2. Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34

3. Reproaches Upon Society Child rebellion Child rebellion Neglectful Fathers Neglectful Fathers Rolling eyes Rolling eyes Abuse Abuse Disrespect Disrespect Provoking to wrath Provoking to wrath

4. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Colossians 3:20-21

5. There’s a Distinct Correlation in the Parent/Child Relationships There is a humbling (by children) before authority (their parents). Cp. Heb. 5:8-9 There is a humbling (by children) before authority (their parents). Cp. Heb. 5:8-9 There is godly disciplining by parents who love their children. Cp. Heb. 12:7 There is godly disciplining by parents who love their children. Cp. Heb. 12:7

6. Paren ts

7. Train Them Up; Not Tear Them Down Much sacrifice (teaching, guiding, exampling, etc.) is needed in training your children in the way of the Lord. Eph. 6:4 (Heb. 12:7ff) Much sacrifice (teaching, guiding, exampling, etc.) is needed in training your children in the way of the Lord. Eph. 6:4 (Heb. 12:7ff) Do not provoke them to wrath: in other words, raise them with grace. Do not provoke them to wrath: in other words, raise them with grace. Teach them to love God first. Matt. 22:37ff Teach them to love God first. Matt. 22:37ff

8. Childr en

9. First Commandment With a Promise: Honor/Obey Your Parents The very first “commandment” in all relationships. Exo 20:12; Eph. 6:1-3 The very first “commandment” in all relationships. Exo 20:12; Eph. 6:1-3 Receive their discipline. Heb. 12:11 Receive their discipline. Heb. 12:11

10. More Grace Needed

11. Application of Putting God First Parents are far from perfect in raising their children. Parents are far from perfect in raising their children. Children often fail their parents. Children often fail their parents. But when both graciously confess their failings (sins) and forgive one another… we live out the gospel in our family lives. But when both graciously confess their failings (sins) and forgive one another… we live out the gospel in our family lives.