Raising Children in the Gospel: A Family Commitment
Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today at Commonplace Church, we celebrate Family Dedication Day, a special occasion where families commit to raising their children in the gospel. While not explicitly commanded in Scripture, this tradition is rooted in biblical examples like Hannah dedicating Samuel and Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus at the temple. These acts symbolize a commitment to nurturing children in the faith, teaching them to know and love God.
The gospel is central to our lives and parenting. It is the good news that God sent Jesus to rescue us from sin. Jesus lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and rose again, proving His power to forgive and transform lives. This gospel message motivates parents to instill the fear of God in their children, not as a fear of punishment, but as a reverence for His holiness and greatness. It encourages parents to lead by example, demonstrating forgiveness and grace in their interactions with their children and others.
The gospel also inspires parents to center their families around love and service, not out of obligation, but from gratitude for what Jesus has done. It teaches parents to discipline their children with love, reflecting the way God disciplines us for our growth. Moreover, it helps parents view their failures and inadequacies through the lens of grace, reminding them that God's mercies are new every morning.
In Deuteronomy 11, we are reminded to keep God's commandments at the forefront of our lives, teaching them to our children in everyday moments. Similarly, the gospel should permeate our homes, guiding our actions and conversations. As parents, we are ambassadors for Christ, entrusted with the message of reconciliation. Our mission is not just to raise responsible adults but to prepare our children for eternity, ensuring they know and love Jesus.
Today, as we dedicate these families, we affirm our commitment to support them in this journey. We pray for God's blessing on these parents and children, that they may grow in faith and live lives that glorify Him. Let us all strive to be examples of the gospel, encouraging and supporting one another in this vital mission.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Gospel as a Parenting Guide: The gospel motivates parents to instill a reverence for God in their children, teaching them that God is holy and different from any earthly relationship. This understanding shapes how children view God and their relationship with Him. [07:29]
2. Leading by Example: Parents are called to demonstrate the gospel through their actions, showing forgiveness and grace in their daily interactions. This includes apologizing and seeking forgiveness from their children, modeling humility and the transformative power of the gospel. [09:18]
3. Centering Family Around Service: The gospel frees parents to serve others out of love and thankfulness, creating a home environment focused on serving others as Jesus did. This service is not about following rules but about expressing gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice. [11:26]
4. Embracing Failures with Grace: The gospel reassures parents that failure is not final. It encourages them to view their shortcomings through the lens of grace, reminding them that God's mercies are new every morning, allowing them to start afresh. [14:33]
5. Ambassadors of Reconciliation: Parents are entrusted with the message of reconciliation, teaching their children about the transformative power of the gospel. This mission extends beyond raising responsible adults to preparing children for eternity, ensuring they know and love Jesus. [16:45]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [03:27] - Biblical Examples of Dedication
- [05:20] - The Gospel's Role in Parenting
- [07:29] - Teaching Reverence for God
- [09:18] - Leading by Example
- [11:26] - Centering Family Around Service
- [14:33] - Embracing Failures with Grace
- [16:45] - Ambassadors of Reconciliation
- [18:29] - Preparing Children for Eternity
- [19:33] - Family Dedication Ceremony
- [21:45] - Commitment to Gospel-Centered Parenting
- [22:43] - Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Samuel 3:19-21
2. Deuteronomy 11:18-21
3. 2 Corinthians 5:13-21
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Observation Questions:
1. What examples of dedication are mentioned in the Bible, and how do they relate to the concept of Family Dedication Day? [03:27]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of the gospel in parenting, particularly in terms of forgiveness and grace? [07:29]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of parents leading by example in their daily interactions with their children? [09:18]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of being ambassadors of reconciliation, and what role do parents play in this mission? [16:45]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the gospel should influence the way parents discipline their children? How does this compare to traditional views of discipline? [11:26]
2. How does the sermon interpret the passage from Deuteronomy 11 in the context of modern parenting? What does it mean to have God's commandments at the forefront of family life? [11:26]
3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between parental failures and the gospel's message of grace? How can this perspective change a parent's approach to their own shortcomings? [14:33]
4. How does the sermon describe the transformation that occurs when parents view their role as ambassadors for Christ? What impact does this have on their parenting goals? [16:45]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you had to discipline your child. How might the gospel's message of grace and love have changed your approach? [11:26]
2. Consider the ways you currently lead by example in your home. What specific actions can you take to better demonstrate forgiveness and grace to your children? [09:18]
3. How can you incorporate the teachings of Deuteronomy 11 into your daily family routine? What practical steps can you take to ensure God's commandments are visible and discussed in your home? [11:26]
4. Think about a time when you felt inadequate as a parent. How can the gospel's reassurance that failure is not final help you move forward with renewed confidence? [14:33]
5. Identify one area in your family life where you can focus on serving others out of love and thankfulness. What specific actions can you take this week to make this a reality? [11:26]
6. How can you actively involve your children in understanding and participating in the message of reconciliation? What conversations or activities can you initiate to help them grasp this concept? [16:45]
7. Reflect on your role as an ambassador for Christ within your family. What changes can you make to ensure that your parenting aligns with the mission of preparing your children for eternity? [18:29]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Reverence for God Shapes Our Understanding
The gospel serves as a guide for parents to instill a deep reverence for God in their children. This reverence is not about fear of punishment but about recognizing God's holiness and greatness. By understanding that God is different from any earthly relationship, children can develop a healthy and profound relationship with Him. Parents are encouraged to teach their children about God's nature and character, helping them to see God as a loving and just Father. This understanding shapes how children view God and their relationship with Him, laying a foundation for a lifelong journey of faith. [07:29]
Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (ESV): "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?"
Reflection: How can you help your children or those you influence to see God as both holy and loving in your daily interactions with them?
Day 2: Demonstrating the Gospel Through Actions
Parents are called to lead by example, demonstrating the gospel through their actions. This involves showing forgiveness and grace in daily interactions, not only with their children but with everyone around them. By modeling humility and the transformative power of the gospel, parents can teach their children the importance of seeking forgiveness and offering it to others. This practice of living out the gospel in everyday life helps children understand the significance of grace and forgiveness, encouraging them to adopt these values in their own lives. [09:18]
Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you could have shown more grace or forgiveness. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future?
Day 3: Serving Others Out of Love and Gratitude
The gospel inspires parents to center their families around love and service, not out of obligation, but from gratitude for what Jesus has done. This approach creates a home environment focused on serving others as Jesus did, emphasizing love and thankfulness rather than rule-following. By serving others, parents teach their children the value of selflessness and compassion, encouraging them to live lives that reflect Jesus' love and sacrifice. This service-oriented mindset helps families grow closer to God and each other, fostering a spirit of unity and purpose. [11:26]
Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Reflection: Identify one way you can serve someone in your community this week out of love and gratitude for what Jesus has done for you.
Day 4: Viewing Failures Through the Lens of Grace
The gospel reassures parents that failure is not final. It encourages them to view their shortcomings through the lens of grace, reminding them that God's mercies are new every morning. This perspective allows parents to embrace their failures and inadequacies, knowing that they can start afresh each day. By acknowledging their need for grace, parents can teach their children the importance of relying on God's strength and forgiveness, fostering a spirit of resilience and hope in their family. [14:33]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent failure or shortcoming. How can you embrace God's grace and start anew today?
Day 5: Preparing Children for Eternity
Parents are entrusted with the mission of being ambassadors of reconciliation, teaching their children about the transformative power of the gospel. This mission extends beyond raising responsible adults to preparing children for eternity, ensuring they know and love Jesus. By focusing on the eternal significance of their parenting, parents can guide their children toward a deeper understanding of their faith and relationship with God. This eternal perspective helps families prioritize spiritual growth and discipleship, equipping children to live lives that glorify God. [16:45]
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to help your children or those you influence understand the eternal significance of knowing and loving Jesus?
Quotes
1. "The gospel is the good news that God sent Jesus, who I was just talking about, sent Jesus to be a rescuer. He did that before the foundations of the earth when he knew that mankind would fall, and before the foundations were even set on the earth, the Godhead knew that it would rescue sinners through Jesus Christ." [05:20] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The gospel motivates parents to lead by example. So, not only are they seeking to raise their kids responsibly, but they are demonstrating the gospel, the good news that there is forgiveness in the way that they live their lives, right? What does that look like? That looks like husbands apologizing to their wives and seeking their forgiveness when they've wronged them, and the kids seeing that, it also looks like, it also looks like a father or mother asking their child for forgiveness when they've reacted in a harsh way, or in a way that was unbecoming, right? Which can be challenging." [07:29] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The gospel motivates parents to center their family around serving, serving out of love and thankfulness. Not serving out of a list of rules. Well, the Bible says that we have to serve, but what the gospel does is it frees mothers and fathers to create a central focus in their home that is about serving others. And why do they do it? They do it because Jesus showed them what love is. They do it because they are thankful for what Jesus did on the cross for them." [09:18] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The gospel says that failure isn't final with God. And so the gospel says, dust yourself off and start again, right? Because his mercies are new every morning." [11:26] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The God of the universe is saying, it's hard to like juggle phone, like microphone and, but here we go. The God of the universe is saying, is saying that my commandments are so important, right, that I want you to not only imbibe them and ingest them and live them out, but I want you to, he makes it a point to say, I want you to display them to your children. I want everywhere in your home, on the doorposts, I want you to wear them. I want everywhere in your house to be my commandments." [14:33] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Why are we so excited about this thing? Because not only has God reconciled us to himself through his son, but he's giving us the message of reconciliation. Meaning, you can pass on to your children that you are a new creation. You are a new creation. You are a new creation. You are a new that they can be reconciled with the God of the universe." [16:45] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ. God making his appeal through us, right? Parents, we are ambassadors for Christ, and God makes his appeal through us. The means by which our children learn about Jesus, understand the gospel, and believe is through our efforts, through our teaching, through our display. God is making his appeal through us." [18:29] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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