Seven Keys to Raising Godly Children

Key #1 : PURPOSE What do you consider to be your goal as a parent? What would it take to make you feel that you had been a success or a failure as a parent?

Parents Must Set Goals You must recognize that You are Responsible to Raise Your Children Properly You brought these Children into the World- Government did not do it The church, school, parents, etc. did not do it

God Holds You Responsible For Raising Your Children Titus 2:4,5 “love their children” Ephesians 6:4 “training and admonition of the Lord.” Genesis 18:19 “command his children and his household after him,” 1 Samuel 3:12-14 “judge his house forever for the iniquity”

Some Goals Proper but Not The Main Goal Various Goals in Raising Children – may emphasize goals that of little importance Physical Beauty, Athletic Achievement, Popularity, etc. 1 Timothy 5:8 “provide for his own.” Matthew 7:9-11 “good gifts”

Some Goals Proper but Not The Main Goal Too Concerned about Physical Pursuits Luke 12:15, 16-21 “beware of covetousness” Matthew 16:26 “what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Deuteronomy 18:10 Idolatry Colossians 3:5 “covet = idolatry”

Main Goal to Train Children to Serve God unto Eternal Life God’s Goals for Parents Proverbs 22:6 “train up a child” Ephesians 6:4 “bring up” Genesis 18:19 “keep way of the Lord.” Psalm 34:11 “fear of the LORD” Joshua 24:15 “choose” Malachi 2:15 “godly offspring”

Seriousness of This Responsibility Determine Children’s Eternal Destiny Proverbs 23:13,14 “deliver soul from hell” Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child” Proverbs 20:28; 21:2; 22:7,11 General Statement of Truth

Seriousness of This Responsibility Determine Parent’s Eternal Destiny 1 Samuel 3:12-14; 2:22-25 Ecclesiastes 12:14 Raise Children to Serve God Not Forget Life’s Real Purpose Philippians 4:13 “do all things”