Raising Our Children For God (7 of 7) - Zac Poonen
Summary
The central message is that parents have a profound responsibility to raise their children in the ways of the Lord, emphasizing that a child's upbringing tends to determine their life path. While dedication to God is a gift, the true work is in consistently teaching God's word—when sitting, rising, or walking—to ensure the next generation trusts in God and keeps His commandments.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Is child dedication commanded in the Bible?There is no scriptural command requiring child dedication like there is for baptism, but when we do it, we recognize the child as a gift from God and give thanks.
Presenting Jesus to the Lord in the templeLuke records how Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, following the old covenant law regarding the firstborn male.Luke 2:21
From partial devotion to total belongingWhile the old covenant involved a fraction of income, certain days, and only the firstborn son, the new covenant gives all days, all income, and all children to the Lord.
What does holiness and dedication mean?Holiness means being set apart from sin and things that dishonor God, and presenting a child to the Lord means setting them apart universally as full-time for God.
Dedication without a real lifestyle at homeDedication can become an empty ritual if parents do not train their children properly at home, much like Judas Iscariot's parents who brought him to the temple but raised a hypocrite.
Judas Iscariot and Simon PeterBoth Judas and Peter were dedicated in the same temple around the same time, yet their vastly different adult lives demonstrate the power of how parents raise them.
The law of training up a childJust as gravity always pulls objects down, training up a child in the way they should go ensures they will not depart from it when they grow old.
God's law given to fathers in Psalm 78God commanded fathers in Psalm 78 to teach His law and works to their children so future generations would put their trust in Him and keep His commandments.Psalm 78:5
A parent's personal accountabilityThe speaker resolved that if his own children did not follow the Lord, he would step down from preaching and leadership, viewing parental responsibility as absolute.
Don't criticize other people's childrenParents must mind their own children and avoid criticizing others, because speaking evil of believers in front of children is like feeding them spiritual poison.
Going beyond baptism to make disciplesParents should not merely be satisfied that their children are baptized or seeking honor in the church; their children must truly become disciples of Jesus Christ.
What will Jesus say?Instead of worrying about what people in the church will say, parents should teach children to care exclusively about what Jesus thinks of their behavior and dress.
