A. INTRODUCTION
1. Example. “Once when some mothers were bringing their children to Jesus to bless them, the disciples shooed them away, telling them not to bother him. But when Jesus saw what was happening he was very much displeased with his disciples and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as they. Don’t send them away! I tell you as seriously as I know how that anyone who refuses to come to God as a little child will never be allowed into his Kingdom.’ Then he took the children into his arms and placed his hands on their heads and he blessed them” (Mark 10:13-16, LB).
2. Principle. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6).
3. What Proverbs 22:6 does not mean?
a. You must be a perfect parent, but a positive example.
b. You must always provide the right thing, but be the right teacher.
c. You never make a mistake, but have the right focus.
d. You tell them the right path, but you go with them.
B. GETTING READY TO TRAIN
1. DISCIPLINE.
Making yourself do the right thing in the right way. Then you can help the child learn what not to do and where not to go.
2. DEMONSTRATION.
a. Children follow your lead just as railroad cars follow the engine.
b. If Mom and Dad forget the way, children will not find it.
c. Mom sings, “Soon and very soon, I am going to see the King.” Children sing, “Soon and very soon, I am going to Burger King.”
3. DILIGENCE.
a. Our task is to give them assistance; just as training wheels help them ride.
b. The word “the way” means a pathway. Parents are to walk with children on the pathway so they will know how to walk and where to go.
c. The word “train” means “to hold” or “to form.” When you train a child, you hold them by the hand on the path.
Results
They don’t stop walking the path
They don’t get off the path
They don’t turn around and go back
d. The word “go” is the Hebrew word “breathe or breathed.” Parents should teach them how to breathe so they will continue to draw air into their lungs.
C. WHAT IS OUR GOAL?
1. INTELLIGENCE. What will children learn?
a. The book of Proverbs teaches, “Get knowledge so you can gain wisdom.” The first step is learning facts; the second step is understanding the right meaning of facts. That is wisdom.
b. Imparting facts is not the same as teaching them how to understand and use the information they receive.
c. The book of Proverbs teaches, “The fear (reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Teach them to look at life through God’s eyes.
2. INTEREST. How will we train children?
a. Interest is the natural instinct God puts in their young minds to help them grow. Curiosity leads to learning.
b. What are they interested in? Everything. Use their interest to get them on the right path.
3. INTEGRITY. “The way they should go,” means what?
a. The right way, John 14:6.
b. The only way, Acts 4:12.
c. The best way, Matthew 7:13,14.
d. The safe way, John 10:4.
4. INSURANCE. What does it mean, “The child will not depart?”
a. The writer of Proverbs means, “If we follow the right process and teach the right purpose, we will accomplish the right product.
b. We must walk with children in the way they should go, which means relationship. Our good relationship to them predicts their good relationship in marriage, business, family, and with friends.
D. WHY DO SOME NOT ACCEPT AND FOLLOW THE LORD?
1. The nature of the gospel is that everyone must believe; we cannot accept Christ for the child. The child must personally know the gospel and believe it for themselves.
2. The nature of evangelism is that everybody must make their own decisions. We can give them an example, and love them, then pray for them.
3. The nature of Christianity is personal. All children must make Christ real to themselves.
E. QUESTIONS WE MUST ASK OURSELVES
*Have you come to Christ yourself?
*Are you following Christ on “the way”?
*Are you the type of parent you want your child to be when he grows up?
*Are you investing time, energy and resources in helping your child walk in the way he should go?
*Are you regularly praying for your influence as a parent?
*How can I better do the job?
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.
