24/08/2022
"RAISING CHILDREN IN THE LORD"
CHILDREN ARE GIFTS FROM GOD(Psalm 127:3-5).The LORD entrusts them to us with the responsibility to care for them and to raise them in HIS ways. Ephesians 6: 4 says, "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the LORD. "GOD gives both father and mother authority over their children ( Exodus 20: 12; Ephesians 6:1-2). They are called to work as a team, with the father as the head of the household (Ephesians 5: 23), and the wife as his helper in the home (Genesis 2: 18; Titus 2: 5). They must exercise that authority to love, serve, strengthen, and prepare their children, not to discourage them ( Colosians 3:21).
Raising children begins begins before pregnancy, with prayers for future generations (Genesis 25:21). When a baby is conceived, husbands should tenderly care for their wives, and wives for their own bodies, knowing that in so doing they care for a person whom GOD is forming in the womb ( Psalm 139:13-14).
Father and Mother should start to labor to bring their children to JESUS, who delights to bless children (Matthew 19:13-15). GOD has provided powerful means by which parents may raise their children in the LORD.We have already noted, "🙏praying for your children".
Another means is: "teaching the BIBLE📖 to your children".
One of the great purposes of the Bible📖 is to equip fathers and mothers to teach their families👪to hope in the LORD and keep HIS commandments📖(Psalm 78:5-7). For this reason, parents must also make sure their children learn to read well, so that they can understand the BIBLE📖, Catechisms, and other helpful books. A key time for teaching your children in addition to worship with the church is regular family worship in the home🏡 .However, parents should fill all of life with conversation's about GOD'S WORD📖 and how it applies (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
A third means of bringing your children to JESUS is discipling them in love. Since sin entered into the human race (Romans 5:12), proud rebellion clings to our hearts, but firm correction will drive it out (Proverbs 22: 15). The BIBLE📖 calls this "the rod", referring to spanking. Contrary to popular belief, physical discipline administered to correct disobedience is not an act of abuse or hatred-rather, it is a necessary act of love (Proverbs 13:24). By GOD'S GRACE, the pain of a spanking teaches children lessons about the consequences of sin that can ultimately save their souls( Proverbs 23: 13-14)-especially when coupled with teaching about GOD'S forgiveness and power in CHRIST. Failure to discipline one's children will bring shame and grief to parents (Proverbs 29:15; 1 Samuel 2:22-36). However, angry parents who discipline in rage only create angry children and a home🏡 full of strife (Proverbs 15: 1, 18; 22:24-25). Wait to discipline until by prayer🙏 you can do it with a spirit that is under control (Proverbs 16:23). The motive of discipline is love, and its goal is to train a child in righteousness for his own good (Hebrews 12: 6,10).
A fourth means of raising your children in the LORD is offering wise counsel. This becomes especially important as your children grow older. They face many difficult decisions about what car to purchase, what vocation to pursue, whom to marry and etecera. Parents have valuable experience and insight to share. Even when mom and dad are old, their children should still listen to them (Proverbs 23: 22).If you have won the respect and friendship of your children over the years, their hearts will be open to hear you (Proverbs 23: 26).
Lastly, GOD has given parents the means of LIVING AS A GODLY EXAMPLE. Example is extremely powerful. People who do not practice what they preach only produce more hell- bound hypocrisies (Matthew 23: 3, 18). However, those who live in sincere godliness can say, "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me,do: and the GOD of peace shall be with you" (Philippians 4: 9).There is no greater legacy to leave your child than the memories of a father and mother transformed by CHRIST❤📖💓,💙💜👫💍💒🔒🙌😊FOR GOD'S OWN GLORY ALONE.
from: Dr. Joel R. Beeke "Reformation Heritage KJV📖Study Bible"💚.
Michael Scott 💙 & Marry An💜
