Part II- The Elementary Years Biblical Parenting Part II- The Elementary Years

Introduction & Background

“The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice. My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” Prov. 23:24-26 The Goal

The heart of the heavenly Father Genesis 3:9-15 Even in their failure, God’s response is gracious and his heart is still for them. Deuteronomy 7:7-8 God’s love for his children is not circumstantial, it’s unconditional. Compare with Romans 8:35-39 Matthew 19:13-15 Jesus encourages the children to come to him. 1 John 3:1 Look at how much God loves us, that he calls us his child

Observations of a six year old Short attention span, high energy Strong preferences. “favorites”, “best friends” Can reason (to a degree) Tries to get attention by being mischievous Doesn’t always have the best judgment Feels conviction Can do some things independently Affected by tension between people

A ripe age for salvation 1 John 2:12-13 “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the father.

Key point #1 God desires for our kids to be saved and we can trust him to do just that.

To make known the words and works of God To give the rod of correction Parents responsibilities to their kids To make known the words and works of God To win their heart To give the rod of correction

To make known the words and works of God Joshua 4:19-24 Psalm 78:1-8

Key point #2 If we don’t teach our kids we can be sure that the world will. It is the parents responsibility and privilege to introduce the Lord to their children.

To win their heart---> Time Down on their level Involving myself in what they are doing Philippians 2:5-8 Out in the “real world” Involving them in what I am doing Dates Intentional one-on-one time together Mark 1:35

Key point #3 A healthy relationship with our kids requires time. If we are too busy for them now, they will be too busy for us when they are older.

To win their heart---> Love word and deed… Romans 15:18 “...to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed” Luke 24:19 speaking of Jesus says… “which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:” Colossians 3:17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” 1 John 3:18 “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

God himself is our example... The rod of correction God himself is our example... “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” Hebrews 12:5-7

The rod of correction Proverbs 13:24 “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” Proverbs 22:15 “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

“God’s discipline of his children reveals the depth of his love, because he himself initiates their restoration. Likewise, parents exercising biblical discipline of a child reveal their love for the Lord and their child. By carrying out biblical discipline, a parent initiates and gives his child an example of loving restoration.” - John C. Broger

The rod of correction Practical points: Be consistent Show your kids how they were wrong from the Word of God Go in a private room to discipline After the rod, be sure to reconcile. “Fall all over yourself” reaffirming your love and don’t leave that room until reconciliation is reached. The rod works wonders

Key Point #4 When we violate God’s clear commandments we reap the consequences. If we withhold the rod from our children, it will be to their detriment and our shame.