Modeling Christ's Love: Nurturing Our Children Together

Devotional

Day 1: Living Out the Gospel at Home and Church

It is crucial for parents to live out the gospel in their daily lives so that their children see a consistent example of Christ's love and teachings. This consistency helps children understand and embrace the faith more deeply. Parents are encouraged to integrate the teachings of Christ into their everyday actions, conversations, and decisions. By doing so, they create an environment where the gospel is not just heard but seen and experienced. This modeling of faith at home and in the church helps children to develop a genuine and personal relationship with Christ. [12:08]

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

Day 2: Embracing the Sacred Responsibility of Parenting

Parents are called to raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. This involves loving God supremely, loving each other, and loving their children in a way that reflects God's love. This sacred responsibility shapes the child's understanding of love and faith. By prioritizing their relationship with God and each other, parents set a powerful example for their children. This love and commitment create a foundation for the child's spiritual growth and understanding of God's love. [12:51]

Ephesians 6:4 (ESV): "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate God's love to your children through your actions and words today?

Day 3: The Role of Community Support

The church community plays a vital role in supporting families. By committing to be the body of Christ to each child, the church helps reinforce the teachings and love that children receive at home, creating a cohesive and nurturing environment. This support system is essential for the spiritual growth and well-being of both parents and children. The church community provides encouragement, accountability, and resources that help families thrive in their faith journey. [13:38]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: How can you actively support and encourage the families in your church community this week?

Day 4: The Power of Prayer for Protection and Guidance

Praying for our children is essential. We ask God to protect them, guide them, and lead them to salvation. This prayer acknowledges our dependence on God for wisdom and strength in parenting. By consistently praying for our children, we entrust them to God's care and seek His guidance in raising them according to His will. Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with God's wisdom and strength, enabling us to fulfill our parenting responsibilities with His help. [14:23]

James 1:5 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

Reflection: Take a moment to pray specifically for your child's protection, guidance, and spiritual growth today. How can you make this a daily habit?

Day 5: Trusting in God's Sovereignty

In a world filled with uncertainty, it is important to remind ourselves of God's sovereignty and goodness. Singing hymns and confessing our faith together strengthens our trust in God's control over the affairs of the world and our lives. By focusing on God's sovereignty, we find peace and assurance in His plans and purposes. This trust in God's control helps us navigate the challenges of life with confidence and hope, knowing that He is always in control. [16:31]

Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust more in God's sovereignty? How can you remind yourself of His control and goodness today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered as a church to affirm our commitment to support and nurture the children within our community. We emphasized the importance of modeling the gospel both at home and in the church, ensuring that our children see a consistent and loving example of Christ's teachings. Parents were reminded of their sacred responsibility to raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, loving each other and their children in a way that reflects God's love. We prayed for a young girl, asking for God's protection, wisdom, and guidance for her and her family. We also welcomed our guest speaker, Sam Storms, who has been in ministry for over 50 years. His long-standing commitment to the faith serves as an inspiration for us to remain steadfast in our walk with Christ. We concluded by singing hymns that remind us of God's sovereignty and goodness, reinforcing our faith in His control over the world.

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Key Takeaways

1. Modeling the Gospel at Home and Church: It is crucial for parents to live out the gospel in their daily lives so that their children see a consistent example of Christ's love and teachings. This consistency helps children understand and embrace the faith more deeply. [12:08]
2. Sacred Responsibility of Parenting: Parents are called to raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. This involves loving God supremely, loving each other, and loving their children in a way that reflects God's love. This sacred responsibility shapes the child's understanding of love and faith. [12:51]
3. Community Support: The church community plays a vital role in supporting families. By committing to be the body of Christ to each child, the church helps reinforce the teachings and love that children receive at home, creating a cohesive and nurturing environment. [13:38]
4. Prayer for Protection and Guidance: Praying for our children is essential. We ask God to protect them, guide them, and lead them to salvation. This prayer acknowledges our dependence on God for wisdom and strength in parenting. [14:23]
5. Faith in God's Sovereignty: In a world filled with uncertainty, it is important to remind ourselves of God's sovereignty and goodness. Singing hymns and confessing our faith together strengthens our trust in God's control over the affairs of the world and our lives. [16:31]
### [16:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[12:08] - Modeling the Gospel at Home
[12:51] - Sacred Responsibility of Parenting
[13:38] - Community Support and Prayer
[14:23] - Prayer for Protection and Guidance
[15:10] - Introduction of Guest Speaker
[16:31] - Faith in God's Sovereignty
[67:39] - Hymns of Praise
[69:00] - Closing Remarks

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Deuteronomy 6:6-7, when are parents instructed to talk about God's commandments with their children?
In Ephesians 6:4, what specific instruction is given to fathers regarding their children?
How does Proverbs 22:6 describe the long-term impact of starting children off on the right path?
What role does the church community play in supporting families, as mentioned in the sermon? [13:38]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it important for parents to model the gospel both at home and in the church, as emphasized in the sermon? [12:08]
How does the sacred responsibility of parenting, as described in Ephesians 6:4, shape a child's understanding of love and faith?
What does the prayer for protection and guidance for children signify about our dependence on God in parenting? [14:23]
How does the concept of God's sovereignty, as discussed in the sermon, provide comfort in times of uncertainty? [16:31]

Application Questions

Reflect on your daily routines. How can you incorporate discussions about God's commandments with your children, as suggested in Deuteronomy 6:6-7?
Think about your interactions with your children. Are there ways you might be exasperating them? How can you adjust your approach to align with Ephesians 6:4?
Identify one specific way you can start your children off on the right path this week, in line with Proverbs 22:6. What practical steps will you take?
How can you actively support other families in your church community to help reinforce the teachings and love that children receive at home? [13:38]
Consider the importance of prayer in your parenting. How can you make praying for your children's protection and guidance a regular part of your routine? [14:23]
In what ways can you remind yourself and your family of God's sovereignty and goodness, especially during challenging times? [16:31]
Reflect on the example set by Sam Storms' long-standing commitment to the faith. How can his dedication inspire you to remain steadfast in your walk with Christ? [15:10]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for outreach

1. "We like to remind ourselves with the great hymns of the faith that, no, there is a God in this world, number one. And secondly, he rules the world. He rules the affairs of men. He's still sovereign, and he's still good." [16:31] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If you look around this world, there's a lot of crazy things that happen, a lot of things that's like, is anybody in control? And so it's easy to just think, man, I got to look out for myself." [16:31] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "You're always welcome here. My name is Neil. I'm the lead pastor at Grand Parkway. And you are in for a treat today." [15:10] (5 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for members

1. "We always go first as a church. And so, Mom and Dad, we want you to know that we love you. We love your kids. We will pray. We will be the church, the body of Christ to them. Your kids will, first of all, see the gospel modeled in your home and in your life." [12:08] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You have to lead, Anthony. You have to love your wife as Christ loved the church, which is the easy part. Here's the hard part, and give yourself up for her. So, yes to her is no to you. And that teaches this little girl what to look for in a man." [12:51] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We speak favor and blessing and protection over her. Lord, let her grow up as an oak of righteousness in this home. Lord, we look forward to the opportunity to be the church to her, to model the gospel, to teach the gospel, to love her, to love her mom and dad, love her big brother." [13:38] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When they're like this, it's easy. When they're 16 and got an attitude, it's a little more difficult. And so, Lord, we pray for those days as well. And so, Lord, we look forward to rejoicing in her salvation. We commit her to you." [14:23] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Eugene Peterson said this about the Christian life. It's a long obedience in the same direction." [15:45] (4 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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