Seven Keys to Raising Godly Children

We have talked about: Key #1 PURPOSE – main goal train children to SERVE GOD Key #2 PLANNING – must have a plan to defeat Satan Key #3 LOVE- this is the key to making a family successful before God Key #4 INSTRUCTION- children must learn what God expects of them – especially in the home

We have talked about: Key #5 AUTHORITY (Control)- must be “chain of command” in the home. Learning about AUTHORITY in the home sets the stage for children’s response to ALL FORMS OF AUTHORITY Key #6 MOTIVATION- PUNISHMENT & REWARDS- we looked a ways these can be used to motivate children to obedience

Key #7 CONSISTENY “firmness of constitution or character” “always acting or behaving in the same way.” “free from variation or contradiction.” “Being in conformity with a set of rules, guidelines or policies.” Must consistently apply all of the “Keys” we have studied

SIX AREAS DISCUSSED Consistently keep our PURPOSE before us Consistently PLAN our actions in harmony with God’s Word Consistently act in LOVE for family making decisions best for all Consistently INSTRUCT children to know God’s Will

SIX AREAS DISCUSSED Consistently use AUTHORITY expecting obedience & respect Consistently MOTIVATE to obey by means of PUNISHMENT & REWARDS Must learn the Right Principles, then we must steadfastly adhere to them

Lack of Consistency One of Biggest Problems Often fail not because we do not know what to do, but because we are not diligent in applying consistently what we know Areas Where Consistency Needed: Between Parents – both parents adhering to same principles Bible Deals with This Problem: Genesis Chapter 27

Lack of Consistency One of Biggest Problems 1 Corinthians 14:33 “God is not the author of confusion but of peace” Mark 3:25 “house divided against itself…cannot stand” House surely “divided” when parents are inconsistent & disagree about raising the children Such inconsistency between parents causes wrath & discouragement for children

THE BIBLE SOLUTION Communicate - Discuss matter between yourselves based on God’s Word Communicate about Specific Situations- don’t let children “play” one against the other Don’t argue in front of the children

THE BIBLE SOLUTION Follow Bible Plan for Authority in the Home Ephesians 5:22-25 Husband head of the family- wife respect her husband Whole family should accept & honor decision unless it requires committing sin (Acts 5:29)

THE BIBLE SOLUTION Consistency Between Words & Deeds- Some parents make Threats or Promises They Do Not Keep Bible Principles Involved: Hebrews 10:23 – perfect Father as example, faithful to His promises

THE BIBLE SOLUTION Bible Principles Involved: Romans 1:31 “covenant breakers” make promises they do not keep James 5:12 “Yes be Yes, No, No” Colossians 3:21 Failure to keep our word, provokes

THE BIBLE SOLUTION Consistency Between Children: Some parents Partial to a Particular Child Favoritism Harms All the Children Bible Principles Involved: Isaac & Rebekah – Genesis 25:8; 37:3,4; Acts 10:34,35; Romans 2:11; James 2:1,8,9; Colossians 3:21; Matthew 7:12

THE BIBLE SOLUTION Consistency Between Circumstances: Sometimes Parent’s Rules & Enforcement Are Not Reliable Bible Principles: Hebrews 6:10- God is not unjust Hebrews 13:8- Jesus the same today as yesterday 1 Corinthians 1:13- Not divided against Himself

THE BIBLE SOLUTION How does our Heavenly Father deal with our disobedience? HE is the perfect example of consistency in dealing with sins Bible Principles: Matthew 23:23 – When rules are not enforced consistently it is injustice Colossians 3:21 – not provoke

Consistency is the Key that ties together All the Other Keys

IF: We practice these keys, each will in turn instill a related quality in our children Raising our children to serve God is our main goal, they will develop serving God as their main goal We plan our training of children based on God’s Word, they will learn to plan their lives on the basis of God’s Word.

IF: We always act in Love for our children, they will learn to act in love for everyone around them Diligently instruct our children in God’s Word, they will not only understand, but desire to instruct others We properly exercise authority toward our children, it will instill respect for authority & understanding of authority

IF: We motivate them by proper use of punishments & rewards they will learn to seek rewards & avoid punishments by God We are consistent in applying principles in training our children, they will learn to do right consistently. Demand right conduct all the time, they will learn to act right all the time

Raising Children One of the Most Awesome Responsibilities Any Human Being Can Face

You and I Will Largely Determine How our Children Live their Lives & Where they will be in Eternity

Seven Keys to Raising Godly Children