The Role of Parents - 2

GODLY HOMES IN AN

UNGODLY WORLD (11)

PSALM 127:3-5

• “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth…”

PSALM 127:3-5

• “…Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.”

PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS

• The direction we take our parenting will have a direct bearing on society. Prov. 22:6

• The role of father – lead the house, provide, protect, love

• The role of mother – love, manage the house,

EPHESIANS 6:4

• “Fathers” – he is accountable, Col. 3:21

• The mother helps and is given latitude (1 Tim. 5:14, 2:15)

• Exodus 20:12, Prov. 6:20, Eph. 6:1-2

Raising children IS a 2 parent job! A child needs

both a father and a mother

EPHESIANS 6:4• “Bring them up” – provide for, rear., cf. Eph. 5:29

• Raising children starts at infancy (if not before). Continues through adolescence & teen years & beyond.

EPHESIANS 6:4• “In the training” – to provide

instructions for (children)

• Instruction in its various forms

• Teaching – learning what is needed

• Showing by example – 2 Tim. 1:5, cf. Matt 5:16

EPHESIANS 6:4• “In the training”

• Permission & denial – help them make decisions

• Discipline (punishment) – Prov. 29:15, 13:24, 23:13-14, 22:15, Heb. 12:5-11, etc.

There is a place for “corporal punishment”

We MUST discipline our children!

NOT abuse!

EPHESIANS 6:4• “and admonition”

• Providing instruction so as to correct behavior

• While training deals with showing, admonition deals with verbal teaching – cf. Deut. 6:6-9

Home is where children need to learn much of

life’s lessons – while we have influence

Family roles, integrity, hard work, loving God,…

EPHESIANS 6:4

• “of the Lord”

• Let us not forget that this is our goal!

EPHESIANS 6:4

• “Do not provoke…”

• Col. 3:21

• Parents need to not frustrate or cause children to rebel. Act like parents!

EPHESIANS 6:4• “Do not provoke…”• How do we provoke?• Favoritism• Ignoring our children• Being overbearing or unreasonable• Failing to discipline in love• Constant criticism• Inconsistencies

Other Considerations

• Spend time with them

• Treat each child individually (but fairly)

• Train the whole child

• You WILL make mistakes

• Invite God into your home

In conclusion:

• Let God’s word be your guide

• Psalm 127:3-5 – like arrows

• Don’t take it out unless you intend to shoot

• Requires archer and bow

In conclusion:

• Psalm 127:3-5 – like arrows

• Where is your target?

• Aim for that target

• Failure to aim is dangerous

• We have to let go! Prov.22:6

LET US TAKE OUR ROLE AS

PARENTS SERIOUSLY