Messy Parenting, Part 2 - SERMON NOTES

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study.

Intro: (1) God shapes our kids through us and vice versa (cf. Steve Young)

Obedience for Children (1-3)
1. Nature: (1) “children” here denotes those being “brought up” (v.4) — “obey” stronger than “submit” (2) universal truth (cf. Romans 1:28-30, 2 Tim. 3:2) — nature shows (3) evidence in other ancient cultures, modern therapy examples (4) not free to express yourself however you want
2. Law: (1) OT quote (Ex. 20, Deut. 5) — continued use of law (2) obedience a command from God — “honor” denotes all seasons of life (4) promise of well-being — protection, habits and friends, character development (5) examples of Proverbs (4:10, 30:17) — transition within decalogue
3. Gospel: (1) “in the Lord” a reference to Christ (cf. 5:22-23, 6:5) (2) obedience key to discipleship — apply to teens (3) right relationships within families a gospel witness — friend in high school (3) obedience shift from begrudging to joyful — external compliance to internal softness of heart

Wisdom for Parents (4)
1. Encouragement: (1) “fathers” — cultural background, general reference to parents (2) spectrum of misusing authority — favoritism/over-indulgence vs. harshness/cruelty (3) children possess their own unique personalities/interests (4) “bring them up” — nourish/cherish (cf. my journey)
2. Discipline: (1) corrective action against wrong behavior (2) necessary but in controlled ways (cf. Prov. 19:18) (3) can take a number of forms, including corporal punishment — needs to fit the crime/age and include explanation (4) goal of maturity maturity (cf. Heb. 12:11) — speeding ticket
3. Instruction: (1) presenting wise considerations/warnings (cf. Eli in 1 Sam.3:11-13) (2) requires time and thought — praying for opportunities to speak to kids’ hearts (3) the passing along of certain information —importance of Scripture (cf. 4:14) (4) goal of transformation (5) role of church

Conclusion: (1) exhortation to serve the purposes of the Lord in our generation (cf. Acts 13:36) (2) exercise — go home and look at your belly button (3) asking Christ to heal pain of no parents or bad parents