Foundations for Marriage 6: Raising Godly Children in Marriage
Session Overview
One of God's purposes for marriage is the raising of godly children who know, love, and follow Him. Scripture teaches that parents are entrusted with the responsibility of modeling godliness, teaching God's Word, providing loving discipline, avoiding attitudes that provoke rebellion, and carefully shepherding each child according to how God uniquely created them. This session explores biblical principles for parenting by examining God Himself as the perfect Father and considering how His example shapes Christian parenting.
Main Biblical Truth
Godly children are most effectively nurtured when parents faithfully model Christlike character, saturate their home with God's Word, lovingly discipline their children, and intentionally guide them toward God's calling for their lives.
Discussion Guide
Section 1: God's Purpose for Children and Parenting
Malachi 2:15
Genesis 1:28
Biblical Teaching
Marriage is not only designed for companionship and the display of God's covenant love; it is also designed to produce and raise godly offspring. Children are a gift and stewardship entrusted by God to parents. The goal is not merely raising successful children but raising children who know God, honor Him, and reflect His character.
Parenting is therefore one of the most significant discipleship ministries God entrusts to a husband and wife.
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you about God's purpose for children in Malachi 2:15?
How does Scripture's goal of raising "godly offspring" differ from common cultural goals?
What hopes do you have for your future children?
What fears do you have about parenting?
How should God's purposes shape your parenting priorities?
How can a couple begin preparing for parenting before children arrive?
Practical Application
Spend time discussing what qualities you most hope to see developed in your future children and why those qualities matter.
Section 2: Parents Must Model Godliness
Scripture Reading
Ephesians 5:1–2
1 Timothy 4:16
Biblical Teaching
Children often imitate what they see far more than what they are told. Because of this, parents must model the character they desire to cultivate in their children. A home marked by humility, repentance, kindness, faithfulness, prayer, and obedience creates a powerful environment for spiritual growth.
Parents who consistently teach one thing while living another risk discouraging and confusing their children. Godly parenting begins with personal discipleship and spiritual maturity.
Discussion Questions
What character qualities did you learn from your parents?
In what ways are children influenced by parental example?
Why is consistency between words and actions so important?
What spiritual habits would you want your children to imitate?
Are there any patterns in your life you would not want your children to adopt?
How can you help one another grow in godliness before becoming parents?
Practical Application
Identify two areas of personal spiritual growth that would help you become a stronger example for future children.
Section 3: Training Children in God's Word
Scripture Reading
Proverbs 2:1–13
Deuteronomy 6:6–9
2 Timothy 3:16–17
Biblical Teaching
God's primary tool for developing godliness is His Word. Therefore, parents must intentionally teach Scripture to their children and create a home saturated with biblical truth.
Moses instructed parents to speak about God's Word throughout daily life—when sitting at home, walking along the road, lying down, and getting up. Biblical instruction is not merely a weekly church activity but a daily lifestyle.
Parents should consistently help children understand Scripture, apply biblical truth, recognize sin, embrace the gospel, and seek God's wisdom in every area of life.
Discussion Questions
How did your family approach Scripture while you were growing up?
Why is regular exposure to God's Word essential for children?
What practical ways can parents teach Scripture throughout daily life?
How can family devotions strengthen a home?
What challenges might make consistent biblical teaching difficult?
How can couples help each other remain faithful in this responsibility?
Practical Application
Develop a simple vision for how you would like God's Word to be incorporated into your future home.
Section 4: Loving Discipline that Produces Godliness
Scripture Reading
Hebrews 12:5–11
Proverbs 22:15
Proverbs 13:24
Proverbs 23:13–14
Biblical Teaching
Just as God disciplines His children because He loves them, parents are called to lovingly discipline their children. Biblical discipline is not punishment driven by anger; it is training designed to produce righteousness and wisdom.
Scripture presents both corrective communication and appropriate consequences as important aspects of discipline. Discipline should be motivated by love, administered consistently, and aimed at restoration rather than humiliation.
In addition to correcting sin, parents should implement positive forms of training that cultivate character, responsibility, perseverance, self-control, and wisdom.
Discussion Questions
What examples of discipline from your childhood were helpful?
What examples of discipline were unhelpful or harmful?
Why is discipline an expression of love?
What dangers arise when discipline is inconsistent?
Why must discipline never be administered in anger?
What character traits would you intentionally seek to cultivate in your children?
Practical Application
Discuss values and character qualities you would prioritize in parenting and brainstorm practical ways to cultivate them.
Section 5: Avoiding Provocation and Knowing Your Children
Scripture Reading
Colossians 3:21
Proverbs 22:6
Jeremiah 1:5
Psalm 139:1
Biblical Teaching
Parents are commanded not to provoke their children to anger or discouragement. Children can become embittered through neglect, inconsistency, harshness, favoritism, abuse, or a lack of encouragement.
At the same time, parents are called to know their children deeply. God uniquely creates every child with specific gifts, personalities, interests, and callings. Wise parents invest time in understanding how God has designed each child and help them grow according to that unique design.
Parenting is not merely behavior management; it is shepherding individual souls entrusted by God.
Discussion Questions
What behaviors from parents can provoke children to anger?
Why is encouragement so important in parenting?
How can parents balance discipline and affection?
What does it mean to train a child according to his or her unique design?
Why is quality time essential for knowing children well?
How can parents help children discover God's calling for their lives?
Practical Application
Discuss practical ways you would prioritize individual attention and quality time with future children.
Marriage Assignment
Complete individually and then discuss together.
What was most encouraging or challenging from this session?
Do you agree that modeling godliness is the most important aspect of parenting? Why or why not?
What strengths and weaknesses do you currently see in yourself as a potential parent?
How will you intentionally teach God's Word in your future home?
What types of positive character-building disciplines would you like to implement?
What forms of corrective discipline do you believe are wise and biblical?
How will you work together to maintain consistency in parenting?
How can you avoid provoking your children to discouragement or rebellion?
How will you intentionally get to know each child as an individual?
Spend time praying together for wisdom and faithfulness in future parenting.
Prayer Focus
Pray that God would:
Prepare you to raise children who know and love Him.
Help you model godliness consistently.
Fill your future home with His Word.
Give you wisdom and unity in discipline.
Protect your children from rebellion and unbelief.
Help you recognize and nurture each child's God-given gifts and calling.
Give you grace to parent in a way that reflects the Father's love.
Closing Prayer Prompt
"Father, thank You for the privilege and responsibility of raising children for Your glory. Help us model godliness, teach Your truth faithfully, discipline with wisdom and love, and shepherd each child according to Your design. May our home honor Christ and produce a legacy of faithfulness for generations to come. Amen."