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- Preaching the Living WORD through
the Written WORD - 2 Tim 4;:2 - |
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“AS FOR ME AND MY
HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD” (2014 GBC THEME) “CHRISTIAN HOME -
7” (Pr 13:24; Pr 22:15;
Pr 29:15) 3/23/14 Grace Bible Church,
Gillette, Wyoming Pastor Daryl Hilbert I. DISCIPLINE
OF CHILDREN A. Parental Attitudes Towards
Discipline B. Parental Actions of Discipline 7. (Cont.) Correction can
include physical discipline (Pr 22:15; 13:24; 29:15). a) A “rod” (jb,ve shābet cf. tn<[,v.mi mēsheneth -
staff) is a Shepherd’s club, a
warrior’s club, laborer’s instrument. b) A rod was a length of tree limb or bush
stock, employed at first for support or weapon. It was fashioned
distinctively for individual use, straight with a thick end [perhaps very
much like walking sticks or walking canes] or with the shepherd’s crook. (1) It was
used for beating cumin (Isa 28:27,
“club”, the synonymous Heb word for “rod” is hJ'm; mattah), (2) as a weapon (2Sam 23:21, “club”), (3) and as a shepherd's implement either to muster or count sheep (Lev 27:32; Ezek 20:37), (4) In Psa 23:4 it is used
metaphorically of the Lord's protection of his servant as he walks in paths
of righteousness. c) The rod was also used as an instrument for either remedial or
penal punishment. (1) As a corrective instrument it was used for a
slave (Exo 21:20), Ex 21:20 "If a
man strikes his male or female slave with a rod and he dies at his hand, he
shall be punished. (2) It was
suggested for the back of a fool (Pr 10:13; Pr 26:3), (3) It was used with reference to the Lord’s
righteous King who will smite the wicked with the "rod" of
His mouth (Word) in judgment (Isa 11:4). (4) It was used for a disobedient child (Pr
13:24; Pr 22:15; Pr 29:15). In Proverbs, the rod was both literal and
figurative as a symbol of discipline. Failure to correct and discipline
children, could actually lead to a son or daughter’s death. (De 21:18-21 cf.
Pr 19:18; 23:13-14). Today, we are not under the Law and put rebellious children
to death. However, the grave importance and influence of discipline to
children is very much exhorted by Scripture. d) Practical
application of the board of education (1) First explain which rule was broken and remind them of
the discipline. (2) Explain that in order to be a good parent,
you have to obey God and follow through with discipline. (3) Never spank out of uncontrolled anger. Consider praying before spanking.
Limit yourself to a few spanks. (4) The hand is probably the best method of
spanking, though paddles of some sort could be used
for bigger children. (5) Spank children where God has provided the
most padding (seat of the pants). Test your spank on yourself so that you are
not brutal or abusive. (6) Spank with enough pressure for it to be a
future deterrent for the child. (7) Afterward the spanking, hug them and tell
them you still love them. Encourage and reinforce them to comply with correct
behavior, so that this discipline does not have to be
repeated. (8) Teach your child to say, “I was wrong for
_________, would you forgive me?” Verbally assure them of forgiveness. (9) When done correctly, spanking helps
children grow in respect, obedience, and self-control. It is not child abuse.
When done incorrectly, spanking can result in anger and bitterness. It can
harm children emotionally and physically, and may be child abuse. II. PARENTING OLDER YOUTH A. As children get older, the parents’ role
as counselor increases (Pr 23:22; Pr 6:20-23). B. What about homes that have not been
Christian homes? (Ac 16:31) 1. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” a) The imperative was to “believe on” (pisteuson epi)
the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith is not a mere intellectual acknowledgement of
the fact. Faith is an action of the heart reaching out ,
trusting in, and resting on Christ. b) It is specifically faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ (Ac 4:12). One must understand who Christ is, namely God the Son (Jn
20:31), and understand that His atoning work on the cross (1Co 15:3-4). 2. “You will be saved” a) All who believe on Christ are promised
(“will be” sōthāsā, fut.
pass. ind.) salvation, which is the forgiveness
of sins and eternal life. b) Salvation is immediate upon faith
exercised in Christ and it eternally secure (Jn 6:39; Jn10:28-29). 3. “You and your household” a) This is not a promise that guarantees that
a whole family will be saved after the father’s
salvation. Rather, it is asserting that all in the household
who also believe, will also be saved. It does not refer to infants who do not
have the capacity to understand and believe. b) However, we often see a strong influence
upon the children from the father or parents who come to Christ. Quite often,
the whole household is subsequently saved. Salvation is the utmost priority
within the home of all its members. C. Practical Advice 1. The parents
relationship with the Lord becomes the ultimate priority. 2. Sometimes teenagers who have not been raised in a
Christian home will not understand the sudden change. This becomes a great
opportunity for dialogue and sharing your relationship with Christ. The
parents begin a new teaching ministry (biblical) in the home. 3. Teenagers in a new Christian home setting
will often need to see a consistent way of life lived out before them as well
as experience the blessings of Christian living. 4. There may be some areas that were permitted before in a non-Christian home that will
not be permitted in a Christian home. This will be an opportunity to explain
that Christ and His Word are the reasons for the change in the home. 5. Discipline with older teenagers may take
a different form with the loss of privileges due to the new rules “under this
roof.” 6. Be prayerful, patient, and loving. III. CONCLUSION A. There is indeed a commitment that must be made by Christians. The initial commitment is to
serve Christ pre-eminently as Lord while also avoiding Christian Idolatry.
Throughout the Christian’s life there is a need to
re-commit or re-dedicate his life to live for the Lord and to serve the Lord
in the local church. Furthermore, a major part of the Christian’s commitment
to serve the Lord is in reference to the home and raising children. In fact,
it is this third commitment that can have the greatest impact in evangelizing
the world and leaving a lasting spiritual legacy (Ps127:3-5). B. With this in mind, Joshua’s great statement and commitment in Jos 24:15 becomes one the
greatest examples in Scripture. Joshua’s commitment separates a genuine
commitment from a double-minded commitment; a true worshipful commitment from
an misrepresented and idolatrous commitment, and a
commitment that is a spiritual leadership from a commitment that shirks its
divine responsibility. C. May Joshua’s commitment cause us to say, not
only in 2014, but for our entire lives, “As for me
and my house, we will serve the Lord.” |
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