1. Overcoming a Bad Childhood Can someone be faithful in spite of a bad upbringing?

2. Responsibility of Parents Setting children up for success (II Tim. 3:15; Prov. 22:6) Old Testament command (Deut. 6:6-7) New Testament command (Eph. 6:4) Some children are fortunate; some are not But there is hope for all and responsibility for all

3. Examples of Overcoming Gideon (Judges 6:25-32) Idolatrous father and surroundings Josiah (II Kings 21-23; II Chron. 33-35) Wicked father, orphaned young (II Chron. 33:21-33) Abraham (Gen. 12-25) Fathers worshipped other gods (Josh. 24:2) Called “man of faith” (Gal. 3:9) Called “friend of God” (James 2:23)

4. Individual Accountability An evil proverb (Jer. 31:29-30; Ezek. 18:1-4) Fall was their own fault (II Chron. 36:11-17; Lam. 1:18) They could not blame their fathers Wicked are punished (Deut. 24:16) Wicked removed from Book of Life (Exod. 32:30-35)

5. Individual Accountability Ezekiel 18 If a man is righteous, he shall live (5-9) If the son sins, the son shall die (10-13) If the son is righteous, the son shall live (14-18) God is just (19-20, 25-29) If a wicked man repents, he shall live (21-22) If a righteous man falls away, he shall die (24) God will judge each one (Ezek. 18:30; Rom. 2:6-8)