I want to first start off with something that I found and I want to read it to you about how I feel about what I do for God. It’s entitled I Minister to Children
I am a minister. I minister to the largest mission field in the world. I minister to children.
My calling is sure, my challenge is big, my vision is clear. My desire is strong. My influence is eternal. My impact is critical. My values are solid. My faith is tough. My mission is urgent. My purpose is unmistakable. My direction is forward. My heart is genuine. My strength is supernatural. My reward is promised and my God is real.
In a world of cynicism I offer hope. In a world of confusion I offer truth. In a world of immorality I offer values. In a world of neglect I offer attention. In a world of abuse I offer safety. In a world of ridicule I offer affirmation. In a world of division I offer reconciliation. In a world of bitterness I offer forgiveness. In a world of sin I offer salvation. In a world of hate I offer God’s love.
I refuse to be dismayed, disengaged, disgruntled, discouraged, or distracted. Neither will I look back, stand back, fall back, go back, or sit back. I do not need applause, flattery, adulation, prestige, stature, or veneration. I do not have time for business as usual, mediocre standards, small thinking, outdated methods, or normal expectations, average results, ordinary ideas, petty disputes, or low vision. I will not give up, give in, bail out, lie down, turn over, quit or surrender.
I will pray when things look bad. I will pray when things look good. I will move forward when others stand still. I will trust God when obstacles arise. I will work when the task is overwhelming. I will get up when I fall down.
My calling is to reach boys and girls for God. It is to serious to be taken lightly, too urgent to be postponed, too vital to be ignored, too relevant to be overlooked, too significant to be trivialized, too eternal to be fleeting, and too passionate to be quenched.
I know my mission. I know my challenge. I also know my imitations, my weaknesses, my fears, and my problems. And I know my God.
Let others get the praise. Let the church get the blessing. Let God get the glory.
I am a minister. I minister to children. This is who I am. This is what I do.
In my view, I see that I am an extension of the home or parents. I train children. Yes, it is a challenge, but it is very rewarding. I love my job as a Pastor. I really love when I see a child that I had in children church go on through youth ministry and really apply themselves to studying God’s Word, because it shows me that their parents were even more intense about that child’s spiritual walk.
According to a poll taken from Child Evangelism Fellowship. They say this about at what age do people get saved?
1% are saved before 4 years of age.
85% are saved between ages of 4 and 14.
10% are saved between ages of 15 and 30
4% are saved after 30 years of age.
Proverbs 22: 6, “ Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Is the base verse for this study tonight and one of the great commands of Scriptures directed to parents? But is there anything more challenging or rewarding than this responsibility and privilege? Training children in the way they should go has always been a huge and vital task in every generation because of all that’s involved in the process of nurturing children, but has there ever been a time when the challenge was greater than it is today? A child’s development and attitude about life is of course a product of the training process. It is here that children will develop their ideas about God, man, themselves and about society and its world viewpoint. But the more society move away from the truth of Scripture and its values, priorities, and beliefs, the more difficult the task of child training becomes. This is partly because of the negative influences in the world and a child’s surroundings, but also because parents are too often begin to think and act like their society. They take up its belief structures and live according to the values and priorities of society. The impact this has on the thinking and behavior of the children is tremendous and just a casual look at our world today tells the story. What a society believes will always determine how it lives. There is a flow to culture, and the river of this flow is always found in the headwaters of the thoughts of people.
As the late Francis Schaeffer pointed out:
People have assumptions, and they will live more consistently on the basis of these assumptions then ever they themselves may realize. By assumptions we mean the basic way an individual looks at life, his basic worldview, the grid through which he sees the world. Assumptions rest upon that which a person considers to be the truth of what exists. People’s assumptions lay a grid for all they bring forth into the external world. Their assumptions also provide the basis for their values and therefore the basis for their decisions.
In other words, “As a man thinketh, so is he.” An individual is not just the product of the forces around him. He has a mind, an inner world. Then, having thought, a person can bring forth actions into the external word and thus influence it.
Our assumptions, which determine our worldview, are usually picked up from the family. Actually the family is our number one force that influences us. But there are many evil forces at work to influence the worldview of the family (both parents and child alike) to turn it away from God’s truth as it is developed for us in the pages of Scripture.
Recently, I was watching the Montel Williams Show and he had a guest on and they were talking about Children’s behavioral patterns and child discipline.
Now the fellow that he had on had his Ph.D. in child development (this is supposed to make the person an authority) and as you might have guessed everything that he said contradicted the Bible. The emphasis was that any type of physical discipline can be an act of violence and thus ineffective. Now physical abuse is clearly wrong and the Bible speaks out about that and we can all agree that disciplining child through a spanking is not abusive if it done in love. But on this show there were also some people there that took a stand and stood up and said the they believed what the Bible teaches about discipline and they spank their children in a discipline manner. Now the host had a field day with this, and made each one of them parents look like they abuse their children. He went on and said that we all know that the Bible isn’t always right because it believes in slavery and we know that isn’t right, so the Bible must be wrong about disciplining your children as well.
What was going on here? This is an illustration of the daily kinds of influences of this society that contradicts the authority of the Bible. Man’s viewpoint is elevated above the Scripture, which, in this case was flatly denied and ridiculed. This is not just an exception here either. Rather, it is the rule in almost every realm (politically, educationally, in the media, in Hollywood, etc.). Sadly, even a large portion of the church has opted for the viewpoint of man rather than that of the Bible. Paul warned us against the problem of being conformed by the world rather than being transformed by the renewing of our minds in God’s Word. Turn to (Romans 12:2) Which reads this:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Where do Christian parents go when they want information on child training? In my experience, I have found that very often we run down to the Family Bookstore for a book on child training. Unfortunately, the chances are what they get is very little Scripture and a lot of pop-psychology – man’s viewpoint elevated above the Scripture. It seems that parents no longer turn to the Bible first and study it carefully and prayerfully. Many parents I feel just don’t know how much God’s Word has to say about child training.
But think for a moment about the moral conditions of our society today – the crime, the drugs, the abuse and violence in families, pornography, the anti-authority spirit, the fraud and deception and lack of integrity and scandals even among the nation leaders, and the list goes on. But just thirty years ago, while there was crime, drugs, abuse, etc., conditions then and the year’s prior were tame and minor by comparison to the present.
What has created the differences and the decline that we see today? Well, obviously, there are many factors, but the primary factor is the way this nation had turned away from its Biblical beliefs. In the early sixties prayer was taken out of the schools. Then it was determined it was unlawful to have a copy of the Ten Commandments displayed in our schools. Abortion was made legal. But equally important – the family unit was more intact. Parents exercised common sense and lived by biblical principles of child training because that was what was modeled when they grew up. They believed in it even if they had not studied these things out from Scriptures for themselves.
Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man,
But in the end it leads to death.
Daily we are seeing the result of the humanistic way our nation has chosen that seems right to our society – there is a moral break down in our society and especially in the family.
Proverbs 29:18 reads, Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.
Having rejected the Bible, we have cast off one biblical restraint after another. These are not restraints designed to harm and hinder, but to bless and allow man to be and do that for which he was created.
Child training is always a big job, but in view of the influences and power at work in our world today, it has become a huge task. It’s not impossible, but, because we have an awesome God who has not only revealed Himself to us in Scripture and in Christ, but he has given us special promises for training our children. Then that leaves only one question. Will we follow them?
There are three qualities that are needed that I feel we as parent need to train our children.
(1) Teachableness. We all come to parenting, as in everything else in life, with preconceived ideas and we never want to give them up. God desires to teach us His truth, (Isa.48: 17) This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.
This is where we pray this scripture (Ps.119: 124) Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees.
(2) Is To Study. Another need is to study the Scriptures. The Scriptures have a lot to say about the home and parenting. The question is will we let Him build our house (home) by searching His Word? Look at (Acts17: 11) Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
I think we should be like the Bereans and search the Scriptures for what it teaches and then to be open to its truth for “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2Timothy3: 16-17). Plus we need to teach our children to read the scriptures. As the children’s Pastor here at Trinity I can tell you that some of these children don’t even own Bibles. We need to teach them and show them how to read the scriptures, so when they need to find an answer about life’s problems they will go to the scriptures, instead of man.
(3) Cautiousness. If the home is where God is going to build character in our children’s lives? The place where life makes up its mind. And if the home is the foundation to society, and both of these things are true, then we can be sure that Satan is going to do all he can to be there as well. We need, then, to be alert to his methods and schemes. (Eph.4: 14) Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Then in Colossians 2: 8 reads this, 8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Scripture teaches us that we should train our children, and to train them from the Word of God. With biblical principles we can produce an environment for children that not only fulfill biblical commandments but promote happy obedience and give parents a great deal of rest and satisfaction. Proverbs 29: 17 says, “Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.
The Bible speaks a lot about parenting, the home, and children.
(1) Psalm 128: 1-4 teaches us that children are gifts and rewards from the Lord. Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table.
4 Thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.
But Psalm 127: 3-5 warns that for this to be a reality, parents must allow the Lord to build the house (the home) which includes the training of our children. If God is allowed to build the house, we must use His material, tools, and follow His blueprints. 3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. 4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. 5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
(2) Proverbs tells us to train up our children in the way they should go
(Pro.22: 6). This means getting children to go in the right direction. But what is the right direction and how does a parent do this, especially in our difficult day?
(3) The Bible also teaches that parents are to bring up their children (nourish them) in the discipline (training) and instruction of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4). God trains children in His ways through the parents. As parents, we are training agents for God, and receive our training through Scripture.
(4) Fathers, are to have their children under control with all dignity (1 Timothy 3: 4) Children are born without controls. Parenthood therefore means the right of authority and responsibility of control over their children according to the standards and values of Scripture. The goal is to bring the child under God’s control through a relationship with Him.
God gives his authority to parents, but ultimately, parents are accountable to God. This fact is evident from what we learn in Ephesians 6:4. Let’s read one more time. Ephesians 6: 4 - 4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Two words which describe the responsibilities in the training of children. “Training” in the Greek has two different meanings (a.) instruction or education and (b.) correction or discipline as with a rod or some form of corrective control. This is mainly for smaller children. The second word is “instruction” in the Greek means to put or place. According to the use of this word, it involves the ideas of reasoning, counsel, warning, and gentle or friendly reproof. It is more appropriate to the child as he gets older when he can have a better understanding of the spiritual issues in life, particularly as to his or her own behavior and to the nature of the situation.
Young children say up to ages of 7 or 8, are often unable to grasp the spiritual concepts in many of the issues they face. At this age, they are more oriented to seeing is believing. This is why puppets work so well in Children’s church. But as they grow they are able to grasp things that are more spiritual.
There is one final thing that I’d like to bring out tonight and that is an ugly old word called “Rebellion”. Rebellion, rebel, rebellious etc. occurs 170 times in the NIV. Before we look at a few principles regarding rebellion, let’s note a few verses on this issue:
Proverbs 29:15 “The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way (left to himself without controls) brings shame to his mother.”
Why? Because in his or her rebellion, the child behaves in such a way that it reflects on a parent’s lack of ability or commitment to discipline, to bring controls into the child life. 1Samuel 15:23 reads, “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.”
We also need to remember one thing when disciplining our children never, never discipline them for being a kid. You know for spilling the milk or breaking something of value by accident. Kid’s also go through the period of my body is changing and I don’t know how to control it stage. I think for some of us it’’ a continuing stage?
With the problem of rebellion and the need of godly control in mind, one of the qualifications of an elder is that he must be “one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity.” (1Timothy 3:4). I can tell you from a first hand account that rebellion has played a big role in my life. Plus with me working for 18 years with kids that have a rebellion problem? I can tell you that if we don’t teach and train our children in the scriptures. Well then there may be a chance that your child can end up as a statistic of the world through the courts. Rebellion is like God in one way; it’s not a respecter of persons.
Remember that we talked about cautiousness and we said that Satan would be at home waiting for you. We need controls because of the problem of rebellion that is inherent within sinful man through the fall of man. Listen, children are born naturally rebellious and they get that from their parents and from you and I. these children are watching you and I with a careful eye. It cute that once a year we see the children come up here and say what they are thankful for. I really like it when I hear them say that they are thankful for Jesus. Then I know that there is some Biblical teaching in the home. Rebellion is a fact of life. But not all children will go through rebellion to an extent that we want boot them out of the house. You know it’s funny when you see parents that had enough of rebellion from their children. I can remember when I told my parents that I was moving out the next day my parents start remodeling my bed room, do you think I was coming back? There are two different kinds of rebellion, active rebellion where tantrum run the show and an argumentative spirit is evident. Then, there’s a passive rebellion, you know where the child may be sitting down because you told them to but inside they are standing tall. The sign you see with this is the eye roll. To stop rebellion isn’t easy but it can be done through prayer.
Parents have an awesome responsibility in raising children. Sometimes we do what we believe is right and our children may stray from what we have taught them. Other times we haven’t taught them the things of the Lord because of our late salvation’s in life, and our children make the transition easy and without any problems. But in either case we need to know that non-of this can come about without prayer. We need to pray daily for our children. We need to train them to prayer for their children. Plus we need to know that we are not the only ones going through this. We have a church family that is willing and ready to pray with anyone of us that is a parent. We also must never forget that there are people in our church that have been they’re, done that, and could have won a T-shirt on being a parent. The Bible says, “Seek wise counsel.” They are the wise counsel that the Bible is referring to. Pray with now. Our children’s lives depend on it. Plus we need to teach our children how to pray. You need to know that this is our mission field, it’s just not mine but it’s you’re as well. Now go and be a missionary in your homes and in your families.
God’s Training Program
*Instruction
*Dedication
*Discipline
*Love
Proverbs 22: 6
