“God has no grandchildren!” Saving faith must be found in each one – Romans 14:11,12 Salvation cannot be inherited – Matthew 3:8,9
How can we assist our Children to serve God? Children leaving home will face tests that reveal what is in their heart Godly parents can lay a strong foundation to prepare their child to seek God What does God’s Word teach us about this crucial time in life?
What Does It Mean “Make Faith Your Own?” You begin to trust God based on your coming to know Him – Philippians 3:8,9 You must learn to look to God & see some great truths – Matthew 5:3-10 You must learn how to read the Bible for your own understanding – Acts 17:11 When a child learns to praise God & seek Him in suffering it is a great step!
Many Children Have Never Been Tested Doctrinally Thus they have no doctrinal core Personal test & doctrinal challenges are steps they must take – 1 John 2:12-15 Warning sign when your teenager is not asking questions!
Questions To Consider: Have I developed a doctrinal core? – Ephesians 4:14,15 Who have I chosen to open my heart to? – Romans 16:17,18 Healthy / Unhealthy relationships – Galatians 4:16,17; Proverbs 2:1,2; 3:1,2
Questions To Consider: What will spiritual maturity look like? – James 3:14,17,18 Who are you drawing closer to? Who are you pulling back from? Am I seeking to find God’s will or am I reacting to others? - Romans 3:4 If we allow bitterness to be nurtured we can lose the ability to be fair and just.
Things To Remember: Do not let guilt & fear stop you from seeking God – Hebrews 11:6 Satan wants to intimidate, blind & capture you – 2 Corinthians 4:4; 2 Peter 2:19 Learn to overcome the burden of wanting to please others! – Galatians 1:10
Things To Remember: Parents- do not try to shut down the questions of your children Doubt is the doorway to knowledge & faith! Do not make sweeping generalizations 2 Wrong reactions when you are in error Blindly accept everything another tells you Blindly set aside everything you have learned
Things To Remember: Do not think you are the first to discover new truths- 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 We need to learn patience with ourselves and with others – James 5:9- 11 Do not flee from the struggle for truth- Romans 12:1,2; Matthew 13:13-15; Luke 6:48
Where is your faith? Things To Remember: Please seek godly council – Proverbs 24:5,6 Pray to God for wisdom & serve Him with the knowledge you have – James 1:5-8 Wisdom takes time – Ephesians 3:16-19 Where is your faith?