Welcome to the New Year Edition of Parent-Driven Discussions! January is a season filled with fresh starts, hopes, and exciting goals. As families, it is a natural time to evaluate our daily rhythms, how we can grow, and what it looks like to follow Jesus more closely in the year ahead. Yet God’s Word reminds us that real change does not begin with goals and resolutions. It begins with the transformation of the heart.
This Parent-Driven Discussion offers a short, Bible centered conversation guide to help your family talk about how God shapes us from the inside out. Whether you are gathered at the breakfast table, riding in the car, or praying together before bed, these simple discussion questions and activities will help your children see how Jesus calls us to put off our old way of living and put on a new life in Him.
Out with the Old, In with the New
Ephesians 4:22-44 – “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put of your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
When we follow Jesus, God begins to change us from the inside out. This change does not happen all at once, and it does not happen because we try harder on our own. It happens as we learn to trust Jesus and walk with Him each day.
The Bible talks about an old self and a new self. The old self is the way we lived when we put ourselves first and did not think much about what God wanted. The new self is who we are because of Jesus. God is helping us grow to look more like Him in the way we think, speak, and treat others.
This means that when we mess up, God does not give up on us. Instead, He invites us to turn back to Him, ask for His help, and keep growing. As a family, we can learn together how to put off old habits and put on new ways that show love, kindness, and patience.
Discussion Questions:
What do you think Paul means by the old self and the new self?
Can you tell me about some habits or attitudes that belong to the old self?
Are there some ways the new self can show up in our family?
What is one new habit we could practive together this week?
How does Jesus help us change even when its hard?
Family Activity
Take Off and Put On
Gather a few simple items, such as a jacket, hat, or scarf. One at a time, have family members pretend to take off an item that represents the old self, such as impatience or complaining. Talk briefly about what that looks like in real life. Then put on an item that represents the new self, such as kindness, patience, or love. Share one way each person wants God’s help to live more like Jesus this week.
Family Prayer
God, thank You for making us new in Jesus. Help us take off our old ways and put on the new life You give us. Teach our family to follow Jesus in how we speak, how we love, and how we treat one another. Grow us to look more like You each day. Amen.
Additional Discipleship Resources
Ephesians for Families – Put On the Armor of God
Proverbs for Families: What is Wisdom?
Colossians for Families: Put On
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