Kids
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
Introduction
Some helpful information may be gleaned from a survey conducted by LifeWay Christian resources according to Baptist Press. A list of the "Top 10 Issues Facing Today's Family" was compiled. Those issues in order are:
1. Anti-Christian culture;
2. Divorce;
3. Busyness;
4. Absent father figure;
5. Lack of discipline;
6. Financial pressures;
7. Lack of communication;
8. Negative media influences;
9. Balance of work and family;
10. Materialism.
It is safe to say that families are under a lot of pressure.
Throughout God’s Word we are given principles for living life—and that includes how we are to navigate life as children and parents.
Text
Eph 6:1-
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
In these four verses of Scripture, we are given a powerful truth that should saturate and empower a family.
The Main Point
Practice Godly Love and Respect
Practice Godly Love and Respect
Not only does our marriages need love and respect, but this truth fuels healthy, godly relationships between parents and children. And the key to this truth centers, not on our relationships with one another, but our relationship with God.
Principle of Worship
Principle of Worship
1 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.
“…in the Lord, for this is right.”
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
This phrase, easily overlooked, is critical for the family.
Everything we do, we do as unto the Lord Himself. Our words, actions, and attitude should reflect that of a genuine worshipper who worships God in spirit and in truth.
Our words, actions, and attitude should not be governed by how good people are toward us—or the things people to for us. But everything we do and are should be governed by our deep adoration toward God.
This act of worship shapes our interactions with others—including our parents and our kids.
7 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Eph 6:
It is worship to God that enables us to embrace and practice the second principle of family relationships:
Principle of Respect
Principle of Respect
Tragically, we live in a culture that has elevated disrespect to a virtue. But we should not be surprised. Paul addressed this issue as a hallmark to the last days:
1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.
2 Tim 3:1-
However, a genuine worshipper is going to strive to align with what pleases God.
As a child in the home who is a worshipper of Christ, submission to the godly authority of his or her parents is evidence of relationship with God.
Holding our parents in respect honors God.
So, even if you are an older child, no longer living at home and even having a family of your own, we are still called to respect our parents.
This respect is not based on whether or not your parents deserve respect. We respect because it shows respect toward God.
(possibly address an issue related to an abusive and absent parent).
It is important to note that obedience and respect can come much easier to kids if their parents can implement this third principle:
Principle of Love
Principle of Love
4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
There is a lot of anger in family these days.
Parents are instructed to not provoke or push their children toward anger and bitterness.
So we are instructed to nurture our children in the discipline and instruction of God.
What is the chief discipline and instruction of the Lord?
37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Matt 22:37-
It is love—seeking the greatest good in another—a selfless, giving, supportive, hope-filled love.
Parents: we need to love our children unconditionally—a love that also must be demonstrated in our marriages and in our relationship with God.
4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Cor 13:4-
Conclusion
Practice these three principles:
Worship God
Respect your parents
Love your children
Application
Pray through the challenges rather than react with emotion.
Readily forgive.
Do not reject godly authority.
Altar Call
God loves you—and wants you to be part of His family—a family where love and respect reigns supreme.
Salvation.
Family/relationship healing.