This generation is being raised confusing messages:

2. This generation is being raised confusing messages: • We tell our children how important their lives are. • Yet in 1991, (8%) 1.6 million were left home alone without supervision. • Today, as many as 10 million!

3. This generation is being raised confusing messages: A number are brought up thinking the world revolves around them… and wonder why it doesn’t when they become adults

4. This generation is being raised confusing messages: Still, other children are lead to believe their parents are clueless.

5. Introduction Additionally, society uses so many wavering standards regarding the raising of children. • Some use the “what I think is best” method. • Others: “that’s how I was brought up.” • Still, others use whatever the popular psychologist is of the year.

6. Introduction • Many ask themselves...which is right? • The answer lies neither in this world nor any of the worldly methods. • Those who “live by faith” will look to God’s word because He has the wisdom that pertains to life and godliness. Cp. 2 Pet. 1:3

7. Introduction • This lesson for both parents and children: • To show parents children are (or, can be) a blessing to them. • For children to obey and honor their parents in the Lord. Eph. 6:1-3 • For parents to train their children to fulfill their role of obedience that God ordained. Eph. 6:1-4

8. “Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it…Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate.” (Psalm 127:1–5, NASB95)

9. Which Attitude Do You Have? Psalm 127 Society Children are not gifts, but “accidents”. They are a nuisance and hindrance. We have to “put up” with them until they leave the house. • Children are gifts from God. v. 3 • They serve and benefit parents. V. 4 • Blessed are parents with them. V. 5

10. “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6, NASB95)

11. …In the Way They Should Go • Trained up in the Lord, children become a source who benefit their parents. Psa. 127:4 • Therefore, children are a blessing to their parents. • The general rule is that children are a direct result (an arrow!) of parents guiding them in the way they should live. Cp. Prov. 10:1

12. Children Must Learn Obedience • Children, obey your parents in the Lord. Eph. 6:1 • Command to children: all ages under consideration. • Godly parents want you to live godly lives. cp. Prov. 1:8 • True obedience is doing “all” that that your parents desire of you even when you don’t necessarily want to do what is asked. Col. 3:20 • Parents, God has entrusted you to rule over the lives of your children the way He rules over our lives.

13. Children Must Learn Honor • Honor (value) your father and your mother. Eph. 6:2 • It is one thing to obey your parents in all things; it is another to value (esteem) them highly. Prov. 31:28 • Parents, provide them reason to honor you. Eph. 6:4 • Honoring them in their waning years: 1 Tim. 5:3-4; Mk. 7:10-11

14. Conclusion • God’s word reveals that children are a reward and blessingto their parents...thisshould be the attitude Christians have toward them. • Children, remember the role God has given you by obeying and honoring your parents...for this is right in His sight.