“How To Train Our Children Spiritually”
Ephesians 6:4, Deuteronomy 6
Sermon Series: “Picture Perfect Family”
Introduction: We need to recognize that we are always training our children, whether we realize it or not. Really, the only question is, “Are we training them well or badly?” We are responsible for the training and development of our children. We will do some of it directly and some of it we will delegate, but we cannot delegate the ultimate responsibility or accountability. We are to train them in every area of life. However, we cannot be exhaustive in this one message so we will focus on some of the basics of training our children spiritually.
Ephesians 6:4 says, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Simply put, “training” refers to teaching them through discipline and “admonition” refers to teaching them through verbal instruction. We will focus on admonition this week and discipline next week. So, let’s go to Deuteronomy 6 and learn some of the basic principles regarding how to train our children spiritually.
1. Training our children spiritually begins with us as parents (v. 1-2, 6). In other words, example is crucial. To a great degree, we reproduce who we are. We are creating a culture in our homes that greatly impacts our children, and we create this culture in large part by our actions and attitudes. Abraham Lincoln said, “There is but one way to train up a child in the way he should go, and that is to travel it yourself.” John Maxwell has written, “A good example is worth a thousand sermons. What you do has more impact on your child than all the lectures you could ever give.” Proverbs 20:7 says, “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.”
2. Training our children spiritually should be from the inside out instead of the outside in (v. 4-6). I say this because of the
emphasis on a personal relationship and the heart in this passage. Here are some practical applications of this principle:
-Our primary desire should be for them to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
-We are to be gospel-centered instead of legalistic.
-The focus should be on them loving Jesus instead of raising “good little boys and girls.”
-Our goal is not to impart head knowledge but for them to become obedient disciples through changed hearts.
-We must be careful to try to cooperate with the working of the Spirit of God as He develops our children into who He wants them to be instead of parenting by pride that focuses on how other people see them (and us by extension) outwardly.
-We must go for their hearts.
3. Training our children spiritually involves teaching them who God is and how they are to respond to Him (v. 4-5).
Who God Is
A. One True God (v. 4)
B. A good God who blesses (v. 3, 24)
C. Faithful because He keeps His promises (v. 10)
D. Gracious (v. 10-11)
E. Delivers us from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ (v. 12)
How To Respond To God
A. Trust Him
B. Fear Him (v. 2)
C. Obey Him (v. 3)
D. Love Him (v. 5)
E. Serve Him (v. 13)
F. Put Him First (v. 14-15)
4. Training our children spiritually must be done with diligence (v. 7-9). Focus, determination, consistency, creativity, planning and hard work are required. It cannot be an occasional or haphazard effort.
