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.

Encouraging Your Children

Temple Baptist Church - 11-13-2013

Colossians 3:21

 

Introduction:

A. This verse concerning our children goes hand-in-hand with Ephesians 6:1-4 which says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. (2) Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) (3) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. (4) And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

B. As I said with the submission of a wife, it is so much easier to love and obey someone who loves you! Notice, in Ephesians, the honoring goes with both the father and the mother but the admonition of not provoking you children unto wrath is pointed at the father. Nothing is Scripture is by accident nor is anything unnecessary. God wastes no words!

C. The reason is that mothers are “heart creatures” who are by nature more longsuffering and compassionate than us men. Their hearts often make them too soft in correction, thus the often used phrase, “Just wait until your daddy gets home!” Children need the correction of both parents but the correction of a father is different from mother’s.

D. Once again, the woman was made to complete (to make up that which is lacking) the man. A man has a tendency to be too harsh with children, therefore the admonition in Ephesians 6 and Colossians 3.

1. Wrath – to anger in action. We live in days of angry young people. I want our children to have conviction and stand strong but in a godly manner. Kids now run in gangs, shoot innocent people in shopping centers—movie theatres—schools, etc. because they are angry and that anger is directed towards the innocents. When I was a kid, these things were not heard of.

2. Discouraged – disheartened, dismayed, or spiritless. Discouragement causes children to give up because they are disillusioned and disheartened.

E. Though this is “aimed” at us fathers, I want to talk to both fathers and mothers tonight because it takes both to properly raise a child. Many of America’s children come from dysfunctional homes or single parent homes. Your children NEED you.

F. Let us look at this and compare it to the Lord’s relationship to His children.

1. Parents can discourage their children by showing a lack of compassion. Parenting without parental love is impossible. If all children see and hear it the “ruling” aspect of parenting, they will feel like they are not loved or have become a burden to their parents. We need to give our children the love and support that they deserve. God always shows His love to you and me in a limitless fashion.

2. Parents can discourage their children by setting unrealistic goals for them. Each child is an individual and need to be treated as such. Not every child will be an engineer or doctor; not every child will be rich in this world. They have different abilities and talents. Where an A- is a poor grade to one, a C is a good grade to others. God never expects us to go beyond the realm of our gifts or abilities.

3. Parents can discourage their children by constantly criticizing them or depreciating their worth. Children need to be encouraged through praise. If we only show them attention when they do wrong, we discourage them from doing right. God loves you and me when we are good and when we are bad.

4. Parents can discourage their children by showing favoritism. I have seen so many grandparents who shower a certain child with their love while virtually ignoring another child. God loves us with equality! Favoritism will destroy children.

5. Parents can discourage their children by being too harsh in their discipline. Children are children! They do have to learn, they do make mistakes, and they do mess up. The Bible says much about child discipline but a whipping is the last choice of discipline. Discipline needs to be progressive in nature. God does not use a whip on us when we willfully sin. He gently speaks to us and is better to us than we deserve. God has been gently and longsuffering with the pastor!

6. Parents can discourage their children through neglect. I am not speaking of not feeding or sheltering them. I am talking about not giving them your prime time instead of letting a TV set, video game, cell phone, or social media raise them. God spends quality time with His children and His ear is always open to their voice.

7. Parents can discourage their children by not administering spiritual food to them. The
nurture of the Lord is just as important as the admonition! Give them a home where Christian values are a way of life. Set a proper, biblical example for them. The Lord is our Example.

Provoke Not Your Children To Wrath

Temple Baptist Church - 8-31-2011

Ephesians 6:4

Introduction:

A. The first three verses of this chapter deal with the duties of children in relationship with their parents. They are to obey and honor their parents. Obedience is right and obedience plus honoring bring about a long, blessed life. It takes little observation in our day to find that neither obedience nor respect for parents is found in the average child. When I use the word child, I am not speaking altogether of age for many grownups do not respect or honor their parents.

B. Many children of our day are angry. In the majority of these instances of children not being right with their parents, the parents are at fault. Children today are not raised in a stable home; they are “pawned” off on daycare centers; left for the public schools to train; and sent to church instead of being taken to church if they get to go at all.

C. Children are not being trained to either obey or to honor their parents. Secular Humanism, alternatively known as Humanism (often with a capital H to distinguish it from other forms of humanism), is a secular philosophy that embraces human reason, ethics, and justice, and the search for human fulfillment. It specifically rejects religious dogma, supernaturalism, pseudoscience or superstition as the basis of morality and decision-making. Simply put, man becomes his own god and makes his decision based upon self-gratification.

D. Verse 4 admonishes the FATHER not to provoke his children to wrath. The final authority of the home is to be the father and so the responsibility of the home rests upon his shoulders. Now, a question needs to be answered: “How do we ‘provoke’ our children to wrath?” The answer is found in the same verse: by not nurturing our children spiritually and by not properly admonishing them when they do wrong.

E. We will make this as simple and painless as possible. I want to use Old Testament examples as most references are found there. The New Testament says little on the subject as it deals more with the children of God in the church instead of small children in the home. I will not go in much depth on the subject but want us to realize the importance of accepting the responsibility that goes along with parenthood.

1. Our children must be nourished in the Word of God. As children must receive proper nourishment physically, they must be nourished spiritually. When I was in grade school, we were taught the basic food groups in Health Class. Most of the modern diets used for quick weight loss are “extreme diets.” Low Fat Diets, Low Carb Diets, etc. rely upon depriving the body of essential elements of a well-balanced diet. A well-balanced diet is necessary for good health! The best way to lose weight is moderation. Instead of pushups, pushbacks are needed. Children need balanced diets. Obesity in children is in direct proportion to their lack of balanced meals. Cooking is now based upon speed and convenience instead of thoughtful, loving preparation. Fast Food and fattening snacks produce obese children.

Let us look at a few verses from Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

a. Proper spiritual nourishment begins with the parents. “Shall be in thine heart!” Parents cannot teach their children to love the Lord if they are living lives contrary to the Bible. “Don’t do as I do, do as I say do” produces rebellion in children. When children see mom and dad disobeying the Word of God, they will do worse than the parents. As parents, we must love the Lord with all of our hearts and set forth a proper example for our children to follow.

b. Proper spiritual nourishment comes from diligent spiritual teaching. “Shalt teach them diligently.” In most families, the spiritual teaching is left to the Sunday School teacher or to the pastor. Children are in SS for app. 45 minutes a week and under the pastor’s preaching for 2-3 hours. There are 168 hours in a week so children are under the Word of God for app. 1 ½ percent of their week. Diligent teaching means: “constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything; done or pursued with persevering attention; painstaking.”

c. Proper spiritual nourishment is from sunup to sundown! It is a consistent, constant teaching and application of spiritual truth to our children. It is an unending process that uses every instance, every problem, and every success as an opportunity to teach God’s Word: both in the home and outside of the home.

2. Our children must be admonished and corrected in a biblical manner. Our society, over the past few decades, has frowned on corporal punishment of children. I remember the “old days” when not only the parents spanked children, the public schools did so. I have spent more than my share of time bent over and grabbing my ankles. I did not suffer permanent damage either physically or mentally because of it. Parents today often lose their children to the DSS because of spanking. The bible is clear on the subject and God is right, not Dr. Spock! Admonition is not always chastisement though it may require it.

a. Children must be biblically admonished.

Proverbs 1:23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

Proverbs 15:5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

Proverbs 15:31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

b. Children must be biblically corrected.

Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. (The word betimes means “early at the task.” The first mention of betimes is found in Genesis 26:31: “And they rose up betimes in the morning, and sware one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.” It means that they rose up early at the break of day.)
Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. (Many parents threaten discipline and, by doing so, train their children to be disobedience.)

Proverbs 19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

c. Children must be restored and encouraged! Children need to know that they have our approval and that we are pleased with the things that they do right.

The Duties Of Children

Temple Baptist Church - 8-24-2011

Ephesians 6:1-3

Introduction:

A. As we finish chapter 5 and its relationship to the home, it is fitting that chapter 6 complete the family unit. We looked at the duties of both the wife and the husband and, in this chapter, the Word of God speaks of the responsibility of the children to the parents.

B. One of the signs of the last days, found in 2 Timothy 3, is that of “disobedient to parents.” We certainly live in that day! I have never seen so many children who throw “fits,” openly disobey their parents, etc.

1. It is a parental problem! I did not have the option of disobedying my parents while growing up. As a matter of fact, it did not occur to me because of my upbringing. Not that I was a perfect little angel, but I was raised “old school” by parents who loved me and wanted only the best for me. Spare the rod and spoil the child was the rule of the day and it helped me to grow into a responsible adult.

2. It is a prevalent problem! It is on every hand and overflows into society: public schools, work places, etc. If children will not obey their parents, they will not bow to authority in general.

3. It is a prophetic problem! God “called it” and it is so.

C. Disobedience in youth will cause dishonor in adulthood. When children to not respect and obey their parents while at home, they will dishonor their parents when they come “of age.” Mark it down, the disobedient child will be a dishonoring adult. The will bring shame and reproach to the family as well as the church.

D. Young people, if you have good parents and a stable home life, you need to thank the Lord for it. So many children in our day are raised by family other than parents; day care centers; complete strangers in the person of nannies, etc.; or raised on the streets. Many children do not have their parents living under the same roof and become expendable pawns in a game of Family Court Chess. Their parents could not get along and then took their hatred and frustration out on their mates through the children.

E. Young people, you are blessed if you have a mom and dad sitting together in church tonight. You are blessed if you have a safe, dry bed to sleep in tonight when you get home. You are blessed if you are loved, protected, trained, and provided for! Let me give you a verse tonight. “Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12:48)

F. Here, we find the first commandment with promise! The promise is both a long life and a full life.

G. As the parents give their lives for their children, so should the children give their lives to their parents. One day you will leave the “nest” and take your place in the world as responsible adults but, until such a day, the closest relationship that you have is with your parents. Having said that, what is the duty of children in the home?

1. Children are to Love their parents. If you love your parents, you will do nothing to hurt them. Making your own decisions as you get older will not hurt your mom and dad if you make right decisions.

Genesis 26:34-35 And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite: (35) Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.

Proverbs 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.

Proverbs 17:25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

2. Children are to Obey their parents. The verse says “This is right!” If it is not right then it is wrong. Obedience is to be a right response to commands. Obedience is to be done completely and quietly: without murmuring or complaining. Reluctant obedience dishonors parents; forced obedience dishonors parents; loving obedience honors parents.

Proverbs 6:20-22 My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

3. Children are to Honor their parents. The word honour means to fix or place value upon something; to respect or to revere someone. To place in a place of high esteem. Let me ask you a question, young person: “What do your dad and mom mean to you?” Honor them with respect; honor them with gratitude.

Leviticus 19:32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

Proverbs 20:20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

4. Children are to Listen to their parents. Young people, your parents have learned much over the years of their lives. They learned from their parents; they learned from life experiences; and they learned by listening to the advice of others. You would do well to listen to dad and mom. It will keep you from making the same mistakes that your parents may have made. God has given parents a special insight into what is best for their children. I often say, “When children are born, the instructions come with them.” Not only hearing the advice that they offer but also asking counsel in times of important decisions. They love you too much to steer you wrong.

Proverbs 1:7-9 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

Conclusion: Now comes the promise. Remember? This is the first command with promise.

a. That it may be well with thee! This means to have a happy life; to have a safe life; and to have a full life. To be blessed!

b. Thou mayest live long on the earth! Not only will God give you a happy life and a full life—He will also give you a long life.

The Prodigal’s Father

Temple Baptist Church - 5-10-2009

Luke 15:11-32

Introduction:

A. This story is ever so familiar to many of us because:

1. Many of us have been Prodigals at one time or another.
2. Some of us have Prodigals in our family now.
3. If you have not been a Prodigal, thank God.
4. If you do not have a Prodigal, thank God and be watchful.

B. There is story after story in the Bible of godly parents who have had children go astray. We are not perfect parents and do fail our children just as we fail God. Raising children for the Lord does not force them to make right decisions.

C. I am not trying to take all of the blame from us parents who have Prodigal children but am going to give us some hope tonight. God had two children in a perfect environment and they chose to sin. Children still have to choose the path for their lives, otherwise they become robots of our making.

D. Children raised in ungodly homes get saved and serve the Lord while children raised in godly homes sometimes chose to reject Christ. The only place that I see where Adam and Eve sinned was in the Garden of Eden and yet they lost their first born.

E. Let us look at this Prodigal’s father for a few minutes. He was a godly father with nothing evil spoken about him and yet he had one Prodigal leave while the other Prodigal stayed.

1. He realized That His Son Had The Right To Make A Choice – vs. 12 “he divided unto them his living” - (You can teach and plead, but you cannot choose.)

2. He Did Not Compromise What He Believed Or Where He Stood – vs. 13, 20 “a far country…yet a great way off” (You have to let them go and distance themselves. Continue to do what you are doing – don’t stop or let up. Give them something stable to come back to.)

3. He Never Gave Up On His Son Though He Must Have Waited A Long Time – vs. 20 “yet a great way off, his father saw him” (Stay encouraged! Give the Lord time to work.)

4. He Never Ceased To Love And Pray For His Son – vs. 20 “fell on his neck and kissed him” (As much as possible, keep the wayward child’s sin between them and the Lord.)

5. When He Saw His Son Returning, He Made An Effort To Help Him – vs. 20 “had compassion, and ran” (The wayward child will need your help and guidance.)

6. He Willing Received His Son Back When He Repented – vs. 21-22 “I have sinned…bring forth the best robe” (The wayward child will be looking for any signs of rejection during restoration.)

7. He Restored His Son To His Former Position – vs. 22 “bring the best robe…ring…shoes” (Full restoration, not partial as the son both deserved and expected.)

8. He Never Made A Difference Between His Sons – vs. 24 “for this my son” (Even though one left, they were both his sons with equal privileges.)

9. He Would Not Let Others Son Mistreat The Lost Son When He Came Home – vs. 25-32 (Stand with him or her unashamedly when they get right.)

1. Stop Blaming Yourself! There is nothing that you can do to change the situation now and the child made bad choices! They were raised better. They knew better when they chose the wrong path. Get over it because there is work to do.

2. Never cease to pray for them! Morning, noon, and night. All during the day, call their names out to God as Job did. He sacrificed for his children each day just in case they committed sin.

3. Do not compromise in order to get him or her back! Hold steady and serve the Lord. They must have a godly home to come back to one day.

4. Expect God to honor His Word and work in their hearts. You spent years teaching them the Word of God and it will not return void.

5. Do not “cut your children off.” Leave the door open for reconciliation. I understand that, under certain conditions, you have to break fellowship with them but let them know that they can get right with God and you.

6. Love them as God loves you! Forgive them as God forgives you! I am glad that He loves me in spite of my sinfulness.

7. Go on with your life! Life does not stop because they have made wrong choices and you life does not now center around them. It centers around the Lord.