1. Seven Keys to Raising Godly Children

2. We have talked about:
Key #1 PURPOSE – main goal train children to SERVE GOD
Key #2 PLANNING – must have a plan to defeat Satan
Key #3 LOVE- this is the key to making a family successful before God
Key #4 INSTRUCTION- children must learn what God expects of them – especially in the home

3. We have talked about:
Key #5 AUTHORITY (Control)- must be “chain of command” in the home. Learning about AUTHORITY in the home sets the stage for children’s response to ALL FORMS OF AUTHORITY
Key #6 MOTIVATION- PUNISHMENT & REWARDS- we looked a ways these can be used to motivate children to obedience

4. Key #7 CONSISTENY
“firmness of constitution or character” “always acting or behaving in the same way.” “free from variation or contradiction.” “Being in conformity with a set of rules, guidelines or policies.”
Must consistently apply all of the “Keys” we have studied

5. SIX AREAS DISCUSSED Consistently keep our PURPOSE before us
Consistently PLAN our actions in harmony with God’s Word
Consistently act in LOVE for family making decisions best for all
Consistently INSTRUCT children to know God’s Will

6. SIX AREAS DISCUSSED
Consistently use AUTHORITY expecting obedience & respect
Consistently MOTIVATE to obey by means of PUNISHMENT & REWARDS
Must learn the Right Principles, then we must steadfastly adhere to them

7. Lack of Consistency One of Biggest Problems
Often fail not because we do not know what to do, but because we are not diligent in applying consistently what we know
Areas Where Consistency Needed:
Between Parents – both parents adhering to same principles
Bible Deals with This Problem: Genesis Chapter 27

8. Lack of Consistency One of Biggest Problems
1 Corinthians 14:33 “God is not the author of confusion but of peace”
Mark 3:25 “house divided against itself…cannot stand”
House surely “divided” when parents are inconsistent & disagree about raising the children
Such inconsistency between parents causes wrath & discouragement for children

9. THE BIBLE SOLUTION Communicate -
Discuss matter between yourselves based on God’s Word
Communicate about Specific Situations- don’t let children “play” one against the other
Don’t argue in front of the children

10. THE BIBLE SOLUTION Follow Bible Plan for Authority in the Home
Ephesians 5: Husband head of the family- wife respect her husband
Whole family should accept & honor decision unless it requires committing sin (Acts 5:29)

11. THE BIBLE SOLUTION Consistency Between Words & Deeds-
Some parents make Threats or Promises They Do Not Keep
Bible Principles Involved:
Hebrews 10:23 – perfect Father as example, faithful to His promises

12. THE BIBLE SOLUTION Bible Principles Involved:
Romans 1:31 “covenant breakers” make promises they do not keep
James 5:12 “Yes be Yes, No, No”
Colossians 3:21 Failure to keep our word, provokes

13. THE BIBLE SOLUTION Consistency Between Children:
Some parents Partial to a Particular Child
Favoritism Harms All the Children
Bible Principles Involved:
Isaac & Rebekah – Genesis 25:8; 37:3,4; Acts 10:34,35; Romans 2:11; James 2:1,8,9; Colossians 3:21; Matthew 7:12

14. THE BIBLE SOLUTION Consistency Between Circumstances:
Sometimes Parent’s Rules & Enforcement Are Not Reliable
Bible Principles:
Hebrews 6:10- God is not unjust
Hebrews 13:8- Jesus the same today as yesterday
1 Corinthians 1:13- Not divided against Himself

15. THE BIBLE SOLUTION
How does our Heavenly Father deal with our disobedience?
HE is the perfect example of consistency in dealing with sins
Bible Principles:
Matthew 23:23 – When rules are not enforced consistently it is injustice
Colossians 3:21 – not provoke

16. Consistency is the Key that ties together All the Other Keys

17. IF:
We practice these keys, each will in turn instill a related quality in our children
Raising our children to serve God is our main goal, they will develop serving God as their main goal
We plan our training of children based on God’s Word, they will learn to plan their lives on the basis of God’s Word.

18. IF:
We always act in Love for our children, they will learn to act in love for everyone around them
Diligently instruct our children in God’s Word, they will not only understand, but desire to instruct others
We properly exercise authority toward our children, it will instill respect for authority & understanding of authority

19. IF:
We motivate them by proper use of punishments & rewards they will learn to seek rewards & avoid punishments by God
We are consistent in applying principles in training our children, they will learn to do right consistently. Demand right conduct all the time, they will learn to act right all the time

20. Raising Children One of the Most Awesome Responsibilities Any Human Being Can Face

21. You and I Will Largely Determine How our Children Live their Lives & Where they will be in Eternity

22. Seven Keys to Raising Godly Children