Bringing Up Our Children Aright -- Zac Poonen -- October 24, 2021
http://rlcf.church/media/sermons/bringing-up-our-children-aright River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker discusses the importance of setting a good example in marriage, particularly for raising children, as children learn primarily through observation. He emphasizes that parents must be strict and teach obedience and respect from an early age, noting that good parenting habits are more crucial than religious affiliation. The message concludes by citing Proverbs 22:6, stressing that parents must actively train their children in the right way, as this is a law like gravity.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The second part of marriage: raising childrenAfter establishing a good relationship as husband and wife to set an example, parents must focus on raising children who learn primarily by observing their parents.
Every child goes astray from birthAll children are born with an adamic nature full of deception and foolishness, meaning good behavior is entirely dependent on strict parental discipline.Psalm 58:3
Train up a child in the way he should goGod's law states that parents who diligently and strictly train their children will see them walk in that way when they are old.Proverbs 22:6
Fathers must not provoke children to angerFathers carry the primary responsibility for discipline and instruction, and they must judge themselves rather than unfairly provoking their children.Ephesians 6:4
Taking personal blame instead of making excusesInstead of blaming schools or friends, parents must humbly confess their own failures before God concerning wayward children.
The powerful impact of a single godly motherEven when a father is absent or irresponsible, a mother like Eunice can single-handedly raise a faithful son like Timothy for the Lord's service.
Teaching children respect from the earliest ageChildren understand the word 'no' very early in life, and parents must strictly teach them to speak respectfully to everyone, including strangers and the poor.
The necessity of divine and parental disciplineJust as a true father disciplines his children, spiritual discipline is a mark of true sonship both in families and in the church.Hebrews 12:7
Managing the family well as a requirement for eldersA fundamental qualification for a church elder is the ability to keep his own children under control with all dignity.1 Timothy 3:4
God's design for order and teaching authorityBased on creation order and the fall, God restricts teaching authority in the assembly to men, though He may still show grace to people despite human disobedience.1 Timothy 2:11
The lasting legacy of faithful mothersThough women are not called to public church teaching, godly mothers like Susannah Wesley can shape history by intensely discipling their children.
An urgent call to pray and weep for lost childrenParents must earnestly pray and intercede with deep burden for any children who are wandering away from God.
