offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court." Psalm 127:3-5
Parents' Responsibilities:
#1. Nourish their children.
"Fathers,do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4
#2. Educate.
"These commandments that I give you today are to be on 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." Deuteronomy 6:6-7
#3. Discipline.
"Discipline your children, for in that there is hope;
do not be a willing party to their death." Proverbs 19:18
Lack of discipline will cause pain. Be a good example.
"They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:10-11
It isn't fun to discipline. God doesn't find great joy in disciplining us but He knows it is necessary.
The Truth about Children:
1. All children are born sinful. All people are born sinful.
"As it is written:
“There is no one righteous, not even one;" Romans 3:10
2. All are rebellious.
"Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline will drive it far away." Proverbs 22:15
Rebellion is natural to us all.
3. Self-Absorbed.
"In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord." Genesis 4:3
Cain got angry at God rather than trying to do better or asking God what he needed to do to do it right. There is a natural selfishness built into us. You must learn to share and cooperate.
4. Children are pliable -- they seek influence.
"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:102
Sometimes they grow in spite of us. They are seeking to be influenced. They will mimic you.
5. The world is a dangerous place.
The world is getting worse and worse. We have to protect them. They will be under peer pressure to accept all that society accepts. We must be their strongest influece. We have to outvote all their peers.
"A discerning son heeds instruction,
but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father." Proverbs 28:7
What is the prescription for good parenting?
1. Be right with God.
"By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures." Proverbs 24:3-4
If you build a foundation and you don't follow through that foundation will crumble and be destroyed.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 6:33
God has an answer. He will guide you. Just ask.
2. Be the example of what you want your children to be.
"Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."
1 Peter 3:7
"Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children," Titus 2:4
If parents abuse, the children will abuse. What we are is reflected in our children. Love between parents is so important. Have an open relationship with your kids. If you mess up, apologize.
3. Examples we should be:
"He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect." 1 Timothy 3:4
"Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray." Proverbs 10:17
Sheep go astray. Lambs don't. They follow the sheep. The children are watching. We all are responsible.
Practice what you preach!
1. Start Early:
If you let them develop bad habits you have to get rid of these first before you can start training.
2. Discipline.
"Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you. Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him." Deuteronomy 8:5-6
3. Be Consistent.
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise-- 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”[a] Fathers,[b] do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:1-4
4. Stay in the Community of the Church.
"For lack of guidance a nation falls,
but victory is won through many advisers." Proverbs 11:14
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25
You're not alone. We're here to support each other. The world is going down and Jesus is coming back. Live in expectation of Jesus returning. Be a safe place for each other. Seek the family.
"Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6