Empowering the Church: Nurturing Faith in Children

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we focused on the theme "My Church Needs Me in Christian Training." We began by acknowledging the importance of passing down God's commandments and teachings to future generations, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:1-9. This responsibility is not just for parents but for the entire church community. Jesus highlighted the significance of childlike faith and the need to protect and nurture it, as seen in Matthew 18 and 19. Galatians 6:1-10 reminds us that rearing children is a daunting task that requires self-examination, persistence, and faith in God's promises.

We heard a poignant story about a social worker who helped a crippled boy walk but failed to guide him in life, leading to his tragic end. This story underscores the necessity of not just teaching children skills but also instilling in them a sense of purpose and direction rooted in faith. As we approach the fall schedule, our church is gearing up for various educational and training programs aimed at fulfilling Christ's Great Commission. These include the Divine Savior Kids program, adult Bible classes, and Connect groups.

The essence of today's message is that every member of the church has a role in Christian training. This involves not only being trained ourselves but also serving as trainers for others. The formative years of childhood are crucial for instilling values and faith, as children are most receptive and impressionable during this time. The world understands this and targets the young in various ways, but often for secular or even harmful purposes. In contrast, our goal is to train children in the way of righteousness and salvation.

We also discussed the importance of family devotions and setting a good example at home. Parents are the primary role models for their children, and their behavior significantly impacts their children's spiritual growth. Finally, we emphasized the need for the entire church community to support and participate in the training programs, reinforcing the worth of Christian education and setting an example for the younger generation.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of Early Training: The formative years of childhood are crucial for instilling values and faith. Children are most receptive and impressionable during this time, making it the ideal period for Christian training. As Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This early training sets a foundation that can guide them throughout their lives. [42:23]

2. Role of the Entire Church Community: Christian training is not just the responsibility of parents but the entire church community. Teachers, youth group leaders, and even elderly members play a vital role in nurturing the faith of the younger generation. This collective effort ensures that children grow up in a supportive environment that reinforces their spiritual growth. [40:15]

3. The Power of Example: Parents and church members must set a good example for children. What we say, how we act, and what we prioritize are all observed by young eyes. Consistent worship attendance, prayer, and a Christ-centered life at home are powerful tools for teaching children about faith. [57:20]

4. The Necessity of Purpose and Direction: Teaching children skills is not enough; they also need a sense of purpose and direction rooted in faith. The story of the social worker and the crippled boy illustrates the tragic consequences of neglecting this aspect. Children need to know not just how to walk but where to walk, guided by the teachings of Christ. [36:33]

5. The Role of Family Devotions: Regular family devotions are a powerful way to instill faith in children. Praying together, reading Scripture, and discussing its application in daily life make God more real to them. This practice strengthens family bonds and provides a stable foundation for spiritual growth. [57:20]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[07:27] - Theme Introduction: My Church Needs Me in Christian Training
[13:10] - Confession and Forgiveness
[14:14] - Assurance of Salvation
[15:57] - Prayer for Guidance
[17:29] - Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-9
[18:28] - Gospel Reading: Matthew 18 and 19
[20:28] - Epistle Reading: Galatians 6:1-10
[22:02] - Children's Message
[35:21] - Story of the Social Worker and the Crippled Boy
[37:42] - Upcoming Church Programs
[39:02] - The Great Commission and Christian Training
[40:15] - Role of the Church Community
[42:23] - Importance of Early Training
[44:23] - Secular vs. Christian Education
[46:41] - The Limitations of Secular Education
[49:51] - The Role of Example and Experience
[51:44] - Hospital Visits with Confirmands
[53:32] - Deepening Faith Through Real-World Experiences
[55:26] - The Principle of Training Up a Child
[57:20] - The Power of Family Devotions
[59:06] - Partnership with Teachers
[01:01:15] - The Concept of "Kindergarten"
[01:03:22] - Offering and Connect Cards
[01:07:15] - Apostles' Creed
[01:12:53] - Announcements and Closing

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Deuteronomy 6:1-9: "These are the commands, decrees, and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 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."

2. Matthew 18:1-6; 19:13-15: "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.' Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there."

3. Galatians 6:1-10: "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

### Observation Questions
1. What does Deuteronomy 6:1-9 emphasize about the importance of God's commandments and their transmission to future generations?
2. In Matthew 18:1-6, what qualities does Jesus highlight as essential for entering the kingdom of heaven?
3. According to Galatians 6:1-10, what are some of the responsibilities of those who live by the Spirit towards others in the community?
4. What was the main lesson from the story of the social worker and the crippled boy shared in the sermon? [35:21]

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the command in Deuteronomy 6 to "impress [the commandments] on your children" relate to the role of the church community in Christian training? [17:29]
2. What does Jesus mean when he says we must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven, and how does this apply to our faith and actions? [18:28]
3. In what ways can the church community support parents in the daunting task of rearing children, as described in Galatians 6:1-10? [20:28]
4. How does the story of the social worker and the crippled boy illustrate the necessity of providing children with both skills and a sense of purpose and direction? [36:33]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own childhood. What were some of the most impactful ways your parents or church community helped shape your faith? How can you replicate these methods for the younger generation today? [41:20]
2. How can you personally contribute to the Christian training of children in your church community? Are there specific roles or activities you feel called to participate in? [40:15]
3. What are some practical ways you can set a good example for children in your life, both at home and in the church? Consider your daily actions, words, and priorities. [57:20]
4. Family devotions were highlighted as a powerful tool for instilling faith in children. If you are not already doing this, what steps can you take to start regular family devotions? If you are, how can you enhance this practice? [57:20]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of early training. How can you support the educational and training programs in your church, such as Sunday school or youth groups? [42:23]
6. Think about the story of the social worker and the crippled boy. Are there areas in your life where you are teaching skills but neglecting to provide purpose and direction? How can you address this imbalance? [36:33]
7. How can you encourage and support the teachers and leaders in your church who are involved in Christian training? Consider both practical actions and words of affirmation. [59:06]

Devotional

Day 1: The Crucial Role of Early Training
Description: The formative years of childhood are a critical period for instilling values and faith. During this time, children are most receptive and impressionable, making it the ideal period for Christian training. Proverbs 22:6 emphasizes the importance of this early training: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This early foundation can guide them throughout their lives, helping them navigate challenges and stay rooted in their faith. The world understands the importance of targeting the young, often for secular or harmful purposes. In contrast, our goal is to train children in the way of righteousness and salvation, providing them with a strong spiritual foundation that will serve them well into adulthood. [42:23]

Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (ESV): "You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Reflection: Think of a child in your life. How can you intentionally invest in their spiritual growth this week? What specific actions can you take to teach them about God's love and commandments?

Day 2: The Collective Responsibility of the Church Community
Description: Christian training is not solely the responsibility of parents; it is a collective effort that involves the entire church community. Teachers, youth group leaders, and even elderly members play a vital role in nurturing the faith of the younger generation. This collective effort ensures that children grow up in a supportive environment that reinforces their spiritual growth. When the entire church community participates in this mission, it creates a network of support and encouragement that helps children develop a strong and lasting faith. [40:15]

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."

Reflection: How can you contribute to the spiritual growth of the children in your church community? What specific role can you play in supporting the parents and other leaders in this mission?

Day 3: The Power of Example
Description: Parents and church members must set a good example for children. What we say, how we act, and what we prioritize are all observed by young eyes. Consistent worship attendance, prayer, and a Christ-centered life at home are powerful tools for teaching children about faith. Children learn not just from what they are told but from what they see. By living out our faith authentically and consistently, we provide a model for them to follow. This example can have a profound impact on their spiritual development and their understanding of what it means to live a life dedicated to Christ. [57:20]

Titus 2:7-8 (ESV): "Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us."

Reflection: Reflect on your daily actions and attitudes. Are there areas where you need to be more intentional about setting a Christ-like example for the children around you? What changes can you make to better reflect your faith in your everyday life?

Day 4: Instilling Purpose and Direction
Description: Teaching children skills is not enough; they also need a sense of purpose and direction rooted in faith. The story of the social worker and the crippled boy illustrates the tragic consequences of neglecting this aspect. Children need to know not just how to walk but where to walk, guided by the teachings of Christ. Providing them with a sense of purpose and direction helps them understand their place in God's plan and gives them the motivation to live out their faith in meaningful ways. This guidance is essential for helping them navigate the challenges of life and stay true to their Christian values. [36:33]

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."

Reflection: How can you help the children in your life understand their purpose and direction in God's plan? What specific steps can you take to guide them in discovering and pursuing their God-given purpose?

Day 5: The Role of Family Devotions
Description: Regular family devotions are a powerful way to instill faith in children. Praying together, reading Scripture, and discussing its application in daily life make God more real to them. This practice strengthens family bonds and provides a stable foundation for spiritual growth. Family devotions create an environment where faith is a natural and integral part of daily life, helping children see the relevance of their beliefs in everyday situations. This consistent practice can have a lasting impact on their spiritual development and their relationship with God. [57:20]

Psalm 78:5-7 (ESV): "He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments."

Reflection: How can you incorporate regular family devotions into your daily routine? What specific steps can you take to make this a meaningful and consistent practice in your home?

Quotes

1. "Even though all of us have failed our Lord time and time again, and we're disappointed even with ourselves, we know that His Son came to live the life that we could never live and to pay the sacrifice for our sins that we would have been in the past. We would have paid throughout eternity. And so when He said it is finished on the cross, everything that was necessary for your salvation and for mine and for anyone who has ever lived has been accomplished. And He asked us to believe that." [14:14] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Help us to listen to your word, to learn it, to take it to heart. And let it bear fruit in our lives, in our family life, in our church life, in our work life, and in our community life. We ask it in Jesus' name. Amen." [15:57] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Now, every life, if it isn't to end up as useless or a tragedy, needs a sense of purpose and direction for it. And this is especially true of the life of children who are unaware of the dangers that certain pathways in life can offer. And that's why the scripture tells us not only to train children, but to guide them, infuse them with purpose and direct them, train them in the way that they should go. The way of faith in Christ, who said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me." [36:33] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "My church needs me. Me in Christian training means a couple of things. It needs me, each of us, to be trained, and it also means that each of us should see ourselves as trainers of others. Now, the gem of truth that is found in this proverb is found in the word child. It tells us that the time when training and direction setting is most appropriate is in the time of childhood and youth. Children are those who are most receptive, impressionable, and able to learn. Their hearts and minds and attitudes are like lumps of clay that can still be shaped and formed." [41:20] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If we want our training to be significant, we need to see the importance of the pliable, the formative early years. Now, as we look around us in the world today, it's pretty obvious that the world knows this proverb and has always known it. In fact, it probably knows it better than a lot of Christian parents do. Go into any field of human endeavor, and you will find the same underlying philosophy. Aim at the young. Coaches, educators, art instructors, band directors, drama teachers, and vocal trainers. All of them will tell you that in order for talent to be developed to the highest level of achievement, they have to start early." [43:20] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "When God says train up a child in the way that he should go, he means train them in the way of righteousness and salvation. And the pathways that will keep them, the paths that will keep them from Satan's trap, on the trails that will give them opportunity to glorify God and to build other people up, and on the narrow road of faith that leads back to eternal life. Now secular education is necessary and important. Reading, writing, and arithmetic, we have to do it. But secular education is always time-bound and earthbound. The word secular means, earthbound." [45:42] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Only God's word can do that. Only the truth of God's word will guide the conscience and keep the pathway to life. Only the scripture and its promises of forgiveness and love can give peace to the Bros. the child that gives the child stability to face the challenges, the setbacks, the failures, and yes, even the illnesses and deaths of their loved ones in stride. Jesus said, I am the way. When one walks in faith in Christ, he is walking in the way that he should go. You know how we need to emphasize that way in our time." [47:25] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "If we tell them, they'll forget. If we show them, they may remember. If we involve them, they will work with us and for us. And we in the church need to have a little bit more of that philosophy as well. Now, don't misunderstand. It's only faith in God's word that can save. And so, instruction is important. But if that faith is to be less abstract and more clarified, it needs to be reinforced with living role models and opportunities to express the high-sounding truths that people say that they profess." [49:51] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "There are exceptions, but if we take God at his direction, he will come with his blessings into the lives of our families and our children. God has promised that his word will not return to him. Empty. Now when the German immigrants came to this country quite a while ago, they brought to our language a new word. It was called kindergarten, meaning child's garden. Child's garden is filled with hopes and dreams and aspirations for the future." [01:01:15] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "May such be the blessing in our lives as we join together to fulfill Christ's command to carry out Christian training. In our congregation. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, bless the work of our teachers, all of our teachers. Help them to implant the seed of God's truth into the hearts of our children, to let it grow and express itself in the care and the glorification of you and the care of others, so that it may bear fruit in not only their personal lives, but their family life, their work life, and their life in their community." [01:03:22] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

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