Prioritizing Jesus: Nurturing Faith in Our Children

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the significance of prioritizing Jesus in our lives and the lives of our children. We began by acknowledging the importance of leadership within the church, introducing Ben Shepard as a candidate for eldership, and encouraging the congregation to pray for him and get to know him better. This serves as a reminder of the communal nature of our faith journey and the importance of supporting one another in leadership roles.

We then delved into Matthew 19:13-15, focusing on the theme of bringing children to Jesus. This passage highlights the importance of children's ministries and the need for the church to be a welcoming place for young people. We emphasized that children should not only be tolerated but seen as examples of faith. Jesus' words, "Let the little children come to me," challenge us to prioritize spiritual nourishment for our children, ensuring they grow up knowing the love and guidance of Christ.

In today's world, Sundays are often filled with various activities, making church attendance seem optional. However, we must resist this trend and make church a priority, not just for ourselves but for our children. By doing so, we provide them with spiritual nourishment and protect them from the "spiritual junk food" prevalent in society. This commitment requires us to model a life centered on Christ, demonstrating the importance of faith through our actions and priorities.

We concluded by reflecting on the role of the church community in supporting families and children. It's essential to create an environment where children feel welcomed and valued, ensuring they grow up with a positive view of the church. This involves not only attending services but also engaging with children, offering encouragement, and living out our faith in a way that inspires them.

Key Takeaways:

1. Leadership and Community Support: The introduction of Ben Shepard as a candidate for eldership reminds us of the importance of supporting and praying for our leaders. Leadership in the church is a communal effort, and we are called to encourage and uplift those who step into these roles. [08:23]

2. Children as Examples of Faith: Jesus' invitation to let the children come to Him challenges us to see children as examples of faith. They are not just to be tolerated but celebrated as vital members of the church community. Their presence reminds us of the simplicity and purity of faith. [16:33]

3. Prioritizing Spiritual Nourishment: In a world filled with distractions, it's crucial to prioritize spiritual nourishment for ourselves and our children. By making church attendance a priority, we provide a foundation of faith that protects against the spiritual "junk food" of society. [27:45]

4. Modeling a Christ-Centered Life: Our actions and priorities speak volumes to our children. By living a life centered on Christ, we demonstrate the importance of faith and encourage our children to follow suit. This commitment requires intentionality and consistency. [30:20]

5. Creating a Welcoming Church Environment: The church community plays a vital role in making children feel welcomed and valued. By engaging with children and offering encouragement, we help them develop a positive view of the church and a desire to grow in their faith. [31:44]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [08:23] - Introduction to Matthew 19
- [10:45] - Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem
- [11:28] - Children Brought to Jesus
- [12:32] - Disciples' Rebuke
- [14:09] - Cultural Context of Children
- [15:45] - Church and Children Today
- [16:33] - Jesus' Response to Disciples
- [18:46] - Sunday Pressures and Priorities
- [19:48] - Letting Children Come to Jesus
- [21:04] - Making Jesus a Priority
- [22:07] - Church as a Spiritual Foundation
- [23:22] - Importance of Church for Families
- [27:45] - Spiritual Nourishment vs. Junk Food
- [30:20] - Practical Steps for Prioritizing Church
- [31:44] - Creating a Welcoming Environment

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 19:13-15

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#### Observation Questions

1. What was the reaction of the disciples when children were brought to Jesus, and how did Jesus respond to them? [12:32]

2. How does the sermon describe the cultural view of children during Jesus' time compared to today? [14:09]

3. What reasons does the sermon give for why church attendance is becoming optional for many families today? [18:46]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of "spiritual junk food" in relation to children's spiritual nourishment? [27:45]

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#### Interpretation Questions

1. Why might Jesus have emphasized the importance of allowing children to come to Him, and what does this imply about their role in the church community? [16:33]

2. How does the sermon suggest that prioritizing church attendance can protect children from societal influences? [27:45]

3. In what ways does the sermon propose that the church community can create a welcoming environment for children? [31:44]

4. How does the sermon connect the idea of modeling a Christ-centered life with the spiritual development of children? [30:20]

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#### Application Questions

1. Reflect on your current priorities. How can you make church attendance a more consistent part of your family's routine, especially for your children? [21:04]

2. Consider the "spiritual junk food" that might be influencing your children. What steps can you take to provide them with more spiritual nourishment? [27:45]

3. How can you personally contribute to creating a welcoming and encouraging environment for children in your church community? [31:44]

4. Think about your own life. How can you model a Christ-centered life to your children or the children in your church community? [30:20]

5. What are some practical ways you can support and pray for church leaders, like Ben Shepard, as they take on leadership roles? [08:23]

6. How can you engage with children in your church to help them feel valued and important members of the community? [16:33]

7. Reflect on your family's Sunday routine. What changes can you make to ensure that church is a priority and not just an option? [18:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Leadership as a Communal Responsibility
Leadership within the church is not a solitary endeavor but a communal responsibility. The introduction of Ben Shepard as a candidate for eldership serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and praying for our leaders. Leadership roles in the church require the backing of the entire community, as they are tasked with guiding and nurturing the spiritual growth of the congregation. By encouraging and uplifting those who step into these roles, we participate in the collective journey of faith, ensuring that our leaders are equipped and supported in their mission. [08:23]

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (ESV): "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves."

Reflection: Who is a leader in your church that you can pray for and encourage this week? How can you actively support them in their role?


Day 2: Children as Models of Faith
Children are not merely to be tolerated within the church community but celebrated as models of faith. Jesus' invitation to let the children come to Him challenges us to view children as vital members of the church, whose simplicity and purity of faith serve as examples for all. By embracing children and recognizing their spiritual significance, we create an environment where they feel valued and inspired to grow in their faith. This perspective encourages us to prioritize children's ministries and ensure that the church is a welcoming place for young people. [16:33]

Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV): "And said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"

Reflection: How can you learn from the faith of a child in your life? What steps can you take to encourage and nurture their spiritual journey?


Day 3: Prioritizing Spiritual Nourishment
In a world filled with distractions, prioritizing spiritual nourishment for ourselves and our children is crucial. The trend of viewing church attendance as optional must be resisted, as it provides a foundation of faith that protects against the spiritual "junk food" prevalent in society. By making church a priority, we ensure that our children receive the spiritual guidance and nourishment they need to grow in their relationship with Christ. This commitment requires intentionality and a conscious effort to model a life centered on faith. [27:45]

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: What distractions are preventing you from prioritizing spiritual nourishment in your life? How can you rearrange your schedule to make church attendance a priority for your family?


Day 4: Living a Christ-Centered Life
Our actions and priorities speak volumes to our children, and by living a life centered on Christ, we demonstrate the importance of faith. This commitment requires intentionality and consistency, as we strive to model a Christ-centered life for our children. By prioritizing our relationship with Jesus and aligning our actions with His teachings, we encourage our children to follow suit and develop their own faith. This involves making conscious choices that reflect our commitment to living out our faith in everyday life. [30:20]

Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can better model a Christ-centered approach for your children? What practical steps can you take to align your actions with your faith?


Day 5: Creating a Welcoming Church Environment
The church community plays a vital role in making children feel welcomed and valued. By engaging with children and offering encouragement, we help them develop a positive view of the church and a desire to grow in their faith. This involves not only attending services but also actively participating in creating an environment where children feel inspired and supported. By living out our faith in a way that inspires young people, we contribute to a church community that nurtures and values the spiritual growth of its youngest members. [31:44]

Romans 15:7 (ESV): "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."

Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a welcoming environment for children in your church? What specific actions can you take to engage and encourage the young people in your congregation?

Quotes

"We pray, Lord, that these would not be just fridge magnets that decorate our fridge, but would actually be a driving force into our prayer life and into our church life. And so, Lord, we ask that you would help us, give us open hearts, open minds to hear from you, to receive from you, to listen to what it is you want to say to us, Lord." [00:07:03]

"Since God is life-giving, since his word guides us into living so much more beautifully than when we try to live, we surely want children to come into relationship with God as early as possible, to receive the Lord Jesus as their Lord and as their Savior over their life, that they might be protected from so many years of mistakes and so much pain, which could be avoided if only they knew that Jesus is the way and the truth and the life in their life." [00:09:48]

"And Jesus takes the time to teach them and heals the sick among them as he was now famous for being able to do. And when Jesus arrives, people flock to him because of that reputation, because of that teaching, and because of his incredible power. Then in verse 13, we're told that children were brought to him that he might lay hands on them and pray." [00:10:58]

"In Jesus' day, children were valued within the family home, but they weren't particularly valued in society as they are in ours today. It was more of a, do you remember the saying that you would go, children should be seen and not heard? Normally said as a joke today, isn't it? But there was a time when that was expected. Children would be seen and not heard." [00:14:12]

"Jesus said, let the children come to me, the little children, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them and went away. And we're going to split this up between this week and next, next week where we want to look at the fact that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like little children." [00:16:33]

"Making Jesus a priority to our children starts by making Jesus a priority to us. In our own life. This isn't just for parents. This is for every single one of us. I don't have kids. It's funny, I can feel it sometimes. People used to say to me, you don't understand, Rab, you're not married. Now they say to me, you don't understand, Rab, you don't have a kid." [00:20:57]

"If we don't prioritize church for ourselves, and if we don't prioritize church for our children, then we leave them spiritually hungry in a world that is full of spiritual junk food. And you can bet to your bottom's backside that our children are being bombarded with spiritual junk food." [00:26:54]

"And if we aren't letting our children come to Jesus, and be spiritually satisfied at his feet, they're going to be far more likely to grab hold of the junk food that comes across them in the day. So I know that you don't want your children to grow up regretting the church because they were dragged there on a Sunday." [00:27:57]

"We realize how vital it is for our children not just to come to church, but actually to regularly be fed on the day of the Sabbath. Under the word of God. We need for our children what we need for ourselves. A regular opportunity to come to Jesus, not to be hindered by the business of our day." [00:29:54]

"When it comes to our diaries, we need to make Sunday a priority. Make a regular commitment to be in the church with your child and we've got two services to make that as possible, as suitable as possible. It used to be we came morning and evening. That is the best way to go." [00:30:41]

"Instead, hasten the children to Jesus by seeing lives lived differently. And show them the priority of what it means to put Jesus first in our lives, even at cost. Sometimes even at great cost. Why? Because we know that if we can teach a child to be satisfied in the healthiness of God's spiritual food, that they'll keep turning to him for guidance instead of all the other things that we know wouldn't be good for us." [00:33:42]

"Lord, I thank you for the way that you love the children to come to you. That your desire is that no one is ever too young and that you long that you would be able to show them your way and teach them your truth and give them your life, that they might live lives in abundance from the very beginning and be saved so much harm, so much." [00:34:43]

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Transcript
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