Zac Poonen - Important First Steps for Our Children

Zac PoonenFebruary 10, 202522mWatch on YouTube

In this collectionZac Poonen379 messages

Speaker: Zac Poonen Title: Important First Steps for Our Children Date: 02/09/2025 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

Zac Poonen teaches that the foundational steps in raising children are teaching them obedience to parents, truthfulness, asking forgiveness, and thankfulness—beginning with these basics before addressing other spiritual matters. He emphasizes that children are born with a sinful nature and deceptive tendencies from infancy, requiring parents to consistently reinforce these core virtues through repetition, modeling, and early exposure to God's truth so they develop a clear conscience and can hear God's voice.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

The necessity of teaching the basicsJust as children must learn the alphabet before reading, they must be taught the fundamental truths of the faith from a young age.

Understanding the nature of self and sinWhile children are born into Christian homes, they are not born again; they are born with a nature controlled by self that requires teaching regarding the seriousness of sin.

Addressing age-appropriate sins like dishonestyInstead of complex sins like lust, parents should focus on teaching children about the sin of dishonesty and deception.

Prioritizing obedience and truthfulnessThe speaker emphasizes that honoring parents through obedience and respect is a primary commandment for children to learn.

The importance of teaching gratitudeTo prevent the descent into the many sins listed in Romans, parents must teach children to be thankful to both their parents and to God.

Teaching children to be gratefulBy observing the extreme poverty in some villages, we can teach our children to be thankful for their abundance rather than always wanting more.

Explaining the true meaning of repentanceRepentance should be taught to children not as a promise to never sin again, but as a sincere desire to turn away from sin.

Assuring children of Jesus' acceptanceWe must point children to John 6:37 to show them that Jesus will never reject anyone who comes to Him, regardless of their past mistakes.John 6:37

Teaching children to forgive othersChildren should be taught not to hold grudges against those who hurt them, but to forgive even if they choose to avoid troublesome people.

The importance of being an example as adultsAdults should not just teach these principles to children but must apply them to themselves, ensuring they keep their word and live as examples.

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Zac Poonen - Important First Steps for Our Children

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