Proverbs 22:6– “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Introduction: Parenting is not easy. If you have children, you know that to be true. If you do not have children yet but you are hoping to do so, keep this in mind. The Bible clearly says that we must “train up our children in the way that they should go”. This means that parents have a responsibility to train their children in the correct path. Teachers, grandparent, friends, etc., don’t have the same responsibility to your children that you have to them. So what is the way that you would like your child to go? Psalm 1:1-6– speaks of “the way of the righteous and the way of the ungodly”. Two different ways and paths that a person could potentially take and it all starts from when a person is a child.
Train your children by:
I. Teaching the Scriptures- II Timothy 3:15– “and that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures” Paul is speaking of Timothy and notice this great testimony. Timothy knew the bible from the time he was a child. And you ask how is that possible? Timothy had a grandmother and a mother that cared about him and wanted to share their faith with their son and grandson. II Timothy 1:5– unfeigned faith.
Know it First- II Timothy 1:1-5– you see how Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice had an unfeigned faith first, and then passed it on to Timothy. Unfeigned means a real, genuine, not a fake, false, faith. If reading the Bible to you children is how they are going to know the holy scriptures, then you have to read it first and know it enough to be able to teach it. You cant just pretend to do it and fake it (fake it till you make it). There are no cutting corners when it comes to knowing the Bible in order to show and prove it to your own children. The legacy that you could pass on to your children could help them tremendously in their future, even once your gone.
Be A Teacher- Deuteronomy 6:7, 20-24 Part of training up is teaching what you know. Every opportunity is a teaching opportunity for your children. Notice, teach them diligently when you sit, walk, and lie down. Meaning, all the time. Children will learn the things you commit to teaching them faster than learning from others because they trust you the most.
II. Correcting Bad Behavior- Proverbs 19:18– “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying” Part of training a child in the way he should go is disciplining the child. Training him/her that certain things are not good to say, to do, or get near, etc., In order for this to properly take place, two things are required, reproof and the rod of correction. And it must be done will they are young and there is hope of putting them back in the way of the righteous. Notice the combination thereof:
By Reproof- Proverbs 29:15- “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame”. (spoken) Reproof is blame expressed to the face, condemn as wrong, and must be given by what the Bible says and not based on opinion. II Timothy 3:16– All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
By the Rod of Correction– Proverbs 22:15– (spanking) “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him”. Foolishness– having or showing a lack of good sense, judgment, or discretion. Foolishness is standard equipment in a child, just like sin is too. Although I am certain that my father did not know this verse, he knew that discipline by the way of the belt, would turn out a child that was submissive, obedient, and not in the way of foolishness. Meaning, the rod had an effect on me, it worked. I had many opportunities to go down the wrong path by making bad decisions with so called friends however, I knew that taking that path would lead to physical pain from my father and I stayed out of it, it gave me wisdom to stay in the right path.
It’s not easy, but it is needful. Hebrews 12:11– “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
III. Being a good Example- Genesis 18:19- For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment”. You know the story, The LORD appears to Abraham and tells him that Sarah will have a child and Sarah laughed within herself. When confronted by the LORD, Sarah denied it for she was afraid. Then the LORD speaks of Abraham and what better testimony is there of Abraham and him commanding his children, keeping them in the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment. Abraham was committed to lead by example and God knew it and that is why God blessed him so.
“He will Command his children” Vs 19- To be a leader of the home and of his children. To command means to take charge, to be a proactive father and not a reactive or uninvolved father. A father has a role and responsibility that he needs to fulfill.
“They shall keep the way of the LORD Vs 19”- If Abrahams children are to keep the way of the LORD, then Abraham must lead by example. It goes without saying.
Our children will learn everything they see us do AND they will learn everything they hear us say. You are their every day example. If you fear the Lord and walk in His ways, you won’t be that parent that says do as I say and not as I do. You will be the perfect example of a follower of Christ and that will be enough for your children to be like you.
Conclusion: Parenting is a lifelong commitment that comes with a great instruction manual from God. Get your direction from this Bible and you wont have any problems being a good parent to your children. Don’t follow what the world says or thinks about reading the Bible, disciplining your children, or leading by example because those things will be contrary to what the Bible says. Choose righteousness, and God will take care of the rest.