SPIRITUAL HERITAGE (1)
(Message by Tanny Keng)
0. Introduction
a) Proverbs 22:6 NKJV says, "6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."
b) Passing on our Christian faith and lifestyle to our children does not come automatically. It comes through much efforts of deliberate training in godliness and much prayers for wisdom and direction. We see today, that there is a large proportion of casualties in our attempts to train our younger generation into the Christian faith.
c) Many teenagers of godly parents seem to be turning to the world and rejecting God. This to a large extent is contributed by the influence of humanistic philosophy in our parenting. This is called "democratic parenting." It is a philosophy that blends a false assumptions about human nature and the political theory of absolute social equality. Their basic assumption is the belief that children are by nature born good and virtuous, not capable or responsible for wrong doing. With such assumptions this democratic model of parenting promotes:
i) Freedom of expression
ii) Conflict avoidance; as they see conflict is bad so avoiding conflict is good
iii) Parental authority is bad
iv) Immediate gratification
d) The biblical model holds that:
i) Man's nature is corrupted by the effects of Adam's sin, depravity
ii) Parental restraint gives away to responsible behavior
iii) Conflict is natural, so conflict resolution is good
iv) Deferred gratification is good and necessary
e) To succeed in passing our faith to our children, we must hold on to biblical standards and not compromise with the democratic model of parenting. We must pass on a spiritual heritage which brings a strong spiritual influence and atmosphere that will cause our children and descendants to fear God and walk in God's way.
1. Personal example of godly living
a) This serves as model for our children.
i) 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21 NIV)
b) Many times our actions speak so loudly that our children can't hear what we say.
i) Make and keep our commitment to obey and follow all that Christ taught us in his word. Our spirituality is measured by our commitment made to God which is our direction in life.
@1. 17 Be sure to keep the commands of the Lord your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you. (Deuteronomy 6:17 NIV)
ii) Whenever we fail and sin against our family, let us learn humility by asking for their forgiveness.
@1. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NIV)
iii) Share testimonies and God's dealings in our lives to our family.
@1. 20 In the future, when your son asks you, “What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?” 21 tell him: “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 Before our eyes the Lord sent signs and wonders—great and terrible—on Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. 23 But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land he promised on oath to our ancestors. 24 The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. 25 And if we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.” (Deuteronomy 6:20-25 NIV)
iv) Love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind, and you also love your neighbor (first wife & children, then parents, brothers & sisters and those in need) as yourself.
@1. 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV)
0. Introductiona) Proverbs 22:6 NKJV says, "6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."
b) Passing on our Christian faith and lifestyle to our children does not come automatically. It comes through much efforts of deliberate training in godliness and much prayers for wisdom and direction. We see today, that there is a large proportion of casualties in our attempts to train our younger generation into the Christian faith.
c) Many teenagers of godly parents seem to be turning to the world and rejecting God. This to a large extent is contributed by the influence of humanistic philosophy in our parenting. This is called "democratic parenting." It is a philosophy that blends a false assumptions about human nature and the political theory of absolute social equality. Their basic assumption is the belief that children are by nature born good and virtuous, not capable or responsible for wrong doing. With such assumptions this democratic model of parenting promotes:
i) Freedom of expression
ii) Conflict avoidance; as they see conflict is bad so avoiding conflict is good
iii) Parental authority is bad
iv) Immediate gratification
d) The biblical model holds that:
i) Man's nature is corrupted by the effects of Adam's sin, depravity
ii) Parental restraint gives away to responsible behavior
iii) Conflict is natural, so conflict resolution is good
iv) Deferred gratification is good and necessary
e) To succeed in passing our faith to our children, we must hold on to biblical standards and not compromise with the democratic model of parenting. We must pass on a spiritual heritage which brings a strong spiritual influence and atmosphere that will cause our children and descendants to fear God and walk in God's way.
1. Personal example of godly living
a) This serves as model for our children.
i) 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21 NIV)
b) Many times our actions speak so loudly that our children can't hear what we say.
i) Make and keep our commitment to obey and follow all that Christ taught us in his word. Our spirituality is measured by our commitment made to God which is our direction in life.
@1. 17 Be sure to keep the commands of the Lord your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you. (Deuteronomy 6:17 NIV)
ii) Whenever we fail and sin against our family, let us learn humility by asking for their forgiveness.
@1. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NIV)
iii) Share testimonies and God's dealings in our lives to our family.
@1. 20 In the future, when your son asks you, “What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?” 21 tell him: “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 Before our eyes the Lord sent signs and wonders—great and terrible—on Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. 23 But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land he promised on oath to our ancestors. 24 The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. 25 And if we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.” (Deuteronomy 6:20-25 NIV)
iv) Love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind, and you also love your neighbor (first wife & children, then parents, brothers & sisters and those in need) as yourself.
@1. 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV)
The End ...
Comments
Post a Comment