Do not sin against the child – Gen 42:22

We sin against our children when . . .

1.   We fail to MARRY well

      a.   Not financially speaking, but spiritually speaking

      b.   Abraham & Isaac:

            i.   Genesis 24:2-4

            ii.  Genesis 22:20

      c.   The Israelites: Deuteronomy 7:3-4

            i.   1 Kings 11:1-4

            ii.  Ezra 10:2-3, 18-19, 44

      d.   Christians:

            i.   Matthew 6:33

            ii.  2 Corinthians 6:14 (cf 1 Cor 7:15)

            iii. 1 Corinthians 7:39

            iv. Ephesians 5:22

            v.   80% of Christians who marry outside the church eventually become unfaithful. (3 separate studies)

2.   We fail to REAR them properly in the LORD:

      a.   Nurture = education, training, implied is disciplinary correction; in Hebrews 12:5-11 it is rendered “chastening” 4 times.

            i.   1 Samuel 3:13: Eli’s wicked sons - “he restrained them not”

            ii.  Proverbs 13:24

            iii. Proverbs 23:13-14

            iv. Proverbs 19:18

            v.    Proverbs 22:15

            vi. Proverbs 29:15, 17

      b.   Admonition = a mild rebuke or word of warning

            i.   1 Corinthians 10:11

            ii.  Titus 3:10

            iii. Explain the consequences of disobedience while encouraging godly living and extolling its benefits.

3.   We fail to show them a GODLY example:

      a.   At HOME

            i.   Young fathers - Titus 2:6-8

            ii.  Young mothers - Titus 2:4-5

      b.   In WORK

            i.   Failure to instill a work ethic:

                  (1) Genesis 3:19 (cf Eph 4:28)

                  (2) 1 Timothy 5:8

                  (3) 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

      c.   In WORSHIP

            i.   Allowing illnesses to keep us from worship which would never keep us from going to work.

            ii.  Failure to participate & pay attention in worship

      d.   In STEWARDSHIP – 1 Corinthians 4:2 ($50 to eat on the weekend and $20 for the Lord on Sunday)

4.   When we fail to put God & the church FIRST in ALL things:

      a.   Isaiah 43:11; 44:6; 45:5-6

      b.   Colossians 1:18 – Jesus is to have pre-eminence in ALL things

      c.   God comes before FAMILY – Luke 14:26

      d.   Our children should never see or hear us discuss whether or not we are going to put the Lord first - it should be understood.

5.   We allow them to put other things before God:

      a.   e.g., school activities, sports, etc.

      b.   We cannot make all the choices for our children, but when wrong choices are made / intended, then we are OBLIGATED to step in and make the right choice, then explain why such was done.

      c.   Remember - YOU ARE THE PARENT!