The Bible Speaks to Parents

(The Godly Family, Pt. 3)

 

FILING INFORMATION:

1999035

Subject: Home, family, parents

Preached Originally: 06/20/99 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction

A.    Series on the godly home continues.

1.    talked about the importance of marriage & God’s design for it.

2.    Talked about the roles that the husband/wife are to play w/in the marriage relationship.

B.    Now…we talk about the next part of series…Parenting in the godly home.

1.    Parenting one of the most important/solemn responsibilities God has placed upon the human being.

2.    Children in homes can bring true happiness & joy.

3.    This = way that God intended it.

C.   Psa. 127:1-5 – psalmist talks about prospering with the Lord.

1.    children = a heritage from God.  They are a reward!  Gen. 30:18 as w/Leah…

2.    to be counted as blessings – not a burden!

3.    Again…it with utmost importance that we train (bring up) our children in way that pleasing to God.

a)    are we training them up spiritually?

1)    NOW = time to begin!  No matter how old child is.

2)    Deut. 6:6-7 – parents to teach children ways of God.

b)    are we training them up in other areas?

1)    are they learning respect

2)    do they know value of working to supply their needs/wants?

3)    Do they know how to live their lives w/integrity?

D.   Psa. 127:4 – arrows compared to children.

1.    arrows a necessity in David’s time as a defense & as a means of obtaining food.

2.    Arrows had to be carefully formed & shaped right to fly straight.

3.    Likewise….children must be molded & shaped if they are to fly right.

4.    Parenthood more than begetting children & providing for their physical needs!

E.    In today’s lesson…we wish to evaluate ourselves as parents.

1.    Parents…how are you doing?

2.    Prov. 22:6 – are you training up your child in the way of the Lord?

F.    Several week ago – we talked about being God’s kind of person.  2 Cor. 5:9-10; 15

G.   What does it mean to be God’s kind of parent?

 

I.  4 Attitudes Toward Children.

A.    selfish/uncaring parent.

1.    this parent: a why me attitude w/children.

2.    I don’t have time for my kids…take away from my free time. … I don’t enjoy being around my kids.

3.    Too busy pursuing career to be the kind of mommy/daddy they need to be. 

4.    Falls into children being a “burden” rather than a “blessing”

5.    This = the kind of parent who provides sustance…but unthinking of training.

a)     pass kids off to grandparents…daycare…teachers… expect THEM to bring up THEIR kids.

b)     Must realize that ultimate responsibility FALLS UPON THE PARENTS to raise THEIR children up in way that pleasing to God!

B.    Conflict parenting.

1.       the kind of parent where positive guidance is non-existent.  (What does that mean???)

a)    as long as no one “rocks the boat” …household not disrupted…everything OK.

b)    Problem…then it’s time for discipline.

c)    Only discipline child receives is in negative fashion…someway correcting a fault or resolving a problem.

2.       not concerned w/real inner character.  Instead insist on an external morality.

a)    fix symptom…but not real problem.

C.   Non-discipling parents.

1.    idea…when little..too young to learn.  Whey they get older…then I’ll teach.

2.    They’re just soooo cute I can’t hardly stand to spank little bottom.

3.    Oh….it’s just a stage…they’ll grow out of it.  No big deal.

4.    This neglects Prov. 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15

a)    rod talking about rod of discipline.

b)    Not popular w/pop culture.

1.     many parents today don’t want to spank – it just doesn’t feel right for a big person to hit a little person.  Besides, spanking does not necessarily improve a child’s behavior.

2.     In fact, some say, that parents who spank are sending their kids the message that hitting is a viable means of controlling other’s actions.  With violence on the rise…children need to learn alternatives from their parents.

3.     Only leaves children angry, confused, and does not improve discipline.

4.     From the “Parent Advisor” by Jan Faull on the Disney Online Network.

D.   The godly parent.

1.       this the one who leads through patience, example, & with wisdom.

a)    one who patiently instructs his child = the godly parent.

b)    Js. 1:2-5…

c)    Have you ever considered v. 4 in context of parent/child relationship?  (v. 5 too…)

1)    involves having vision for the end result.

2)    Child…when grows up…have priorities in right place.

2.       Rom. 8:28

a)    involves the parent living in obedience to God.

b)    This – what it means to love the Lord.

c)    Good refers to spiritual blessings – what greater blessing than have godly/reverent children?

3.       godly parent will heed instruction of Paul in Eph. 6:4

a)    not only responsibility of father but mother as well.

b)    Both parents acting together…most effective way.

 

II.  Goal of Parents…bring them up – Eph. 6:4

A.    Notice: active voice – YOU bring them up!

1.    parents responsible for raising the child.  NOT:

a)    grandparents; day care center; teachers; coaches;

b)    YOU…parents bring them up!

2.    Prov. 22:6 – YOU parents train up a child.

a)    children become in life what their parents make them.

b)    Like clay in potters hands.  Capable of being molded into vessels of honor or dishonor.

c)    Instruct them to fear/loathe sin.

d)    Instruct them to be excited toward their duty to God!

B.    Notice: present tense.  Continuous action.

1.    not a part time thing.  Not something to be done only at certain times.

2.    Involves action from birth to the empty nest.

C.   Notice: imperative in nature.  A command!

1.    not merely an option.

2.    Neglect resp. to bring them up in way God requires – we responsiblie!

3.    Parents bear responsibility if they neglect to bring children up & their kids have no respect for God.

a)    1 Sam 3:12-13

b)    Eli so busy in profession that he neglected to train them up properly.  Their sins were Eli’s responsibility.

4.    DO YOU REALIZE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY?

 

III.  Bringing them up in the instruction of the Lord.

A.    important to understand first/foremost of HOW we are to teach.  Never effective if we don’t know HOW TO DO what we are SUPPOSED TO DO.  Must use the tools given to us to raise our children.  Following tools should be used together for best effectiveness.

1.     Bible instruction.  (by using/applying Bible principles to daily situations.)

a)             observe Deut. 6:4-9.  Bible best guide for parents/children in ALL situations.

b)             Apply at school, work, overall attitude, courtship, even during crisis.

c)             Involves an immersion in the Word of God.

2.     by personal example of the parents.

a)    parents: observe Phil. 4:9

b)    apply this verse to parent/child relationship.

c)    Would you want this at the present???

1)     have they HEARD you go home/complain about the preacher/brethren/problems at church?

2)     Have they SEEN in your some questionable behavior before God/men?

3)     Have they RECEIVED a consistent portrayal of the life you lead?

3.     group studies/get togethers w/fellow Christians.

a)    bottom line: use them!

b)    Differences in attendance between BS, worship, pm worship, wedensday.  Congregation meets only 4 hours a week!

c)    Bring children to Bible class…worship.

1)    Mt. 29:19-20 – their purpose.

2)    Ladies…bring your daughters to ladies class. 

3)    GET INVOLVED!

B.    What are we to teach?

1.    Eph. 6:1-3 – obey & honor parents.

a)    key to this: parents attitude…the way they discipline & the example they set.

b)    Children must understand their place in the home.

2.    Rom. 12:17-21 – a peaceable attitude.

a)    not vengeful….chirst like in repaying no one for evil.

b)    Have regard for good thngs….be not ashamed.

c)    Overcome evil w/good.

3.    1 Cor. 4:2 – a faithful steward of the mysteries of God.

a)    steward: a person who manages another’s property, finances, or other affairs.

b)    Christians…stewards of the gospel.  Been entrusted w/it by Jesus himself.

c)    Encourage them to be faithful in service to gospel of Jesus.

4.    Phil. 2:4-9 – have a humble heart.

a)    many kids today far from humble.

b)    They feel: they deserve this, that, anything that they want.

c)    I’m better than you approach to everything.

5.    Psa. 118:24 – begin the day w/a recognition of God.

a)    therein an attitude of thankfulness.

b)    An attitiude of the presence of God in one’s life.

6.    Jhn. 3:16; 1 Jhn. 3:18 – love invovles sacrifice & action on our part.

a)     to many not realize that love much more than a warm fuzzy feeling.

b)     Love involves sacrifice & a willingness to get involved in lives of others.

7.    Mt. 28:19-20 – to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

a)    if children are not yet Christians…what are you doing to lead them in the proper direction?  What are you doing to show them the importance of coming to Christ?

b)   If your children already Christians…are you strengthening/encouraging them to grow up in Christ? To be a disciple?

c)    Are you leading by example in this area?

 

Conclusion

A.    for too long we listened to psycho babel of the day.

1.    we see children shooting/blowing up each other in school

2.    we see children out of control – lacking discipline & w/o the proper result of the parents.

3.    Resulting frustration has caused many to give up.

B.    remember..you will never have a more important pupil!

1.    realize your responsibility becfore the Lord as parents

2.    let the Lord do his work in your home & in your life.

C. I N V I T A T I O N