Man in the Mirror
Bible Study

Understanding a Child's Heart

Romans 15:7-9; 13

Listener's Outline

 

The Big Idea:____________________________________________

 

A child's heart may have become a… What is this heart looking for? What does it love? What does the gospel offer? How does Christ meet the real needs of this heart?
_______ _______
Seen in: insecurity, lack of initiative, depression
Approval
Validation
Attention
Support
The gospel says: It's OK if life disappoints me because God will take care of me. (Hebrews 13:5)
______ _______
Seen in: talks too much, insensitivity, selfish, demeaning, arrogance
Happiness
Power
Admiration
Possessions
The gospel says: It's OK that I'm not perfect because God sees me as perfect in Christ. (Romans 3:21-22)
______ _______
Seen in: distant, loner, self-protecting, cold, mean
Protection
Truth
Justification
Approval
The gospel says: It's OK to allow myself to feel because, in the end, God will not let me down. (1 Corinthians 1:8-9)
______ _______
Seen in: hunger, fixation, desperation, drivenness
Pleasure
Escape
Coping
Possessions
The gospel says: It's OK to desire pleasure but you'll only find lasting pleasure in God. (Romans 15:13; 1 Peter 1:8)

 

 

Discussion Questions

 

1. What are one or two significant events that shaped your heart as a child? Which type of heart best describes you?


2. Which of these hearts best describes your children or grandchildren? How do you think their hearts got this way? How could the truth of the gospel help heal their hearts?


3. Do you truly believe that your acceptance in Christ has nothing to do with your performance? Why or why not? How did this happen? What are some ways you could communicate this truth to your children or grandchildren?