Divine Stewardship: Nurturing Young Christians in Parenting

 

Summary

In the journey of parenting, we recognize that it is not merely about raising good children, but about nurturing young Christians who will grow to embody the love and teachings of Christ. Parenting is a divine stewardship, a sacred task entrusted to us by God, and it is our responsibility to guide our children not just in the ways of the world, but in the ways of faith. This task is not for the faint of heart; it requires dedication, wisdom, and a heart attuned to God's leading.

Our role as parents is multifaceted. We are providers, teachers, disciplinarians, and emotional anchors for our children. We must provide for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, ensuring that they grow in a safe and nurturing environment. As teachers, we are called to impress upon our children the truths of Scripture, to weave the values of our faith into the fabric of their daily lives, whether at rest or in activity, at the beginning and end of each day.

Discipline is another critical aspect of parenting. It is not merely about punishment but about guiding our children towards understanding and wisdom. We must differentiate between accidents, mistakes, negligence, and aggression, responding appropriately to each situation to foster learning and growth. Emotional stability is also paramount. We must create an environment where our children feel loved and secure, where they can express their emotions without fear of harsh judgment or misunderstanding.

Investing in our children's spiritual development is non-negotiable. We must be intentional in leading them to Christ, for in Him they will find the true measure of goodness and purpose. This means setting a vision for their lives that is rooted in their identity as children of God, casting a mission that aligns with the Great Commission, and instilling values that reflect the heart of Christ.

Parenting is not a solo endeavor. We must recruit allies—grandparents, coaches, teachers, and church leaders—who will reinforce the values we cherish and provide additional support and guidance. Creating a feedback loop with our children is also essential, engaging them in conversations about their day, their struggles, and their dreams, and listening with an eager heart.

As we navigate the complexities of parenting, we must remember that God is our ultimate example. He is our Heavenly Father, who demonstrates perfect love, patience, and guidance. By looking to Him, we can find the strength and wisdom to raise our children in the way they should go.

Key Takeaways:

- Parenting is a divine calling that goes beyond providing for physical needs; it involves nurturing the spiritual growth of our children. We must lead them to Christ, for it is in Him that they will find their true purpose and identity. This is the foundation upon which all other aspects of parenting are built. [49:33]

- Discipline in parenting is not synonymous with punishment. It is about guiding our children through their mistakes and helping them learn from their experiences. Differentiating between accidents, mistakes, negligence, and aggression allows us to respond in ways that promote growth and understanding. [01:02:44]

- Emotional stability within the family is crucial. Creating an environment where children feel safe to express their emotions and where parents model self-regulation and empathy is key to fostering emotional intelligence and resilience in our children. [01:04:23]

- The importance of allies in parenting cannot be overstated. Surrounding our children with positive adult influences who share our values and can speak into their lives is an investment in their future. These allies can provide support and guidance that complements our own. [01:08:18]

- Intentionality in parenting requires us to be proactive in casting a vision for our children's lives, setting clear expectations, and communicating the 'why' behind our values and beliefs. This helps our children internalize these values and carry them into their own lives. [01:07:10]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 127:1-5
- "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court."

2. Proverbs 17:6
- "Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children."

3. Deuteronomy 6:5-9
- "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 127, what is the significance of the Lord's involvement in building a house and guarding a city? How does this relate to parenting? ([35:33])
2. What does Proverbs 17:6 say about the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren? How does this reflect on the role of extended family in parenting? ([36:15])
3. In Deuteronomy 6:5-9, what specific actions are parents instructed to take in teaching their children about God? How are these actions described? ([58:24])
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between discipline and punishment in parenting? ([31:50])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Psalm 127:1-5 emphasize the importance of God's role in parenting? What does it mean to "labor in vain" without the Lord's guidance? ([35:33])
2. Proverbs 17:6 highlights the joy and pride that come from grandchildren. How can this verse encourage parents to think long-term about their parenting efforts? ([36:15])
3. Deuteronomy 6:5-9 outlines a comprehensive approach to teaching children about God. How can parents practically implement these instructions in their daily lives? ([58:24])
4. The sermon mentions the importance of creating an environment of emotional stability for children. How can parents balance discipline with emotional support? ([31:50])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Psalm 127:1-5, how can you ensure that your parenting efforts are aligned with God's guidance? What specific steps can you take to invite God's presence into your parenting? ([35:33])
2. Proverbs 17:6 speaks to the legacy of faith through generations. How can you involve grandparents or other extended family members in reinforcing the values you are teaching your children? ([36:15])
3. Deuteronomy 6:5-9 encourages parents to integrate faith into everyday life. What are some practical ways you can incorporate discussions about God and faith into your daily routines with your children? ([58:24])
4. The sermon discusses the importance of differentiating between accidents, mistakes, negligence, and aggression in discipline. How can you apply this understanding to your current approach to discipline? ([31:50])
5. Emotional stability is crucial in parenting. What strategies can you use to create a safe and loving environment where your children feel secure to express their emotions? ([31:50])
6. The sermon emphasizes the need for allies in parenting. Who are some positive adult influences in your child's life, and how can you encourage their involvement in supporting your parenting efforts? ([01:08:18])
7. Intentionality in parenting requires setting clear expectations and communicating the 'why' behind your values. How can you more effectively communicate your family's values and expectations to your children? ([01:07:10])

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Stewardship in Parenting
Parenting is a sacred task, a form of divine stewardship where one is called to raise not just good citizens, but devoted followers of Christ. It is a responsibility that encompasses more than the provision of material needs; it involves the nurturing of a child's spiritual well-being and guiding them towards a life that reflects the teachings and love of Jesus. This divine calling requires parents to be intentional in creating a home environment that is rooted in faith, where the stories and values of Scripture are interwoven into the fabric of everyday life. It is about setting a foundation that will stand firm even as children grow and face the complexities of the world.

As stewards of God's little ones, parents are tasked with the mission of leading their children to Christ, for it is in Him that they will find their true purpose and identity. This foundational aspect of parenting is what shapes all other facets of raising a child, from discipline to emotional support. It is a journey that demands wisdom, patience, and a heart that seeks God's guidance at every step [49:33].

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

Reflection: How can you incorporate the values and teachings of Christ into your daily interactions with your children?

Day 2: Discipline with Understanding
Discipline in parenting is a nuanced art that goes beyond the simplistic view of punishment. It is about guiding children through their mistakes and helping them to glean wisdom from their experiences. Parents must discern the nature of their child's actions—be it an accident, a mistake, negligence, or aggression—and respond in a manner that promotes learning and growth. This approach to discipline helps children understand the consequences of their actions and the importance of making wise choices. It is a process that requires patience and a commitment to teaching children how to navigate life's challenges with grace and understanding [01:02:44].

Hebrews 12:11 (ESV)
"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

Reflection: What recent situation with your child could have been an opportunity for teaching through discipline rather than punishment?

Day 3: Fostering Emotional Stability
Creating an emotionally stable environment for children is a cornerstone of healthy parenting. It is essential for children to feel loved and secure, to know that their home is a safe haven where they can express their feelings openly. Parents must model emotional intelligence and empathy, demonstrating how to regulate emotions and navigate interpersonal relationships. This nurturing atmosphere encourages children to develop resilience and emotional intelligence, equipping them to handle life's ups and downs with confidence and a strong sense of self-worth [01:04:23].

Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV)
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Reflection: How can you model emotional intelligence and empathy in your interactions with your family this week?

Day 4: The Value of Parenting Allies
The journey of parenting is not meant to be walked alone. It is vital to surround children with a community of positive influences—grandparents, coaches, teachers, and church leaders—who can reinforce the values parents cherish. These allies provide additional perspectives, support, and guidance that complement the parents' role. They can be instrumental in speaking life into a child's journey, offering wisdom and encouragement that parents alone may not be able to provide. This network of support is an invaluable asset in the development of a child's character and faith [01:08:18].

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV)
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: Who are the allies in your child's life, and how can you engage them more actively in supporting your child's growth?

Day 5: Intentionality in Vision Casting
Intentional parenting involves being proactive in setting a vision for a child's life that is anchored in their identity as a child of God. It requires clear communication of expectations and the reasons behind the values and beliefs held by the family. This clarity helps children internalize these values and carry them into their own lives, shaping their decisions and actions. Parents must be deliberate in discussing life's big questions and the family's mission, ensuring that their children understand the 'why' behind their faith and are equipped to live it out authentically [01:07:10].

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV)
"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Reflection: What is one value or belief you want to intentionally communicate to your child, and how can you discuss this with them this week?

Quotes

- "If you lead your children to Christ, they'll be good kids, and if you are following Christ, they will follow your leadership." [43:31](Download)

- "We have to impress the things of God on our children...constantly, all the time, scripture teaching the values we have as Christians should be our conversation with our children." [58:24](Download)

- "Invest, be intentional. What do you want your kids to become? Cast a vision for what your kids are going to be, what do you want them to accomplish, what is their mission in life?" [01:05:25](Download)

- "Your kids can do big things. Prepare them for the next level, don't stunt your kids by doing everything for them. Make sure your kids are completely capable of moving on to the next level and achieving." [56:09](Download)

- "Discipline is not punishment all the time...there are accidents, mistakes, negligence, and aggression. Differentiate and respond appropriately to foster learning and growth." [01:02:44](Download)

- "Create an environment of emotional stability...adjust your physical environment, attune to their emotions, and apologize when you're wrong." [01:04:23](Download)

- "If you expect more from your kids, you will get more from your kids. They will achieve more." [55:30](Download)

- "God is the ultimate example of biblical parenting...He shows us through Jesus, through Israel, through the church, and in our daily lives as our Heavenly Father." [42:17](Download)

- "Parenting is tough, they throw us curveballs, it can be really difficult, but Godly parenting is worth every minute of it." [34:57](Download)

- "Don't let your kids walk away from church. When you let them quit church, they will quit church, and then you will be left wondering why your kids walked away from the loving savior that died for them." [01:02:07](Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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