Training Children In The Last Days - Zac Poonen
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that in the last days, it will be difficult to be a true Christian, characterized by religious appearance but lacking inner spiritual power. The speaker stresses that the upbringing of children is primarily the responsibility of the parents, who must take personal blame rather than blaming circumstances or others. True change comes from humbly admitting fault, mirroring the thief on the cross who accepted responsibility for his sins.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What are the last days?The Bible warns that in the last days it will be difficult to be a true Christian, marked by people who hold to a form of religion but deny its inner power.
Why do children go different ways?While newborns are innocent, children often turn out differently based on how their parents brought them up and the atmosphere of their home.
Learning to take the blame like the thief on the crossLike Adam, parents often blame schools, friends, or spouses, but true repentance requires taking 100 percent of the blame upon ourselves just as the thief on the cross did.
Kneeling before God in prayer for wayward childrenHusbands and wives should unite in daily prayer and agreement for their wayward children, trusting God to bring them back.
Starting early with prayer and trainingParents should pray for their children even before birth and prioritize their children's spiritual health above all else.
Teaching children to speak respectfullyParents must never allow children to speak rudely to anyone, teaching them to respect parents and older people alike.
Never allowing children to tell liesChildren must be taught never to lie, and parents must ensure they do not react with anger over broken material things so children feel safe telling the truth.
Guiding children through early disobedienceEven very young children test boundaries, and parents must consistently guide and correct them just as they would remove a dangerous knife from their hands.
Every child desired for heavenThe primary goal in the church and home is that every single child is saved and reaches heaven.
True greatness in character and humilityTrue greatness is not found in worldly qualifications or jobs, but in having the humility to fellowship with the lowest and poorest.
