Speaker: Zac Poonen
Title: Bringing Up Children in Godly Ways
Date: 02/22/2026
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 parents must actively train children in godliness through discipline and instruction, emphasizing respect for authority, truthfulness, hard work, and self-denial as foundational values. He stresses that God's promise in Proverbs 22:6 is dependable, and that parents who fail to discipline are showing hatred rather than love, following God's example of disciplining His children. Poonen argues that consistent, biblical parenting produces godly children who walk with the Lord throughout their lives.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Taking God's word on training children seriouslyUsing Proverbs 22:5, the speaker argues that if a child goes astray, it is often due to a failure in parental training rather than a failure of God's promise.Proverbs 22:5
Two essential commandments for childrenParents should prioritize teaching children to respect authority and to always speak the truth, being particularly strict regarding lying.
Teaching responsibility and self-denialAs children grow, they should be taught to work hard and learn the value of denying themselves rather than always getting everything they want.
The biblical necessity of disciplineDrawing from Hebrews, the speaker explains that discipline is a sign of God's love and a way to prevent foolishness in children.Hebrews 12:7–8
Praying for children to grow in GodWhile parents must provide instruction and discipline, they must ultimately rely on prayer and God's grace to bring their children to salvation.
Speaker: Zac Poonen
Title: Bringing Up Children in Godly Ways
Date: 02/22/2026
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 parents must actively train children in godliness through discipline and instruction, emphasizing respect for authority, truthfulness, hard work, and self-denial as foundational values. He stresses that God's promise in Proverbs 22:6 is dependable, and that parents who fail to discipline are showing hatred rather than love, following God's example of disciplining His children. Poonen argues that consistent, biblical parenting produces godly children who walk with the Lord throughout their lives.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Taking God's word on training children seriouslyUsing Proverbs 22:5, the speaker argues that if a child goes astray, it is often due to a failure in parental training rather than a failure of God's promise.Proverbs 22:5
Two essential commandments for childrenParents should prioritize teaching children to respect authority and to always speak the truth, being particularly strict regarding lying.
Teaching responsibility and self-denialAs children grow, they should be taught to work hard and learn the value of denying themselves rather than always getting everything they want.
The biblical necessity of disciplineDrawing from Hebrews, the speaker explains that discipline is a sign of God's love and a way to prevent foolishness in children.Hebrews 12:7–8
Praying for children to grow in GodWhile parents must provide instruction and discipline, they must ultimately rely on prayer and God's grace to bring their children to salvation.
