Raising Godly Children: Faith, Prayer, and Eternal Values

In today's message, we explored the profound responsibility and privilege of raising godly offspring. The union of husband and wife is not merely for companionship or procreation but to nurture children who reflect God's character in a world dominated by evil. This task is daunting, given the pervasive influence of the world, which lies under the power of the evil one. However, we are not left to our own devices. God, in His grace, provides the power and wisdom necessary to raise children who honor Him. The key is faith—believing that God will equip us to fulfill His command to raise godly children.

Faith is not just a passive belief but an active trust in God's promises. When we read a command or promise in Scripture, our response should be a resounding "Amen," affirming our belief that God will accomplish what He has promised. This faith is crucial, especially when faced with challenges in parenting. The story from Matthew 17 illustrates this beautifully: a father brought his troubled son to Jesus, and it was the father's faith, not the child's, that led to healing. Similarly, our faith can move mountains, even the mountain of raising children in a godless world.

It's essential to pray earnestly for our children and grandchildren, not for worldly success but for spiritual vitality. Our deepest desire should be for them to become witnesses for Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit, and bold in their faith. God listens to the desires of our hearts, not just our words. If our true desire is for our children to be godly, God will honor that. This is not about following techniques or reading parenting books; it's about bringing our children before Jesus and trusting Him to work in their lives.

Ultimately, what we desire for our children reveals our own hearts. If our focus is on earthly success, we may miss the eternal value of raising children who live for God. Let us seek the real treasure—eternal life with God—and instill that desire in our children. May we, along with our children and grandchildren, rejoice for eternity, knowing we lived for what truly matters.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Godly Offspring as a Divine Purpose: The union of husband and wife is intended to produce godly offspring, not just children. This requires divine wisdom and grace to navigate a world under the influence of evil. Trust that God will provide the necessary power to fulfill this purpose. [01:23]
• 2. Faith Overcomes Worldly Challenges: Raising godly children in an evil world is possible through faith. Believing that God's power is greater than worldly influences is crucial. Our faith, not circumstances, determines the outcome. [04:08]
• 3. Prayer and Faith in Parenting: Like the father in Matthew 17, our faith can bring about transformation in our children's lives. It's not about techniques but about bringing our children to Jesus and trusting Him to work. [08:28]
• 4. Desiring Spiritual Legacy: Our prayers for our children should focus on their spiritual growth and witness for Christ, not worldly success. God honors the true desires of our hearts, so let our deepest desire be for their godliness. [11:02]
• 5. Eternal Perspective in Parenting: What we desire for our children reflects our values. Seek eternal treasures by prioritizing their spiritual lives over earthly achievements. This perspective ensures a legacy of faith for generations. [15:09]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:23] - Purpose of Godly Offspring
• [02:14] - Challenges in a World of Evil
• [03:01] - Assurance of God's Grace
• [04:08] - Faith Overcomes Worldly Giants
• [05:40] - Power of United Prayer
• [06:36] - Faith Moves Mountains
• [07:07] - Bringing Children to Jesus
• [08:28] - Faith of a Parent
• [09:20] - Beyond Parenting Techniques
• [10:17] - Praying for Future Generations
• [11:02] - Spiritual Desires for Children
• [12:23] - Belief in God's Power
• [13:23] - Eternal Perspective
• [15:09] - True Treasures in Parenting

1. Malachi 2:15 - "Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth."
2. Matthew 17:14-20 - The story of the father who brought his troubled son to Jesus for healing.
3. 1 John 5:19 - "We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one."

1. According to Malachi 2:15, what is the purpose of the union between husband and wife? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on raising godly offspring? [01:23]
2. In Matthew 17:14-20, what role did the father's faith play in the healing of his son? How does this illustrate the sermon’s point about the power of parental faith? [08:28]
3. How does 1 John 5:19 describe the world, and how does this align with the sermon’s depiction of the challenges faced in raising godly children? [02:14]
4. What does the sermon suggest is more important than parenting techniques when it comes to raising children? [09:20]

1. How does the concept of "godly offspring" in Malachi 2:15 challenge or affirm your understanding of the purpose of marriage and family? [01:23]
2. In what ways does the story from Matthew 17 demonstrate the importance of faith in overcoming worldly challenges, particularly in parenting? [08:28]
3. How might the understanding that "the whole world is under the control of the evil one" (1 John 5:19) influence a Christian's approach to parenting and family life? [02:14]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and faith over techniques. How might this perspective change the way one approaches parenting challenges? [09:20]

1. Reflect on your own family life. How can you actively seek to raise godly offspring in your household? What specific steps can you take this week to nurture your children’s spiritual growth? [01:23]
2. Consider a challenge you are currently facing in parenting or family life. How can you apply the lesson from Matthew 17 about bringing your concerns to Jesus in faith? [08:28]
3. What are some practical ways you can guard your heart and home against the influences of the world, as described in 1 John 5:19? [02:14]
4. The sermon suggests that our prayers should focus on our children’s spiritual vitality rather than worldly success. How can you adjust your prayers to reflect this priority? [11:02]
5. Think about the desires you have for your children or future generations. How can you ensure that these desires align with seeking eternal treasures rather than earthly achievements? [15:09]
6. How can you and your spouse (or a close family member) unite in prayer for your children, as suggested in the sermon? What specific prayer can you start with this week? [05:40]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about faith being more important than techniques. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God’s promises for your family? [09:20]