Stu Quackenbush // Rockford Campus // February 15, 2026
SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE
THIS WEEK’S KEY PASSAGE: Ephesians 6:1-4
REMINDERS
Every year, we offer up chances for younger middle schoolers (5/6th grade) and older elementary (3/4th graders) to not only have fun, but also to have space to invite friends to come to church for things that they love: games, fun, and the Gospel!
We spend intentional time creating space for kids to have fun and enjoy being kids. Lots of games and activities planned all night long with loads of fun food.
But don’t be confused: this night is all about the Gospel. We build the bridge with fun and we walk across it with the Good News so that hundreds of kids will hear – with clarity – a loving God who spared no expense to come run after them!
Please use this opportunity to invite families to check out Magnify Church and hear the Gospel.
CODEBREAKER: https://magnifychurch.org/event/codebreaker-rockford/
ZONE ZERO: https://magnifychurch.org/event/zone-zero/
Experience Easter this year by being a part of Magnify’s annual Easter Outreach. Opportunities are available for all ages, onstage and off, as well as leading up to the production and during the production! We have a place for you.
Rehearsals begin soon, so register today so you can be “in the know” and receive all team communications.
You can keep up with all our current news and events through our online bulletin.
See the events page on the website for more updates.
TOGETHER IN LIFE
Stu shared a story of the first time flying with his kids and the chaos that came with it.
As a group, share your memories of your first, fun, fearful, or furious flying stories.
TOGETHER IN THE WORD
Read Ephesians 6:1-4 aloud together as a group.
KEY QUESTION: How is your obedience as a child and your leadership as a parent changed by the Gospel?
QUESTIONS
- Do you know any other Scripture passages on parenting? If so, share. If not, use this tool to help you:
- biblegateway.com
- Search: parent -or- father -or- mother
- What does it say?
Stu listed a handful of things that get in the way of obedience:
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- Anti-authority mindset
- Laziness and delay
- Second-guessing and negotiation
- Distraction
- Cultural permission
- What of these do or did you struggle with most?
- What other things make it hard as a child to obey?
Stu also listed some ways parents can “provoke” their kids:
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- Criticism
- Anger
- Inconsistency
- Sarcasm, insults, or teasing
- Hypocrisy
- Reactive decisions or rules
- What of these do or did you struggle with most?
- What else makes it hard as a parent to lead?
Questions from slides…
- Have my children become my idols?
- Whose kingdom do I really care about?
- Have I given my children emotional power over my life?
- Does my schedule actually have space for my kids?
- What is the center of your home?
Dane Ortlund quote:
“With our own kids, if we are parents, what’s our job? At the center, our job is to show our kids that even our best love is a shadow of a greater love. To put a sharper edge on it: make the tender heart of Christ irresistible and unforgettable. Our goal is that our kids would leave the house at eighteen and be unable to live the rest of their lives believing that their sin and sufferings repel Christ.”
TOGETHER IN ACTION
- Examine what you struggle with as a child. How can you work toward honoring your father and mother?
- Examine what you struggle with as a parent. How can you work toward leading your children well?
- If you’re able: ask your kids what kinds of things “provoke” them. Be open to listening without responding and simply to better understand how you come across. Pray about what it might look like
TOGETHER IN PRAYER
Pray that the families of our church would prioritize the kingdom of God within their homes, first.
Pray that God would help you see in what ways you can improve in your relationships as sons and daughters, as moms and dads, as aunts, uncles, grandparents or supporters of all of these.
