God’s Design for Raising of Children
Ephesians 5:1 (ESV)
“be imitators of God, as beloved children.”
1. The biblical environment of the home is full of grace.
2. Standards in the home are for the child's future not for the parents temporary convenience.
Colossians 1:2,3:20 (ESV)
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father…Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
1 Timothy 3:4-5 (ESV)
“He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?”
Ephesians 6:4 (ESV)
“bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
3. The biblical home is familiar with the discipline.
Deuteronomy 8:5 (ESV)
“as a man disciplines his son, the Lord your God disciplines you.”
Hebrews 12:5-7 (ESV)
“’My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.’
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.”
Lessons from God about discipline
Discipline is not punishment
Hebrews 12:10-11 (NIV)
“God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Discipline is for correction
Galatians 6:1 (NIV)
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted”
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Proverbs 23:13-14 (NIV)
“Do not withhold discipline from a child;
if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.
Punish them with the rod
and save them from death.”
Discipline is Love