The greatest challenge for parents is found at the greatest point of rebellion in the lives of our children. The root of sin is an idolatrous heart that loves and yields to self rather than to Christ.
The answer that we must pursue in parenting is teaching and shaping our children’s identity towards a submission to God in the primary spheres of life that influence who they are.
Observations:
- Submission to Parents
- Submission of their Identity
- Submission of their Heart
- Submission of their Pride
- Submission of their Resources
- Submission to Discipline
Conclusion:
The Wisdom of Submitting to God…
- will profit blessings
- will partner with God’s creation
- will provide protection and security
- will produce a Godly society and neighborhood
- will procure God’s favor
Application:
Speak to your child’s heart…
- Speak with gentleness
- Unmask their heart
- Provide restoration and affirmation
Ephesians 6:1-3
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
Proverbs 13:24
“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”
Proverbs 22:15
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.”
Proverbs 23:13-14
“Do not withhold discipline from a child;
if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.
Punish them with the rod
and save them from death.
Proverbs 29:15; 17
“A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,
but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.
Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
they will bring you the delights you desire.”
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Ephesians 4:15
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Galatians 6:1a
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.”
Hosea 6:1-4
“Come, let us return to the Lord.
He has torn us to pieces
but he will heal us;
he has injured us
but he will bind up our wounds.
After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will restore us,
that we may live in his presence.
Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.”