Biblical Manhood - Raising Children Part 5

Finally, Ephesians 6:4 tells us that the nurture and admonition must be “of the Lord.”

We are to nourish them in the sphere and context of God’s discipline and admonition. We are God’s agents. It is not self-serving as some would suggest to teach our children to obey us. We teach them to obey us not because we are selfish. We teach our children to obey us because God says that this is the first commandment with promise that it may go well with them. Children need to be taught and Goad has given us that responsibility.

Look at Proverbs 3:1-6. Here you have an example of a father passing on Godly wisdom to his son. What is the expected result in verse 4? He would find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and men. Scripture tells us of two other men who increased in favor with God and man? Who are they? I Samuel 2:26; Luke 2:40, 51, 52

Favor is the same word as grace. A child who is growing in favor with God means he is growing in God’s grace. That should be one goal. The other part of the goal is a child who finds the right kind of favor with men.

Hebrews 12:11 Tells us the result of effective discipline in those who have been trained by it. And what is that result? We will be partakers of God’s holiness, and it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

These are worthy goals and it is my prayer for all fathers who happen to read these thoughts on raising children, that each one may take this responsibility seriously and prayerfully and thoughtfully train his children in the ways of God.