PARENTAL GUIDANCE : RAISING AMAZING KIDS
Part 2 – Eight Principles to Prepare Your Children for Life (1)
(Luke 2:52)
January 22, 2023
Dr. Mark S. Hartman, Lead Pastor
INTRODUCTION
Luke 2:52 Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and with man.
1. Jesus grew in wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to incorporate Bible truths into everyday life.
2. Jesus grew in stature.
3. Jesus grew in favor with God.
4. Jesus grew in favor with man.
1. ACCEPT YOUR CHILD’S UNIQUE PERSONALITY.
A. Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it.
Train up a child in the way he should go (and in keeping with the child’s individual gift or bent), and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6 AMP)
B. “Train up a child according to that child’s life’s needs, temperament, personality, and place in the family. Proverbs is saying “Train up a child in keeping with or accordance to his particular mannerism, his characteristics, his way.” (Howard Hendricks)
C. The rules of right and wrong are the same but each child’s personality in learning those principles of life are different.
D. A smart parent comes to know the way God made that child, studies his/her children, and then fits the training accordingly.
E. Your child doesn’t have to be like their siblings in personality. They get to be who they are.
F. God, in His sovereignty, gave your children different personalities and abilities. Discover what God has created in your children.
2. AFFIRM YOUR CHILD’S VALUE.
A. Many parents accept their kids the way they are created, but they need to work on being more affirming to their kids.
B. Psalm 139:13-14 You made my whole being. You formed me in my mother’s body. I praise You because You made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What You have done is wonderful.
C. Three ways to convey to a child they are valuable:
1. Give your kids your undivided attention.
- Well-adjusted teenagers tend to spend more meals with their families than poorly adjusted teenagers. (Homelife Magazine)
2. Give your kids your warm affection.
3. Give your kids your genuine appreciation.
- Proverbs 12:25 A word of encouragement does wonders.
4. Allow your kids to finish sentences.
3. CORRECT YOUR CHILD WITHOUT CONDEMNING.
A. Hebrews 10:6 God disciplines those He loves.
B. If we won’t discipline our kids correctly, it means two things:
1. We are willing to participate in their destruction.
- Proverbs 19:18 Correct your children while there is still hope; do not let them destroy themselves.
2. If we don’t discipline our kids correctly, we do not love our children, as we should.
- Proverbs 13:24 If you refuse to discipline your son, it proves you don’t love him.
C. What is the right way to discipline?
1. Don’t correct in anger.
- Ephesians 6:4 Don’t keep on scolding and nagging your children, making them angry and resentful. Rather, bring them up with the loving discipline, with suggestions and godly advice.
2. Watch your words.
- Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use harmful words. Use only helpful words, the kind that built up.
3. Forgive immediately.
- Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and loving to each other, forgiving each other just as God forgave you in Christ.