190 likes | 197 Views
Our society has departed from its Biblical foundation to build on the faulty wisdom of man. Learn about the importance of parental responsibility in raising children and setting the foundation for their lives. Discover the consequences of failing in parenting and the starting point of raising godly children. Set goals for raising Christian children and teach them about their responsibilities to God, family, society, and property.
E N D
Grace Bible ChurchGlorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Principles of Parenting, Part 2Selected Scriptures Our society has departed from its Biblical foundation to build on the faulty wisdom of man A society that rejects God should not be surprised when He removes His hand of protection & blessing
Parental Responsibility The foundation you lay in raising your children sets the direction for their lives If you fail to ground and train your children in the truths of God, then society will conform them to itself Proverbs 22:6 - a child trained in godly fear and virtues can withstand the pressures of society
Parental Responsibility Proverbs 22:6 - alternative - a child trained to his own way will continue in that sinful bent There are exceptions to the Proverbial rule in both directions Proverbs 22:6 is not a promise to assure parents of prodigals that they will return to the faith
Parental Responsibility Ezekiel 18:20 - each person bears the responsibility of their own sin, children and parents alike Parents who fail in their parenting will suffer consequences - Proverbs 17:25; 19:13; 28:7; 29:15 There are no perfect parents - we must be diligent and work hard, but thank God for His mercy & grace
The Starting Point The influences of psychology has resulted in a widespread rejection of the Biblical starting point The Minimalist - the innately good child has the wisdom to know what is best, give minimal direction The Fearful - I can’t risk destroying my child’s innate goodness, follow the psychologist’s advice
The Starting Point The Maximum parent - environment is critical, so give maximum material and training advantages The Traditionalist - just do whatever your parents did with you The Detached - too selfish to give children much thought, so send them away or ignore them
The Starting Point Psalm 51:5 - the true nature of a child is sinful from conception - not naturally good or innocent Proverbs 22:15 - they have foolishness bound up in their heart, not wisdom (cf. Eph. 2:3) Parenting starts with the arrival of a sinful and foolish child
The Starting Point To raise a godly child, you must start at the right place and reject the foolish wisdom of man You must supply the wisdom and set the direction or they will wander into the forests of folly
Setting the Goals Primary goal of the Christian parent: lay the foundation for their children to become Christians Love God yourself and be diligent to teach them about God and His commandments (Deut. 6:4-9) Use Proverbs to teach them about the nature & character of God & His will
Setting the Goals Second goal of the Christian parent: raise offspring with godly character whether they are saved or not Categories of Responsibility: God Family Society Property & Nature
Responsibility to God Worship and obedience to God is foundational for the Christian (John 14:15; Matthew 28:19-20) Children are not innocent, innately good or wise, so they cannot be left to their own direction
Responsibility to God Parents must also teach their unsaved children their responsibility to worship and obey God A purpose of Proverbs is to discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God (2:5)
Responsibility to Family The first responsibility of parents is to fulfill their roles as a godly husbands and wives (Eph. 5; 1 Pet. 3) The first responsibility of children to parents is obedience (Eph. 6:1; Exod. 20:12; Prov.1:8; 6:20; 20:20 etc) If you do not teach your children to obey you, you teaching them to sin
Responsibility to Family First time obedience means to obey the first time they are told. If children obey only after being told many times or you’re angry, it is because you trained them that way
Teaching Obedience Be clear in what you say - make sure they heard and understood your directions Say what you mean, mean what you say. Commands are commands, suggestions are suggestions Set the standard, teach the standard, live the standard, require the standard
Obeying right away is obedience without delay Obedience with a happy face means no physical displays of displeasure - work on the heart (Ps. 1:2; 40:8) Responsibility to Family
A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish son is a grief to his mother Proverbs 10:1
Grace Bible ChurchGlorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ