INTRODUCTION – possible class topics to be covered (subject to change)
Prov. 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision (or revelation), the people are unrestrained (cast off restraint or are discouraged), But happy is he who keeps the law.”
Very few parents that I have known over the years have a clear vision or understanding or revelation from God and His word about what they are clearly called to be and do as parents.
Most parenting books give more advice on the practical aspects of parenting like: how to get them to sleep at night; how to help them stay motivated in school; how to help them get along with people; how to get them potty trained; how to keep them from getting on drugs and drinking alcohol.
This course will focus on the scriptures as much as possible. It will not be as much problem oriented as purpose oriented.
Expectation vs. Condemnation
The Call to Parenting
1. We are to make known the works and ways of God to our children. Deut. 4:9 “Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons.”
2. We are to teach them the word of God/His commands. Deut. 6:6,7, 11:18,19; Psalm 78:5
3. We are to talk of them with them as a way of life. Deut. 6:7 “…and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”
4. We are to train up our children in the way they should go. Prov. 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
5. Fathers are to tell their sons about God’s faithfulness. Isaiah 38:19 “It is the living who give thanks to You, as I do today; A father tells his sons about Your faithfulness.”
6. We are to tell our children about God’s judgments. Joel 1:3 “Tell your sons about it…”
7. We are to tell our children about God’s great works of power. Ex. 10:1,2; Psa. 78:4
8. We are to command our children to observe all of God’s word. Deut. 32:46; Psalm 78:7,8
9. Fathers are to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Eph. 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
10. Young mothers are to love their children. Titus 2:4
11. Both parents are to discipline their children. Prov. 13:1, 13:24, 19:18, 22:15, 23:13, 29:15; Hebrews 12:7-10
12. Parents are to correct their children. Prov. 29:17
13. Parents are to provide an inheritance for their children and even grandchildren. Prov. 13:22, 19:14
14. Fathers are not to exasperate their children. Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21
Implications for Parents in Scripture
1. Fathers are to have compassion on their children. Psalm 103:13
2. Fathers should bless their children. Gen. 48:15; Heb. 11:20
3. Fathers should manage their own households well. I Tim. 3:4,12
4. Fathers should keep their children under control with all dignity. I Tim. 3:4,12
5. Parents are to provide for their children financially/materially. II Cor. 12:14; I Tim. 5:8
CONCLUSION – PRAYER AND BLESSING – HEB. 13:20,21