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Raising Children God's Way: (1) The Parent’s First Responsibility

Lesson 1 of 4: audio and written syllabus included.

3rdburglar by Wordburglar
Topic: Training - How to - Child Neglect - Abuse
Format: MP3 - Digitized Verified
Pages: 14
Raising Children God's Way: (2) Nourish to Maturity Raising Children God's Way: (3) Nurture is Disciplined Training Raising Children God's Way: (4) Practical Keys

Session 1: The Parent’s First Responsibility

Ephesians 6:4

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Where to Begin

God’s instruction to parents does not begin with what to do; rather it begins with what not to do. The first requirement for parents is “provoke not your children to wrath.”

Colossians 3:21

Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

God’s instruction to parents begins with what not to do; so, obviously there is a wrong way to do this.

A So Called “Enlightened Approach”

The modern wisdom of this world misrepresents, abandons, and condemns God’s loving method for raising children. Increasingly, the belief that an adult should control a child is in itself considered wrong, as well as all practices that attempt that end.

Child Neglect

Faced with the uncontrolled and destructive behaviors of their children, and feeling inadequate and unequipped for the role, parents increasingly abdicate the real responsibility of parenting to teachers, child psychologists, governmental agencies, and other designated experts in the field of child development. However, God did not give that responsibility to those people. He gave it to parents. And it is a responsibility that no parent should ever neglect.

Ephesians 6:4

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

As believers we need to realize just how vital our responsibility to train our children is. It is more than just their academic education, or even their physical health; it is their eternal life that may be affected.

The Image of Abuse

For the majority of people in our society today, spanking is synonymous with child abuse. Who can blame them? They have repeatedly been shown the image of the parent who is totally out of control; enraged, screaming and beating the living daylights out of their child. That kind of frustrated, angry retaliation misrepresents God’s method to the point of convincing most people that any use of the rod is wrong. It is a very wrong application of the truth and it will do harm. It will provoke a child unto wrath.

James 1:19-20

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

For most people, when it comes to child abuse, the greatest danger is not in their hand, but their tongue.

James 3:8-10

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

In order to do no harm; in order to not provoke a child unto wrath; the real starting point for a parent is not with their child, but rather with their Father.

Ephesians 5:1

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

To the degree that we are good children, imitating our Heavenly Father and walking in His steps, we will be good parents Someone once said, “I can’t hear what you are saying, because your actions speak so loudly.” We strive to live the truth and share it with our children.

SERMONS WE SEE

by Edgar A. Guest

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day;

I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.

The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear,

Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear;

And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,

For to see good out in action is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn how to do it if you'll let me see it done;

I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,

But I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do.

For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,

But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.