MEMORY VERSE: “And will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18
BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Samuel 7:12-15
INTRODUCTION
The Bible constantly admonishes us to conform to the image of our Maker-God 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 3:9-10. God wants to be involved in the lives of His children 2 Corinthians 6:17-18. Hence, the need to consider the example of His parenting style.
OUTLINE
1. DIVINE INVOLVEMENT
2. PARENTING GOD’S WAY
1. DIVINE INVOLVEMENT
God , our father, loves his children and wants involvement with all areas of our lives Jeremiah 31:3. He is forgiving and merciful when we err Hebrews 8:12. He is willing to receive all who come to him for the forgiveness of their sins 1 John 1:9. He is approachable Isaiah 1:18. Therefore, as parents, we too must be willing to love and be involved with our children. Just like the nature of God is, we must be forgiving and merciful when our children go astray.
God- our father also outlines clear boundaries for us to follow as His children Exodus 20:12-17. Therefore, as parents we must similarly communicate clear instructions to our children in all things that they need to know for a successful life Proverbs 22:6; 4:20-22.
2. PARENTING GOD’S WAY
God, our father is not manipulative because he gives us freedom over all non- moral issues in our lives. From the beginning,God gave Adam and Eve the freedom to eat any of the trees of the Garden Genesis 2:16-17.
However, He did communicate a distinct moral boundary so they would not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. We must also have that balance in our parenting style. We must draw clear moral boundaries and yet grant freedom to our children over non-moral issues.
Our Heavenly Father also disciplines and corrects us when we disobey and rebel against Him Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:7. He will not look the other way when we sin 2 Samuel 7:14. As parents, we must be willing to use all forms of discipline at our disposal to hold secure moral boundaries within the family Proverbs 19:18.
CONCLUSION
Just like Jesus was and still is an example to us, we need to be an example to our children. Being a good example is one of the most powerful and authoritative teaching tools we possess as parents John 13:15.
FURTHER READINGS
SUN: Ruth 3:1-5
MON:Psalm 78:2-4
TUE: Proverbs 31:1-9
WED: Exodus 18:15-24
THUR: 1 Samuel 17:17-18.
FRI:Deuteronomy 6:6-7
SAT: Matthew 7:3-5