like in practical, daily interactions?
4. How can modeling humility, confession, and forgiveness in your marriage teach your children about grace?
5. What is one specific action you can take this week to invest in your marriage as a foundational act of parenting?

Dad Challenge for the Week Ahead:

1. Plan and execute one intentional act of love or service for your wife this week, without being asked.
2. In a moment of marital tension, pause and ask God for grace to respond with humility and seek forgiveness if needed.

This week, our final in this "First Watch" series, we conclude by looking ahead, equipping our children to navigate the ever-changing challenges of the broader world.

Theme: Preparing Kids for Broader World Challenges

This week, we'll equip our children to navigate external pressures from peers, culture, and tough questions as they grow. We'll apply principles of long-view parenting, identifying and countering cultural idols, and resting in God's presence and power as we send them out into the world.

Scripture for Reflection:

• Deuteronomy 6:6-7:

  "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts..."

• Romans 12:2:

  "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."

Weekly Devotional

Reviewing Last Week's Challenge:

Last week, you focused on investing in your marriage as a parenting foundation. How did intentionally loving and serving your wife impact the atmosphere of your home and your approach to parenting?

Discussion Questions:

1. What specific "broader world challenges" do you anticipate your children facing?
2. How does a "Process Mentality" help you prepare your children for long-term faith?
3. How can you proactively equip your children to identify and resist the "false gods" of the culture?
4. What practical steps can you take to help your children "renew their minds" according to Romans 12:2?
5. How does "rest" in God's sovereignty empower you to face anxieties about your children's future?

Dad Challenge for the Week Ahead:

1. Choose one "broader world challenge," research it, and plan a conversation or activity to address it with your child this week.
2. Reflect on the entire curriculum and identify one core gospel principle that has most impacted you. Commit to intentionally applying it in the coming months.