Don't Leave the Children Behind

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Introduction: God created the family, or household, as a spiritual unit. It is unnatural for it to be divided spiritually. God wants it to be united.

1.     For Salvation

a.     Zacchaeus (Luke 19:9-10)

b.    Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:30-32)

2.     For Sanctification

a.     The Believing Spouse (1Corinthians 7:12-14)

b.    Example of Abraham (Genesis 18:19) 

How can the family be a true spiritual unit? It takes ELC (compare to TLC – tender-loving care). ELC stands for Example, Love, and Command. This is taken from Ephesians 6:4 – “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

• EXAMPLE – bring them up

• LOVE – in the nurture…of the Lord

• COMMAND – in the...admonition of the Lord

I.       EXAMPLE – bring them up

A.   Must Bring Up to Bring Out (Genesis 19:12)

B.    Must Be Up to Bring Up (Proverbs 22:6)

C.   The Power of Example (1Peter 3:1-4)

D.   The Pattern of Example (1Timothy 4:12) 

II.    LOVE – in the nurture…of the Lord 

A.   Show the Butter and Honey to your Children (Isaiah 7:15)

B.    Avoid Inconsistent or Unjust Dealings (Ephesians 6:4a) 

III. COMMAND – in the…admonition of the Lord 

A.   The Part of the Children (Ephesians 6:1-3)

B.    The Part of the Parents

1.                 Command in the ways of God (Genesis 18:19)

2.                 Demand obedience (Proverbs 19:18) 

Conclusion:

• The Biblical Order is Required

• Example first

• Love before command

• Absolute Determination is Required

• Satan is after your children

• May take years of faithful application

• Many obstacles will present themselves

• NEVER GIVE UP!!!

• Not during the terrible two’s – this is when most parents lose their children

• Not during the early school years

• Not during the rebellious teens

• Not when they are grown and on their own

Invitation:

• Are you the example your children need?

• Are you balancing love and command?

• Are you praying for your children?

• Are you refusing to give up?