Being A Good Father And Mother - Zac Poonen
Summary
The central message is that parents must raise their children to be wholehearted disciples of Jesus Christ, reflecting the character of God—especially humility—in their homes. True discipleship requires parents to continually seek wisdom from God, acknowledge their own spiritual poverty, and model God's character rather than being satisfied with mere salvation for their children. The highest spiritual goal is to know the eternal God and become like Him.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Created male and female in God's imageGod created man and woman together to reflect different aspects of His image, establishing equality between them unlike worldly cultures.Genesis 1:27
The serious failure of the first parentsAdam and Eve listened to the devil's lie and brought up their first child to be a murderer, falling into the likeness of Satan rather than God.
Being like God in character, not prideThe devil deceived Adam and Eve into seeking proud independence, but God desires parents and children to reflect His true character of humility and love.
Seeking God for wisdomParents do not have what it takes naturally and must humbly cry out to God for the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit.
God's will for every child to be a discipleGod wants every single child to be a wholehearted disciple of Jesus Christ, making worldly gifts worthless if they are not used for Christ.
Gifts and abilities depend on wisdomTremendous talents can bring either death or life depending on whether the person has received wisdom from a humble acknowledgment of their need.
Beyond mere salvation to wholehearted devotionParents should not settle merely for children being saved and baptized, but must strive and pray for them to become fully dedicated disciples.
Rejecting the false gospel of taking it easyBeing laid-back about the next generation's spiritual state means being deceived by a false, easy-going gospel.
The three levels of spiritual lifeJohn writes about spiritual babies, young men, and fathers, identifying the highest level as knowing him who has been from the beginning.
Reflecting the Creator in the homeA family's ultimate goal is for parents together to reflect God's holiness, strictness, compassion, and sacrificial love to their children.
Encouragement to start fresh todayParents should forget past failures, seek God in secret, discipline their children, and take advantage of the privilege to train them right from day one.
