parent’s instruction Eph. 6:4 tells us to instruct ("put into the mind") our children. We Instruct to build inner convictions. Prov. 22:6a says, “Train up a child in the way he should go...” All of us are inclined to go our own way. Without instruction in the way we “should” go we will wander. Teaching is one of the primary means of fulfilling God's directions to parents in training their children in the way they should go. Though the result of the teaching is up to God, there are a few important conditions or prerequisites parents must understand to maximize the effects of their teaching.

the parent as a teacher

“To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth” (Proverbs 1:2–4, ESV)

“For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little.”” (Isaiah 28:10, ESV) This was the way Isaiah taught. A little by little continuously over time.

case study Do you want your children to enter marriage with physical purity? Your children watch your gestures of affection with your spouse and everyone's modesty (or lack there of) in the home from the time they are very young. When does that teaching begin? Just because you don't give the "facts of life" to a 2-yr-old doesn't mean you aren't teaching the concepts of purity and appropriate physical intimacy.

case study They listen to your comments about inappropriate affection by others in a public setting. They listen as you watch TV and comment about the world's view of affection and romance. This kind of teaching is progressive and cumulative. The wise parent learns how to look at all of God's standard and break it down into lessons which can be absorbed bit by bit, day by day, year by year.

“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” (Proverbs 18:15, ESV)

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil 1:21, ESV) how do parents teach? Through example – the testimony of your life (Col 3:3; Phil 1:21; 4:9) “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil 1:21, ESV) “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9, ESV)

how do parents teach? In life situations (Deut 6:6-7; Prov 20:5) “…talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7, ESV) “The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” (Proverbs 20:5, ESV)

how do parents teach? In life situations (Deut 6:6-7; Prov 20:5) In times of crisis such as trial, times of sorrow, failures, illness, school problems When considering options, decisions Difficulty with friends Parents’ work situations, unemployment Current events

how do parents teach? By questions and answers (Josh 4:6-7; Ex 12:26) “that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’” (Josh 4:6, ESV) “And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’” (Exodus 12:26, ESV)

“do not provoke …of the Lord” how do parents teach? Formal teaching times As an encourager and an evangelist (Eph 6:4) “do not provoke …of the Lord” “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4, ESV)

what do parents teach? (Deut 6:1-2; 2 Tim 2:15) Fear of God (Prov 9:10) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (Proverbs 9:10, ESV) "The fear of the Lord is a state of mind in which one's own attitudes, will, feelings, deeds, and goals are exchanged for God ..." (The MacArthur Study Bible, note on Pr 1:7) TR: The following categories represent only a few specific and essential topics which parents should teach their children. Fear: In regard to our children, this means helping them develop a "God-consciousness" so that they understand what it means to live life in His presence (Prov. 15:3; Ps. 139:1-4). Developing a fear of God in our children involves at least three things: knowing God, worshipping God and pleasing God.

“Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”” (Jeremiah 9:23–24, ESV)

“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3, ESV)

what do parents teach? (Deut 6:1-2; 2 Tim 2:15) How to deal with sin (Prov 8:13a) “The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” (Proverbs 8:13a, ESV)

“Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.” (Proverbs 4:14–15, ESV)

“she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me “she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.” (Genesis 39:12, ESV)

“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”” (1 Corinthians 15:33, ESV)

“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.” (Proverbs 15:16, ESV)

what do parents teach? (Deut 6:1-2; 2 Tim 2:15) A biblical work ethic (Col 3:23; Ecc 9:10) “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” (Colossians 3:23, ESV) “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10, ESV)

parent’s instruction