Messy Parenting, Part 2 | Listen to Sermon Audio
Messy Parenting, Part 2 - SERMON NOTES
Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. To listen to the sermon, click the link above.
Intro: (1) God shapes our kids through us and vice versa (cf. Steve Young)
Obedience for Children (1-3)
1. Nature: (1) “children” here denotes those being “brought up” (v.4) — “obey” stronger than “submit” (2) universal truth (cf. Romans 1:28-30, 2 Tim. 3:2) — nature shows (3) evidence in other ancient cultures, modern therapy examples (4) not free to express yourself however you want
2. Law: (1) OT quote (Ex. 20, Deut. 5) — continued use of law (2) obedience a command from God — “honor” denotes all seasons of life (4) promise of well-being — protection, habits and friends, character development (5) examples of Proverbs (4:10, 30:17) — transition within decalogue
3. Gospel: (1) “in the Lord” a reference to Christ (cf. 5:22-23, 6:5) (2) obedience key to discipleship — apply to teens (3) right relationships within families a gospel witness — friend in high school (3) obedience shift from begrudging to joyful — external compliance to internal softness of heart
Wisdom for Parents (4)
1. Encouragement: (1) “fathers” — cultural background, general reference to parents (2) spectrum of misusing authority — favoritism/over-indulgence vs. harshness/cruelty (3) children possess their own unique personalities/interests (4) “bring them up” — nourish/cherish (cf. my journey)
2. Discipline: (1) corrective action against wrong behavior (2) necessary but in controlled ways (cf. Prov. 19:18) (3) can take a number of forms, including corporal punishment — needs to fit the crime/age and include explanation (4) goal of maturity maturity (cf. Heb. 12:11) — speeding ticket
3. Instruction: (1) presenting wise considerations/warnings (cf. Eli in 1 Sam.3:11-13) (2) requires time and thought — praying for opportunities to speak to kids’ hearts (3) the passing along of certain information —importance of Scripture (cf. 4:14) (4) goal of transformation (5) role of church
Conclusion: (1) exhortation to serve the purposes of the Lord in our generation (cf. Acts 13:36) (2) exercise — go home and look at your belly button (3) asking Christ to heal pain of no parents or bad parents