We Must Raise Godly Children - Zac Poonen
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that raising godly children requires parents to model purity and wisdom, drawing parallels between the innocence of children and the state of the heart. It stresses that marriage and parenting are divinely ordained to produce a godly offspring, and parents must actively teach their children about salvation and godly living to counteract the world's corrupting influences.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What we can learn from the innocence of childrenChildren possess a natural purity and lack of pride or judgment that mirrors the kingdom of heaven, offering an example for believers to emulate through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Receiving Jesus through a little childJust as Jesus taught that welcoming a little child in His name is equivalent to receiving Him, parents must receive their children without worldly biases and raise them to be witnesses.Matthew 10:40
God's purpose for marriage is a godly offspringMalachi teaches that God preserves marriage covenants because He is seeking a godly offspring, meaning spouses must cherish one another and work together to raise children for God.Malachi 2:14
Explaining faith and guarding against worldly habitsJust as the Israelites taught their children the meaning of the Passover, parents must explain why Christians live differently and actively monitor their children's daily exposure to worldly influences.
Recognizing the danger of disobedience in the last daysSecond Timothy warns that the last days will bring worldly attitudes like self-love and disobedience to parents right into homes and churches, requiring parents to be especially vigilant.2 Timothy 3:1
Teaching children to honor their parentsBecause parents represent God to their young children, teaching them to honor and obey their mother and father is essential for their spiritual foundation.
Taking personal responsibility with hopeUsing Moses' mother as an example of strong early training in a worldly environment, parents can successfully guide their children by relying on the Holy Spirit, the Bible, and prayer.
Asking God for wisdom and trusting His mercyBecause no parent is an expert, raising children requires humbling oneself, asking God for wisdom as promised in James, and trusting His grace to make children godly.
