Parenting Faith

Temple Baptist Church - 4-1-2020

Hebrews 11:23; Exodus 1:8-2:10

Introduction:

A.  Tonight, we will begin to look at the life of one of the Bible’s greatest men, Moses.  As we begin, let us remember that Hebrews is God’s “Hall of Faith,” not “Hall of Fame.” 

b.  Hebrews, chapter 11 is about the faith of God’s people.  People like us.  Flawed people who sometimes fail God.  I am still glad that God can take a “crooked stick and draw a straight line.”  GOD HONORS FAITH!

C.  The life of Moses begins with his birth, not his adult life.  Like all babies, Moses was born in innocence.  Moses, as a small child, could not make important decision for himself, therefore, God gave Moses parents!

D.  God gives parents both responsibility and ability to raise these precious gifts from God for His glory.

Psalms 127:3  Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

E.  Before Moses came to a place of greatness in the sight of the Lord, the Bible mentions his parents. 

1.  Notice that the word “parents” is plural.  In Exodus 2:1, a godly man married a godly woman, so we know that both parents were “on the same page” in the raising of their children but the rest of the story only involves Amram’s wife, Jochebed!  (Exodus 6:20; Numbers 26:59)

2.  Here, we find the importance of a godly wife and mother in the life a great man of God!  Ladies, both you and your husband are of equal importance in the lives of your children, but, by default, you spend more time with them!

F.  Moses was born in a difficult time.  The children had gone from blessing to bondage after the passing of Israel’s Patriarchs!  Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the sons of Jacob, and especially Joseph have died and there arose a Pharaoh who knew not the God of these men.

G.  Because of Pharaoh’s fear of Israel, the people of God became slaves and the order was given to kill all the male children that were born.  Amram and Jochebed stood firm against the orders of the Pharaoh because “they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.”

H.  We too live in difficult days.  Someone said that the most dangerous place in the world is the womb!  We live in perilous times for sure as:

1.  Children have become a Burden instead of a Blessing.  We live in the days of curtailing the birth of children because of the personal expense of raising them.  Yes, it is expensive to raise children; yes, parents may have to give up some things to raise children.

2.  Children have become an Option instead of an Obligation.  From conception to live birth, children are being aborted and killed in our day with the approval of both society and government.  In Moses’ day, infanticide was practiced; in Jesus’ day, infanticide was practiced; in our day, infanticide is practiced.

3.  Because of their faithfulness, God’s “deliverer” was raised up for the Lord.

I.  A Parents Recognition of the blessing and value of children.  “a proper child.”  The word “proper” is used 4x in the Bible: 1x in the Old Testament and 3x in the New Testament.

1.  A Proper Child is of Great Value.  1 Chronicles 29:3 - “Proper good, of gold and silver.”  Something of great value.  ALL children are to be valued and Moses’ parents valued this baby boy.

Psalms 128:3  Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

2.  A Proper Child is Common to Every Parent.  Acts 1:19 - “Proper tongue.”  Something that is common among the people.  ALL children are to be valued!  Every baby is precious in the sight of the Lord.  There were many babies born to Israel in the time of Moses’ birth.

Mark 10:13-16  And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.  (14)  But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.  (15)  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.  (16)  And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

3.  A Proper Child is of Uniqueness.  1 Corinthians 7:7 – “Proper gift of God.”  Something given specifically to individuals.  ALL children are uniquely different and, therefore, special.  I have often said that God gives special children to special parents.

Psalms 139:13-16  For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.  (14)  I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.  (15)  My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  (16)  Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Jeremiah 1:4-5  Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,  (5)  Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

4.  A Proper Child is one who Deserves Godly Parents!  Hebrews 11:23 – “They saw he was a proper child.”  Something that all parents should recognize.  ALL children deserve to have godly parents who will raise them for the Lord.

Psalms 127:4-5  As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.  (5)  Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Ephesians 6:4  And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.