Shepherding Children Through Life's Challenges and God's Providence

In addressing the profound question of how to shepherd small children through the pains of life, particularly in light of God's providence, it's essential to consider both the maturity of the child and the clarity of the truth being communicated. When explaining complex theological concepts like suffering and providence to a toddler, it's crucial to gauge their readiness to understand and to present the truth in a way that is both clear and compelling. Jesus' teaching about not casting pearls before swine reminds us to be discerning about what truths we share and when, ensuring that they are not rejected or misunderstood due to immaturity or lack of readiness.

The first principle is about assessing the child's openness and maturity. Just as Paul addressed the Corinthians as infants in Christ, we must tailor our explanations to the child's level of understanding. The second principle emphasizes the need for clarity and boldness in presenting the truth. We must avoid being so cautious or hesitant that the child perceives a lack of conviction or joy in God's providence.

To help a child love God more through understanding His providence, consider these four suggestions: First, share stories that illustrate how God uses difficult situations for good, such as medical interventions that reveal deeper issues. Second, teach that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life, supported by scripture. Third, instill an understanding of grace as undeserved favor, stripping away any sense of entitlement. Finally, point to the cross of Christ as the ultimate example of God's providence, where the greatest suffering led to the greatest good.

By following these guidelines, children can learn to trust in God's providence and be thankful for His work in their lives, even when it involves pain or difficulty.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Understanding Readiness and Maturity: When explaining God's providence to children, assess their readiness and maturity. Tailor the message to their level of understanding, much like Paul did with the Corinthians, addressing them as infants in Christ. This ensures that the truth is not rejected or misunderstood. [03:30]
• 2. Clarity and Boldness in Truth: Present the truth about God's providence clearly and boldly. Avoid being overly cautious or hesitant, as this may convey a lack of conviction or joy in God's sovereignty. Children should sense the truth's worth and beauty through our confident and joyful presentation. [04:24]
• 3. Illustrating God's Goodness Through Stories: Use stories to illustrate how God uses difficult situations for good. This helps children grasp that painful experiences are not unloving acts from God but part of His wise and merciful plan. [07:16]
• 4. Teaching the Normalcy of Suffering: Teach children that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life, supported by scripture. This helps them understand that challenges are not exceptions but part of God's design for growth and reliance on Him. [08:22]
• 5. Pointing to the Cross: Emphasize the cross of Christ as the ultimate example of God's providence. Explain how the greatest suffering led to the greatest good, helping children understand the depth of God's love and the seriousness of sin. [10:25]
  ** [10:25]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:12] - Introduction to the Question
• [00:35] - Explaining God's Providence to a Child
• [01:17] - Principles for Teaching Children
• [01:43] - Jesus' Teaching on Discernment
• [02:59] - Paul's Approach to Spiritual Maturity
• [03:42] - Clarity and Boldness in Truth
• [04:59] - Avoiding Hesitation in Teaching
• [06:43] - Explaining Providence to a Toddler
• [06:58] - Storytelling as a Teaching Tool
• [08:22] - Suffering as a Normal Christian Experience
• [08:58] - Teaching Grace and Undeserved Favor
• [09:49] - The Cross as the Ultimate Example
• [10:52] - Encouragement for Parents
• [11:12] - Upcoming Topics and Farewell

1. Matthew 7:6 - "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you."
2. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 - "But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh."
3. 2 Corinthians 4:2 - "But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God."

1. What does Jesus mean by not throwing pearls before pigs in Matthew 7:6, and how does this relate to sharing complex truths with children? [01:43]
2. How does Paul describe the spiritual maturity of the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, and what does this imply about teaching children? [02:59]
3. According to 2 Corinthians 4:2, how should we present the truth of God's word, and why is this important when teaching children about God's providence? [04:07]
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how God uses difficult situations for good? [07:16]

1. How can the principle of not casting pearls before swine be applied to teaching children about God's providence? What are the risks of sharing too much too soon? [01:57]
2. In what ways does Paul’s approach to the Corinthians as infants in Christ inform how we should communicate complex theological concepts to children? [03:14]
3. How does the sermon suggest we balance clarity and boldness in presenting God's providence to children without overwhelming them? [04:24]
4. What role do stories play in helping children understand and accept the concept of God's providence, according to the sermon? [06:58]

1. Reflect on a time when you had to explain a difficult concept to a child. How did you assess their readiness and maturity, and what would you do differently now? [03:30]
2. How can you ensure that your presentation of God's providence to children is both clear and joyful, avoiding any tone that might invite disapproval or anger towards God? [05:15]
3. Think of a story from your own life where a difficult situation led to a positive outcome. How can you use this story to illustrate God's providence to a child? [07:16]
4. How can you incorporate the teaching that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life into your conversations with children, using scripture as a foundation? [08:22]
5. What steps can you take to teach children about grace as undeserved favor, and how can you help them understand the concept of entitlement in relation to God? [09:14]
6. How can you use the story of the cross to explain the depth of God's love and the seriousness of sin to a child, ensuring they grasp the significance of Jesus' sacrifice? [10:25]
7. Identify a specific way you can help a child in your life trust in God's providence, even when they face pain or difficulty. What practical steps will you take this week? [10:52]