Laying a Foundation for Your Kids
Psalm 127:3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. 5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
1. We need to have the
A. Seek to train lifelong followers of Christ.
B. Lay a foundation that will remain for generations.
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the [training] and instruction of the Lord.
Additional Notes:
2. We need a
A. The Bible is the greatest parenting book out there.
B. Our kids need the Gospel, and so do we.
C. Welcome “inspections” from godly counselors.
Proverbs 6:20-23 NLT My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. 21 Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. 23 For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.
Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.
Additional Notes:
3. We need to be
A. We need a higher standard than the world.
B. Discipline and train your children.
Proverbs 29:15,17 NLT To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child. 17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.
Deuteronomy 6:7-9 NLT Repeat [God’s commands] again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Additional Notes:
Parenting Resources:
“Shepherding a Child’s Heart” by Tedd Tripp
“Premeditated Parenting” by Steve Nelson
“Parenting” by Paul David Tripp
Raising Warriors Parenting Workshop — www.trc.life/raisingwarriors
Quotes:
“Nothing is more important in your life than being one of God’s tools to form a human soul… Your job is to be God’s tool for the purpose of forming the image of God’s Son in your children.” -Paul David Tripp
“You must address the heart as the fountain of behavior, and the conscience as the God-given judge of right and wrong. The cross of Christ must be the central force of childrearing.” -Tedd Tripp
“There are three keys to successful discipline. It needs to be consistent. It needs to be immediate. And it needs to be memorable.” -Steve Nelson
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you want your children to be known for?
2. What decisions are you making now to lay a godly foundation? One that will remain for generations.
3. What bad parenting advice do you need to throw out of your tool belt?
4. What biblical parenting tools do you need to add to your collection?
5. How are you modeling repentance and reconciliation for your family?
6. What are you communicating to your children is the most important thing in your lives?