Parenting by the Book
STUDY 3
Text: Deuteronomy 6:20-25
15 July 2001
Dear Parents,
FROM ONE GENERATION TO ANOTHER
How did Timothy’s mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5) bring up her son, so that he grew up knowing the Scriptures? The Apostle Paul not only mentioned Timothy’s mother by name, he also noted the faith of his grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5). From grandmother, to mother, to son… three generations! An obviously God-fearing family, at least on the maternal side.
The tradition of teaching children the Scriptures dates as far back as Moses! By both oral tradition, and the written Scriptures, the knowledge of God was passed from one generation to the next! How wonderful it is to pass on something as precious as faith, from one generation to another!
“WHEN YOUR SON ASKS YOU IN TIME TO COME…” DEUTERONOMY 6:20
How does one pass faith from one generation to another? Moses taught ancient Israel how they must teach their children about their heritage and their faith in God. Let’s examine the text of Deuteronomy 6:20-25 carefully.
The best time to teach children about faith in God is…
1. When children begin to ask questions.
a) Children are naturally curious, and they will ask questions.
b) They will ask questions about anything and everything.
c) There will come a day when they will ask… “What is the meaning of the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments…?” (Deuteronomy 6:20)
2. Children ask questions because they observe something special.
a) The children would note that their parents show true devotion to God.
b) The children would note their parents’ love for the Scriptures.
c) They would like to know why their parents devote so much time to the reading of the Scriptures.
TWO GREAT CHALLENGES FOR ALL PARENTS
Two great challenges confront all parents, as we pause to ponder over this portion of the Scriptures written by Moses.
1. Parents must carefully note the spiritual inclinations of their children. Sometimes, when children ask questions, and parents are not attentive to their children’s questions, the interest of the children may end there and then. Develop a significant rapport with the children.
2. Parents must set a great example for their children. Few things impact the lives of children more than the godly example of their parents. Let all who care deeply about their children be challenged to become great examples where faith in God, and the reading of the Scriptures are concerned.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie