Passing Down Values: Intentional Parenting for Spiritual Growth

Summary

Taking a moment to reflect on the message shared today, we delved into the importance of generational teaching and the transmission of values, particularly in the context of family and spiritual life. The essence of our discussion was centered on the necessity of passing down spiritual truths and values to the next generation, ensuring that they are equipped to navigate a world that often challenges these principles. We explored the idea that not everything we hear is for us alone; rather, it is for the benefit of those who come after us. This is a call to action for us to be intentional in our communication, ensuring that the truths we hold dear are not lost but are preserved and passed on.

We also discussed the importance of understanding authority and the role it plays in both natural and spiritual contexts. Teaching our children to respect and understand authority is crucial, as it lays the foundation for their understanding of spiritual authority. This understanding is not innate and must be taught, especially in cultures that may not naturally emphasize these values.

Furthermore, we emphasized the significance of prioritizing spiritual matters over worldly achievements. While education and career are important, they should not overshadow the spiritual development and involvement in the church. Our children must see us valuing and prioritizing church and spiritual activities, as this sets a precedent for them to follow.

Lastly, we touched on the need for our children to be genuinely concerned about the welfare of others, including their parents. This is a counter-cultural message in a world that often promotes self-interest. By teaching our children to care for others, we instill in them a sense of responsibility and community that aligns with biblical teachings.

Key Takeaways:

1. Generational Teaching: It is vital to pass down spiritual truths and values to the next generation. This requires intentional communication and the preservation of these truths, ensuring they are not lost in a rapidly changing world. [03:06]

2. Understanding Authority: Teaching children to respect and understand authority is crucial for their spiritual and natural development. This understanding must be cultivated, especially in cultures that may not naturally emphasize these values. [18:17]

3. Prioritizing Spiritual Matters: Spiritual development and involvement in the church should take precedence over worldly achievements. Our actions and priorities set a precedent for our children, teaching them the importance of valuing spiritual matters. [41:07]

4. Genuine Concern for Others: Instilling a sense of responsibility and community in our children is essential. Teaching them to be genuinely concerned about the welfare of others, including their parents, aligns with biblical teachings and counters the self-interest promoted by the world. [49:22]

5. Intentional Parenting: We must be intentional in teaching our children values that may not be emphasized by the culture they live in. This includes teaching them to give, serve, and prioritize spiritual matters, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the challenges of the world. [52:41]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [00:34] - Introduction and Context
- [01:24] - Humor and Reflections
- [03:06] - Generational Teaching
- [07:10] - Defining Values
- [09:07] - Importance of Unity in Marriage
- [11:21] - Praying for Spouses
- [12:16] - Teaching Authority
- [18:17] - Cultural Contexts
- [22:08] - Respecting Hierarchies
- [26:09] - Delegated Authority
- [28:20] - Understanding Spiritual Authority
- [31:32] - Biblical Order
- [34:53] - Valuing Spiritual Matters
- [41:07] - Prioritizing Church
- [49:22] - Genuine Concern for Welfare
- [52:41] - Teaching Responsibility
- [55:11] - Testimony and Reflection
- [58:37] - Changing the Narrative
- [01:00:13] - Final Thoughts and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 8:5-13
2. Philippians 2:19-22

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Observation Questions:

1. In Matthew 8:5-13, how does the centurion demonstrate his understanding of authority, and what is Jesus' response to his faith?
2. According to Philippians 2:19-22, what distinguishes Timothy from others in his concern for the welfare of others?
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of generational teaching. What are some examples given in the sermon of how spiritual truths can be intentionally passed down to the next generation? [03:06]
4. How does the sermon describe the cultural challenges in teaching children about authority and respect? [18:17]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the centurion's understanding of authority in Matthew 8:5-13 relate to the concept of spiritual authority discussed in the sermon? [12:16]
2. In Philippians 2:19-22, Paul highlights Timothy's genuine concern for others. How does this align with the sermon's message about teaching children to care for the welfare of others? [49:22]
3. The sermon discusses the importance of prioritizing spiritual matters over worldly achievements. How might this principle be applied in a family setting? [41:07]
4. What are the potential consequences of not teaching children to respect authority, both in natural and spiritual contexts, as discussed in the sermon? [18:17]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own family or community. How are you currently passing down spiritual truths and values to the next generation? What changes could you make to be more intentional in this area? [03:06]
2. Consider the cultural context you live in. How does it influence your approach to teaching authority and respect to children? What specific actions can you take to address any cultural challenges? [18:17]
3. In what ways can you demonstrate to your children or those you mentor that spiritual development and involvement in the church are priorities in your life? [41:07]
4. How can you encourage a genuine concern for the welfare of others in your children or those you influence, especially in a culture that often promotes self-interest? [49:22]
5. Think about a recent situation where you had to balance worldly achievements with spiritual priorities. How did you handle it, and what would you do differently next time? [41:07]
6. Identify one specific way you can model respect for authority in your daily life. How can you communicate the importance of this value to the next generation? [18:17]
7. Reflect on your family's or community's current practices. How can you create opportunities for children to serve and give within the church or community, reinforcing the value of generosity? [35:44]

Devotional

Day 1: Passing Down Spiritual Truths
The importance of generational teaching lies in the intentional transmission of spiritual truths and values to the next generation. In a world that often challenges these principles, it is crucial to ensure that these truths are not only preserved but also actively communicated to those who come after us. This involves recognizing that the wisdom and insights we gain are not solely for our benefit but are meant to be shared with others. By doing so, we equip the next generation to navigate the complexities of life with a strong spiritual foundation. [03:06]

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: Who in your life can you intentionally share a spiritual truth with today, and how can you do so in a way that is meaningful and impactful?

Day 2: Cultivating Respect for Authority
Understanding authority is essential for both natural and spiritual development. Teaching children to respect and understand authority lays a foundation for their comprehension of spiritual authority. This understanding is not innate and must be cultivated, especially in cultures that may not naturally emphasize these values. By instilling respect for authority, we prepare the next generation to navigate both worldly and spiritual hierarchies with wisdom and discernment. [18:17]

Hebrews 13:17 (ESV): "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."

Reflection: Reflect on your own attitude towards authority figures in your life. How can you model respect for authority to those around you, especially the younger generation?

Day 3: Prioritizing Spiritual Development
In a world that often prioritizes worldly achievements, it is vital to place spiritual development and involvement in the church above all else. While education and career are important, they should not overshadow the growth of one's spiritual life. By prioritizing spiritual matters, we set a precedent for our children, teaching them the value of nurturing their relationship with God and being active participants in their faith community. [41:07]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to prioritize your spiritual growth over worldly pursuits, and how can you involve your family in this journey?

Day 4: Instilling Genuine Concern for Others
Teaching children to be genuinely concerned about the welfare of others, including their parents, is a counter-cultural message in a world that often promotes self-interest. By instilling a sense of responsibility and community, we align with biblical teachings and foster a spirit of compassion and empathy. This not only benefits those around us but also enriches our own spiritual journey as we learn to love and serve others selflessly. [49:22]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: Identify one person in your life who may need support or encouragement. How can you reach out to them today in a way that demonstrates genuine concern and love?

Day 5: Intentional Parenting in a Challenging World
Intentional parenting involves teaching children values that may not be emphasized by the culture they live in. This includes teaching them to give, serve, and prioritize spiritual matters, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the challenges of the world. By being deliberate in our parenting, we help our children develop a strong moral and spiritual compass that will guide them throughout their lives. [52:41]

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: What is one specific value or principle you want to instill in your children or those you mentor, and what steps can you take to intentionally teach and model this value?

Quotes

1) "One of the things the holy ghost has been saying to me for the past year or so if not two is that not everything you hear is for you right um there's a generation after us the bible talks about this talks about um the elder women teaching the younger women now I don't know how your theology works it doesn't say the elder men teaching the younger men but it's implying that right okay um but the point is that the generation before has to teach the next generation about how things ought to work but but there are ironies what the world is becoming now is they don't want us to talk so the first the first inspired thing I'm going to say today is we have to keep talking whether it is the gospel of our lord jesus christ or it is the gospel to our children or the gospel to our spouses they must not shut us down we must not let it that's what the enemy wants to do but we have to even if they change how we would normally we have to be intentional about how we say the things that must be said because the moment you stop saying it if one generation stops saying it there's going to be a generation that won't know it right" [05:00] (78 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "So here's, in looking at some of the things that we're talking about here, I often say, and I've said it many times, that you have to define what the values that you want to have. What you want to pass to your children are. You need to define them. Whatever those spiritual values are, or natural values are, you need to define them upfront, intentionally. And then you need to ask yourself, the culture that I live in, does it promote those values? If the culture I live in does not promote those values, I have to intentionally teach those values. I have to, in fact, I have to overteach, and I must sound like a broken record, to compensate for what is missing." [07:10] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "If David and I still had this little conversation at the back of the room that, where are the men? It's just us here. and that is the problem. Does anybody know that that's the problem? Okay. The men are doing other stuff when they should be here praying. Why is it only the women that are here for the most part? But we don't let that go. We must fight to change that. Because I don't care what the politically correct people say, you guys are not making it without us. I've read the Bible back to front many times. You cannot do this without us. No more than we can do it without you. Because that's not the way he planned it. If he planned that you do it without us, then you can do it. But as long as he's with us, you're on your own if you go on your own." [09:51] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "So here's the thought here Jesus is saying the well Jesus is saying the centurion above saying no actually just speak I understand how authority works right that you don't need to come just speak do you know that if you have taught your children well that you don't have to be physically there to give them instructions does anybody know that that if they have been taught authority the moment you say it you can be at work and they can be at home and they will do what you say because they don't understand how authority works so so here's what I'm saying I'm saying we especially we that live in an egalitarian society we have to teach our children what authority is otherwise they are not going to know and if they don't understand authority naturally they won't understand it spiritually because this is what the centurion has just said I get what you mean because this is what I practice in my daily life I don't understand what the centurion has just said in my daily life so when it comes to spiritual things I know what you're talking about did you see right but he wouldn't have been able to get it if he wasn't taught it" [15:00] (78 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "Teach your child to respect and value the things of God. Be intentional about teaching your, you already know this, so I'm sending you to tell somebody that you must prioritize this. God forbids, you know, we Nigerians, becoming a lawyer, a doctor, a nurse is the most important thing on the planet. But God forbid that you have a doctor, a lawyer, and a nurse and you get to heaven and they're not there. Your education is not the most important thing. We just think it is. Okay? No. So we must be intentional about teaching from a young age. Isn't that what Paul said to Timothy? From a young age. Teach them this thing. Let me tell you what I mean to help you." [34:53] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "Teach them to go to church. I'm saying this because I know what I'm seeing. Teach them to serve in church. Teach them to give. Or tithe. Nobody wants to hear that word now. I don't believe in tithing the way most people believe in it. Tithing is just a name you give to 10%. It's still giving. It's still giving. Now, let me emphasize that a bit. That's important, especially when you live in a culture that is stingy. This is the point. Think about what I'm saying. When you live in a culture that is generous, I don't need to emphasize that too much. But if you live in a culture that is stingy, you need to overemphasize it to compensate. If you live in a culture that's counting every penny, no, you can't take my 1p, you can't take my 10p, you must give it back. You have to tell. Because, listen, because your children, your children are not like you in the sense that they grew up here. And if they grew up here, they take on the spirit of the place in which they live." [35:44] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "So here's my point. You have to teach and train your children to think about you. A couple of stories around that is how, again, one of our friends was talking about how she was thinking, man, when it's my birthday or it's a significant thing in my life, my children don't seem to care. They don't seem to be doing anything. And she was talking to another friend about it. And the other friend was saying something like, actually, you need to address that. This is what happened to me. I noticed one day that I was unwell and my children, they were coming to the house and they were just walking past. They were doing their own thing. They just didn't care about me. And I was unwell. And then I had to call them to orders. Come, come, come, come, come. You guys can't be doing that. I spend my time, my money, my resources, taking care of you, making sure your welfare is good, everything is okay. Okay. And then when it's my turn, you don't care. So she had to teach the children to take care of her." [50:46] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "but um this young lady look next generation look she's such a blessing to listen to right and she was talking about how um her parents they had their own drama and they separated and then she was being raised by her mother herself and i think two siblings or so no ten siblings because i don't want you to know what i'm talking about um and um what happens and mother passed away so she had to step in and take responsibility right okay and um she spent her time her resources her energy practically raising her siblings and then what happened to her was when her siblings were could practically take care of themselves and go to uni and stuff like that they would come home and talk about how they spent this money and they went on holiday to this place went to a little in that place and then went on another place and then she was saying that she was bitter because in order to take care of them she deprived herself she too knows how to enjoy but she deprived herself so that her siblings would have a chance and then it just hit me like a ton of breaks that many parents are feeling like this because they did they slave they did this they did so that their children will have an opportunity. And now, they're traveling the world and they're not looking back. Because that's the spirit of the age. Now, travel the world if you want, but give unto Caesar that which is Caesar's. Can anybody see what I'm saying? And unto God that which is God's. Do both. Can anybody see what I'm saying?" [55:11] (110 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?