May 22, 2005
"Raising Spiritually Strong Children II"
Extreme Makeover Family Edition—Part 8
Selected Scriptures
"Raising children pushes parents to mature in their faith as much as it moves children toward spiritual wholeness."
— George Barna
God's blueprint for the spiritual development of children (review):
1. Spiritual training is the parents' responsibility.
2. Spiritual training is not solely informational, it is also transformational.
3. Spiritual transformation requires us to rely upon God's grace.
4. Spiritual training must start young.
5. Spiritual training is dependent upon the Bible.
6. Spiritual training involves apprenticeship.
"It's a 'home-teaching' model."
A student is not greater than the teacher. But the student who works hard will become like the teacher.
—
Luke 6:40 (NLT)
Worship, Evangelism, Service, Generosity, Prayer
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
— Galatians 5:13-14
Is your child aware of their purpose?
| Not a clue | Knows their purpose | ||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
"Boys who were given chores grew up to become happier adults, had higher paying jobs and greater job satisfaction, had better marriages and better relationships with their children... and were physically healthier than adults who had not assumed similar responsibilities as children."
— Harvard Study
"When you give your children chores to accomplish, you are blessing them."
Principle: A sense of contribution increases the sense of belonging.
7. Spiritual training involves discipline.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right, "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise—"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
— Ephesians 6:1-3
Commit yourself to instruction; attune your ears to hear words of knowledge. Don't fail to correct your children. They won't die if you spank them. Physical discipline may well save them from death.
—
Proverbs 23:12-14 (NLT)
How are you doing with discipline?
| Too mild | Too harsh | ||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
8. Spiritual blessing is the father's charge.
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too, And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
— Luke 3:21-22
For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
— 2 Peter 1:17
How are you doing with blessing your children?
| Cursed | Blessed | ||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
9. Spiritual partnership is the role of the church in raising the next generation of Christ-followers and church leaders.
Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.
—
Ephesians 4:11-13 (NLT)
10. Spiritual leadership is reserved for adults who give proof of being dedicated and effective parents.
He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?
—
1 Timothy 3:4-5
Lifework
How have you made your child your apprentice? What major things do you want him or her to learn from you before you set them off on their own? Does the discipline of your children honor God?
Prayer: Dear God, make me a student of the special gifts you have placed in my children. Show me how to shape them so that they will honor you and bless others. Let my time commitments reflect your priorities for my life; in Jesus' name. Amen.
Extreme Makeover Family Edition—Week 8
Personal and Group Study
Getting Started
- As a kid, what did it mean to be a religious person? How did you feel about that type of person?
- Were your parents strict or permissive? Were there a lot of rules around your house? What one rule was most important?
Digging Deeper: Read 1 Samuel 2:12-26
- How did Eli's sons corrupt their priestly office? How did Eli respond to their corruption? Why does Eli fail to discipline his sones? What is the end result? (1 Samuel 3:11-14)
- What is Hannah's involvement in Samuel's life? How does their relationship compare to that of Eli and his sons? How do these relationships affect the children?
- Read Genesis 27:1-40. How important was the blessing? What did the blessing signify? Why did Jacob determine to steal what was rightfully his brother's?
- What is the problem with parents playing favorites with their children? Which member of the family—Isaac, Rebecca, Esau or Jacob—do you think was most wrong here? Why?
- Do you think Jacob's success in this plan demonstrates God's approval?
Applying It To My Life
- How much time do you spend on each of the following: Work? Commuting? Church activities? Sports? Exercise? Home chores? Watching television? Playing with kids? Talking with your grown children? Talking with your wife? Family outings?
- What steps can you take to create more space in your schedule for time with your family?
- Whose blessing or approval means the most to you? How can you bless your children, spouse or friend this week?