Guidelines to Raising Godly Children

Guidelines to Raising Godly Children
by Pastor Alfredo (Glory House Brazil)
 
Introduction:
Raising children is not easy, but possible. For this reason, parents need to be diligent in examining their walking with Christ and take on this difficult assignment. The raising of children is an issue that should be discussed and planned way before they are born. After the birth of the children, parents must stand firm in their commitment to follow the Word of God in raising each of their children, respecting their age and needs. Ps 37:4-5; Prov. 16:3; 22:6; Matt. 7:1-5; 1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:1-3; 1 Thess. 5:17

The commitment of parents to the Lord

• To understand the biblical principles for the raising of children it is necessary to experience the new birth. 1 Cor. 2:14
• Parents must demonstrate their commitment to love the Lord before raising children in ways that are pleasing to God. Col. 1:10; 3:17

 
The commitment of parents to the Word of God

• The Scriptures are the sole authority in your life and the only basis for raising children that are pleasing to the Lord. 2 Tim. 3:14-17
• The ways of man for raising children are very inappropriate. Prov. 14:12; Isaiah 55:8-11
• A biblical self-assessment and a continuous faithful obedience to the Scriptures are requirements for parents to avoid the spiritual deception concerning the things of God and not be hypocrites to correct their children. Jas. 1:22; Matt. 7:1-5

The commitment of parents towards each other

• Parents who are believers must be of one mind and one opinion. 1 Cor. 1:10; Phil. 2:2
• Even if your spouse is not a believer, your faithful and loving commitment to the marriage relationship of one body was designed by God to contribute to the union between you, resulting in a godly influence in the lives of your children. Gen. 2:18, 24; Matt, 19: 5-6; Mark 10: 6-8; 1 Cor. 7: 10-14; Eph. 5:31
• As believers committed to Christ, parents should submit to each other, love each other and consider each other in high esteem. Eph. 5:21, 25, 28; Titus 2:4
• However, the father, as head of the home, should assume leadership responsibility in raising children with a loving servant attitude. Eph. 5:23; 6: 4; Col 3:21; Jn. 13: 14-16; Phil 2: 3-8

 
The commitment of godly parents with their children

• Parents must fulfil their responsibilities to their children in the attitude of a servant, following the example of Jesus Christ who is the Head of the Body:

1. Being the Christian family a small unity of the Body of Christ, everyone involved (parents and children) must comply with the guidelines of the Word of God. 4:12; 6: 8-9; Matt. 18: 5-6; 1 Cor. 4: 14-16; 1 Tim. 4:12
2. Being the Christian family a small unity of the Body of Christ, parents, therefore, should treat their children with love and meet their needs in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. 2 Cor. 24:14

• Being the Christian family a small unity of the Body of Christ, parents should not provoke anger in their children, but must always be kind, gentle and patient. 3: 19-21; 2 Tim. 2:24-26

• When parents sin against their children, they must confess their sins to the Lord and to the children. Jas. 5:16; 1 Jn. 1:9
• You must raise your children with the Lord’s instruction, and teaching them to obey the Word of God, showing them the necessity of obedience and the consequences of disobedience:

1. Through your walk with Jesus, model before your children a faithful obedience to the Lord. 6: 5-7; 1 Cor. 11: 1; 1 Tim. 2:12; 2 Tim. 1:5
2. Teach your children the Word of God (instruct them in the Word of God). 6:6-7; 2 Tim. 3:16

• Assign more responsibility to your children as they demonstrate growth in faithfulness. 25:14-19; Lk 16:10