Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

The Role of the Children Colossians 3:20 A Christian marriage is dependent on each spouse living as those who have been raised up with Christ Colossians 3:18-4:1 The wife is not inferior, just different gifts & responsibilities She is to submit to and respect her husband

The Role of the Children Colossians 3:20 The husband is the head - he has the responsibility to lead, love, cherish, protect and provide for his wife It is easier for believing children to fulfill their role because of the Holy Spirit.

The Role of the Children Colossians 3:20 All children are to be obedient to their parents in all things, for this is well- pleasing to the Lord. This role has been either forgotten or confused by most parents - including Christians

Open Fields If there are boundaries on the child somewhere, they are so distant they are hard to see. Evil actions are the result of sinful heart - and children are born as sinners. Faith in Jesus is the only real cure for sin - He regenerates and changes the heart

Redefined as neutral or good Blamed on something, someone else Open Fields Society views people - especially children - as innately good, not sinful Evil actions are: Redefined as neutral or good Blamed on something, someone else

Consider the lame excuses made now: Crime (poverty) Open Fields Consider the lame excuses made now: Crime (poverty) Alcoholism (disease); Aggression (spanking) Freud’s potty training emphasis - just another way to blame your mother and refuse to grow up.

Older children remain immature, self- centered – Open Fields The philosophical premise is that children will turn out well if the parents don’t mess them up The result? Child centered families and children who are out of control in public and private Older children remain immature, self- centered – the worst cases become sociopaths

Open Fields Proverbs 30:11; 20:20; 19:26; 29:15; 30:17

Restricted Stall The child is confined to a restricted stall - there are no freedoms Keeping the family law replaces loving care and nurture. Punishment is swift The child's main motivation is fear. A prohibitive conscience develops and controls

Restricted Stall Outward behavior can be exemplary - but the heart can be far away A breeding ground for older teens that go “wild” when they leave the house and for religious legalists

The Balance The Purpose of Children Continuation of mankind - Genesis 1:28 Continuation of the knowledge of God - Deuteronomy 6:4-7, Psalm 78:5, Ephesians 6:4. To be a blessing - Psalm 127:3-5 Children bring joy & heartache as we learn to love sacrificially, trust the Lord, and act more carefully

The Role of Children They are to learn and grow as part of the family Obedience is the schoolmaster that shapes behavior, character, and belief which leads to future freedom A child’s first responsibility is to obey his parents with a good attitude

The Role of Children Obedience to parents is the first step in learning obedience to God, self control & consideration of others Self-control is the foundational skill for all learning Obedience combats selfishness and so lays the foundation for being considerate of others

The Role of Children When children disobey their parents, they also disobey God God is always to be obeyed first and foremost, but after Him, children are to obey their parents Do not violate God’s commands Do not ask your kids to help you sin

Honoring Parents Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:3-4 A general promise in that honoring your parents develops the skills that make you successful in life A specific promise - obedience to God in honoring your parents brings His blessings.

Honoring Parents Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:3-4 To honor is to give respect & consideration Young children do this by obedience. Older children do this by submission Adults honor good parents out of joyful devotion in speech, appreciation, friendship and care

Honoring Parents Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:3-4 Christian adults honor bad parents out of duty with carefully restricted speech and care as required

Will your children honor you out of joyful devotion or out of difficult duty? Children, obey your parents now and learn the lessons that bring God’s blessings upon you.

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ