Train Up a Child
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
2/1/2015 AM
|
Text:
|
Proverbs 22:6
|
Psalters: |
228, 41, 291, 90 |
Sacrament of Baptism |
- The command.
- “Child” refers to one from infancy to mid-teens, when very dependent on parents, physically, psychologically and spiritually.
- God has placed parents in the position of being His most influential instrument in molding a child.
- The influence of a godly, believing parent leaves an impression on the child.
- The chief way parents train is by example, for children are most impressed by observing their parents’ conduct.
- We must see this training to be not only of our children but of those who are spiritual soldiers, servants of the King.
- The goal of training a child is “the way he should go.”
- Because every child is born dead in sin and inclined toward the wrong way, parents teach the way of obedience.
- What is the “way” the child should go? Something that has direction, progress, and a destination.
- Godly parents emphasize that their and our destination is to be heaven.
- Godly parents consciously lead the children toward God in every part of their life.
- A responsibility is given to believing parents in this admonition.
- To this calling God gives a promise: “and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
- This is given as an encouragement to the parents.
- God declares that He is pleased to use parental instruction of the young to accomplish great good also when they are old.
- Therefore, train up your God-given children in the way, and do so with great diligence.