Parent – Child Relationship

“I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent upon the frivolous youth of today, for certainly all youth are reckless beyond words and opinionated much beyond their years. When I was a boy we were taught to be discreet and respectful of our elders, but the present youth are exceeding wise and impatient of restraint.” Hesiod, a Greek poet in 8th century B.C.

Always Been Problem Children Cain slew Abel – Genesis 4:8 Marked & had to leave home – Gen. 4:11 Ham yielded to immoral desires Genesis 9:22 – Noah cursed his own son Lot’s daughters committed incest Made him drunk – Genesis 19:32-35 Jacob stole blessing & left home Genesis 27:22-45

Always Been Problem Children Jacob’s sons sold Joseph Genesis 37:28 Son’s of Eli were immoral & corrupt 1 Samuel 2:22,23 Absalom tried to steal kingdom 2 Samuel 15:6, 12 Amnon raped his sister, Tamar 2 Samuel 13:14

What About Their Parents? Adam & Eve brought sin into world Noah was drunk Lot had “pitched” toward Sodom Rebekah helped Jacob deceive Isaac Jacob had shown partiality Eli did not restrain his sons David had taken Uriah’s wife & life

Parent’s Responsibility Instruct & discipline Ephesians 6:4b; Proverbs 22:6; 13:24 Don’t discourage Colossians 3:21 Children’s Responsibility Honor and Obey Ephesians 6:1, 2

All Fault Not With Parents Prodigal Son – Luke 15:11-24 Israel – Isaiah 1:2 Even when parents fail it does not relieve child of individual accountability & responsibility!

What Must I Do To Be Saved? Hear the gospel (Romans 10:17) Believe Jesus is Christ (Acts 8:37) Repent of your sins (Acts 17:30) Confess faith in Christ (Matthew 10:32) Baptized for remission of sins (Acts 2:38) Faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10)