“Bringing Up Opie”

Introduction

Andy, Barney and Otis all enjoy when Opie comes to visit at the courthouse and Opie loves the excitement of the jail: wanted posters, practicing “quick-draw” gunslingin’ with Barney, and even carrying out the trash. Aunt Bea decides that the jail is not the proper environment for him and convinces Andy that he must insist that Opie stay way from the jail.

 

Lesson Points

A Father’s Influence (Proverbs 3:1-4, NIV)

 1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.  3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

 

            Teaching by Discipline – Proverbs 19:17 (NIV)

17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.

 

            Teaching by Father-Son Talks – Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (NIV)

6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

 

            Teaching by Example – Ephesians 6:1-4

 

 

Discussion

 

  1. What were the “evil influences” that Aunt Bea saw in allowing Opie to go to the jail? What about the positive points? Putting yourself in Opie’s shoes, what would be so intriguing about the jail?

 

  1. Do most fathers ever think of including their children at the workplace, even if it is possible or not discouraged? Name some ways that it could benefit children to see their father at work.

 

  1. What was Aunt Bea’s intention? Did she stop to think what it would be like to have Opie around the house all afternoon?

 

  1. Do you agree that the principles in today’s lesson could apply to relationships other than a Father-Son? How can these principles apply?

 

Who missed who more – Opie or the gang at the courthouse? How do you know that Andy, Barney and Otis missed having Opie hang around?