Guiding Children: A Journey of Love and Wisdom

 

Summary

Raising children is one of the greatest honors and responsibilities we can have. As parents, we are entrusted with the privilege of guiding our children from a blank canvas to a masterpiece, using the scriptures and the Spirit as our guide. Our goal is to raise godly children who know their identity in Christ and walk in wisdom. This journey is not without its challenges, but it is filled with joy and purpose.

The power of parenting lies in the ability to paint a picture for our children, providing them with a template for life. This involves nurturing them with love, guiding them with discipline, and being consistent in our approach. Our children are a gift from the Lord, and we are called to steward them well, helping them to grow into the individuals God has created them to be.

Parenting involves understanding the different seasons of a child's life, from caretaker to commando, coach, and finally, consultant. Each stage requires a different approach, but the underlying principles of love, discipline, and consistency remain the same. By understanding these seasons and adapting our parenting style accordingly, we can better support our children as they grow.

A new paradigm for parenting involves tons of love, tons of discipline, and consistency throughout. Love is the foundation, nurturing our children and helping them feel secure. Discipline is necessary to guide them from foolishness to wisdom, teaching them the importance of making wise choices. Consistency in our actions and words provides stability and security, helping our children to develop a strong sense of identity.

Ultimately, our role as parents is to model a life connected to Christ, showing our children what it means to walk in His ways. By abiding in the vine and remaining connected to Jesus, we can produce much fruit in our parenting journey. This is not something we can do in our own strength, but through the grace and guidance of God, we can raise children who honor Him and impact the world for His glory.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Parenting: Parenting is a powerful responsibility, where we have the privilege of painting a picture for our children using the scriptures and the Spirit. This involves guiding them from a blank canvas to a masterpiece, helping them to grow into the individuals God has created them to be. [06:08]

2. Understanding Seasons: Parenting involves different seasons, from caretaker to consultant, each requiring a unique approach. By understanding these seasons and adapting our parenting style, we can better support our children as they grow and develop. [17:16]

3. A New Paradigm: The biblical paradigm for parenting involves tons of love, tons of discipline, and consistency throughout. Love nurtures and secures, discipline guides from foolishness to wisdom, and consistency provides stability and security. [21:59]

4. Identity in Christ: One of the primary purposes of parenting is to instill God's identity in our children, helping them to find their identity in Christ rather than in external factors. This provides them with a strong foundation and sense of self. [12:12]

5. Abiding in Christ: Successful parenting is not done in our own strength but through abiding in Christ. By remaining connected to Jesus, we can produce much fruit in our parenting journey, raising children who honor Him and impact the world. [36:46]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - The Honor of Parenting
- [00:37] - Joy in Children Following Truth
- [01:18] - Experiencing God's Best
- [02:23] - The Pleasure of Godly Children
- [03:05] - From Blank Canvas to Masterpiece
- [04:17] - The Power of Parenting
- [06:24] - Children as God's Masterpieces
- [07:17] - Nature and Nurture
- [09:39] - Forgiving and Moving Forward
- [10:41] - Purpose of Parenting
- [11:40] - Instilling Identity in Christ
- [13:53] - Moving from Foolish to Wise
- [16:31] - Stewarding Souls for Seasons
- [21:46] - Tons of Love, Discipline, and Consistency
- [36:46] - Abiding in Christ for Parenting Success

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power and Purpose of Parenting

Bible Reading:
1. 3 John 1:4 - "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."
2. Proverbs 23:24 - "The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him."
3. Psalm 127:3 - "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, what is the ultimate goal of parenting as described in 3 John 1:4? How does this align with the pastor's personal experiences shared in the sermon? [00:37]

2. How does the sermon describe the different seasons of parenting, and what are the key characteristics of each season? [17:16]

3. What does the pastor mean by describing children as a "blank canvas," and how does this metaphor relate to the role of parents? [04:17]

4. In the sermon, what is the significance of the phrase "Tons of love, tons of discipline, and consistency throughout"? How does this relate to the biblical paradigm for parenting? [21:59]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of children being a "heritage from the Lord" in Psalm 127:3 influence the way parents should view their role and responsibilities? [06:24]

2. What does it mean for children to find their identity in Christ, and how can parents facilitate this process according to the sermon? [12:12]

3. How does the sermon suggest parents can move their children from "foolish to wise," and what biblical principles support this approach? [13:53]

4. How does the pastor's emphasis on abiding in Christ relate to the consistency needed in parenting? What practical steps can parents take to remain connected to Jesus in their parenting journey? [36:46]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current parenting style. How can you incorporate more love, discipline, and consistency into your daily interactions with your children? [21:59]

2. Identify a specific season of parenting you are currently in. What adjustments might you need to make to better support your child during this stage? [17:16]

3. Consider the metaphor of children as a "blank canvas." What are some practical ways you can intentionally "paint" a godly picture for your children using scripture and the Holy Spirit? [04:17]

4. How can you help your children find their identity in Christ rather than in external factors? What specific actions can you take this week to reinforce their identity in Jesus? [12:12]

5. Think about a recent situation where you had to discipline your child. How did you balance love and discipline in that moment, and what could you do differently next time to ensure both are present? [26:18]

6. Reflect on your own upbringing. How has it influenced your parenting style, and what changes might you need to make to align more closely with the biblical paradigm discussed in the sermon? [09:54]

7. What are some practical ways you can remain connected to Christ daily to ensure you are modeling a life connected to Him for your children? [36:46]

Devotional

Day 1: The Art of Parenting as a Divine Responsibility
Parenting is a profound responsibility, where parents are given the privilege of shaping their children from a blank canvas into a masterpiece. This journey involves using the scriptures and the Spirit as guides to help children grow into the individuals God has created them to be. Parents are called to nurture their children with love, guide them with discipline, and maintain consistency in their approach. This process is not only about raising children but also about stewarding the gifts that God has entrusted to them. By doing so, parents can help their children understand their identity in Christ and walk in wisdom. [06:08]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally use scripture and prayer to guide your children today in understanding their identity in Christ?


Day 2: Navigating the Seasons of Parenting
Parenting involves understanding the different seasons of a child's life, from caretaker to commando, coach, and finally, consultant. Each stage requires a unique approach, but the underlying principles of love, discipline, and consistency remain constant. By recognizing these seasons and adapting their parenting style accordingly, parents can better support their children as they grow and develop. This understanding allows parents to provide the right guidance and support at the right time, helping their children navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and grace. [17:16]

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV)

Reflection: What season of parenting are you currently in, and how can you adapt your approach to better support your child's growth and development?


Day 3: Love, Discipline, and Consistency in Parenting
A new paradigm for parenting involves tons of love, tons of discipline, and consistency throughout. Love is the foundation, nurturing children and helping them feel secure. Discipline is necessary to guide them from foolishness to wisdom, teaching them the importance of making wise choices. Consistency in actions and words provides stability and security, helping children develop a strong sense of identity. By embodying these principles, parents can create an environment where their children can thrive and grow into the individuals God has called them to be. [21:59]

"Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death." (Proverbs 19:18, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your love, discipline, and consistency are evident in your interactions with your children today?


Day 4: Instilling Identity in Christ
One of the primary purposes of parenting is to instill God's identity in children, helping them find their identity in Christ rather than in external factors. This provides them with a strong foundation and sense of self, enabling them to navigate life's challenges with confidence and faith. By teaching children to root their identity in Christ, parents can help them develop a deep and abiding relationship with God that will sustain them throughout their lives. [12:12]

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you help your children understand their identity in Christ today, and what practical steps can you take to reinforce this truth in their lives?


Day 5: Abiding in Christ for Parenting Success
Successful parenting is not done in one's own strength but through abiding in Christ. By remaining connected to Jesus, parents can produce much fruit in their parenting journey, raising children who honor Him and impact the world. This connection to Christ provides the strength, wisdom, and grace needed to navigate the challenges of parenting and to guide children in their spiritual growth. By modeling a life connected to Christ, parents can show their children what it means to walk in His ways and to live a life that glorifies God. [36:46]

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." (John 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your connection with Christ, and how can this connection influence your approach to parenting?

Quotes


Our privilege as parents is to begin painting like Picasso. You and I have the privilege of taking the scripture and the spirit from day one by God's grace and giving them a paradigm, a pattern to follow. As you model, as you give us the scriptures, we have a painting, and now when we get sent out, at least I have a template on how life can work. [00:45:00]

The purpose of parenting, and I mean I could go on and on about the purpose. Let me give you the number one biblical purpose that I found in the scriptures, Malachi chapter 2, starting in verse 15. Watch this: Didn't the Lord make you one with your wife? In body and spirit, you are his. And what does God want? In other words, what does God want out of parenting? You guys ready for this? Godly children from your union. [00:10:44]

Identity, write it down. Parents, your purpose is to get God's identity into your kids, where their ID is in JC only. Here's what your kids are fighting right now: their identity being in how they look, how they dress, what other people say about them on social media, what they have, what they don't have. [00:11:40]

Part of our purpose as a parent is moving our children from foolish to wise. Proverbs 17:21 says it's painful to be the parent of a fool; there's no joy for the father of a rebel. And then in Proverbs 18:2, this is all of us as humans, so don't just point at your kids. Look at this: fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. [00:13:53]

Four Seasons in parenting. You guys ready for them? Say I'm ready. Caretaker, where am I? So caretaker is that early stage where you are feeding, burping, and wiping. Where are my caretakers right now? You're in the heat of the moment right now, no sleep, just trying to stay sane. Let's pray. Everybody extend your hand their way right now in Jesus' name. [00:16:31]

I want you to have a new paradigm for parenting. And here's a very simple phrase. I learned this years ago; it has changed the game for us. And I'm praying generations would be changed by this one phrase. Here it is: it's a new paradigm, it's a Biblical Paradigm, and I want to give it to you in one phrase. Tons of love, tons of discipline, and consistency throughout. [00:21:59]

The number one thing our children need is nurturing, loving. And here's what I would also say: what is your child's, what is my child's love language in the season? And I mean, we talk about this in marriage, which is great, right? What are the five love languages? You guys remember them? Physical touch. And think about when your kids are growing up. [00:22:59]

Tons of love, but then tons of discipline. You're all like, man, can we skip that part? Here's the tragedy, and here's what I found. That's why the paradigm is so crucial, that all three parts are in play. Because here's what I've found: a lot of us parents, we thrive in loving our kids, but if we're honest, I don't really like the discipline part. [00:26:07]

Discipline your children while there is hope; otherwise, you will ruin their lives. Any parents like, I can't wait to ruin my kid's life, yes? Hey man, this is what God says. Number two, Proverbs 23:13. Watch this: don't fail to discipline your children. The rod, we're going to get to this, the rod of punishment won't kill them. [00:28:09]

Jesus said, yes, I'm the vine, you're the branches. Those who what? Those who remain in me, that's the key, and I in them will produce much fruit. Pause for effect. For apart from me, you can do nothing, and that includes parenting. [00:36:46]

Our job, our privilege as a parent, it's super powerful, crazy purpose, and this paradigm shift—tons of love, tons of discipline, consistency throughout—can change generations if we'll ask God to give us the grace to apply it. Amen. God, thank you for this word, so specific in this season. [00:41:22]

I pray for every individual here, no matter what season of life we're in. Some regret, some joy, some in the middle, some overwhelmed. Some had a bad picture, some had a great picture. It's one beautiful family that are coming to you and saying, God, continue to teach us. There's always more to learn, there's always more to grow in every season of our life. [00:41:45]

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Transcript
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