WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.080 Who is the primary influencer in a child's life, especially as they are growing up? 00:00:09.060 --> 00:00:11.279 You know, it's parents. 00:00:11.880 --> 00:00:20.940 For the overwhelming majority of children, parents are the primary shaper and molder, 00:00:22.080 --> 00:00:24.600 especially as they grow up. 00:00:24.600 --> 00:00:27.960 And that's for good or bad. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:37.740 You know, we might think just here in the church, that's good if parents are Christians 00:00:37.740 --> 00:00:45.019 and they're really committed to being what God wants them to be for their children, and it is. 00:00:46.219 --> 00:00:57.219 But we've got a lot of teachers in this room and others who know that a lot of times the parent is the problem. 00:00:57.219 --> 00:01:04.459 It's what's made some children the problem child that they are. 00:01:05.000 --> 00:01:07.000 So it is for good or bad. 00:01:08.000 --> 00:01:14.599 But I want you to think, if you're a parent and you've still got children living at home, 00:01:15.599 --> 00:01:18.379 you are the key influencer in their lives. 00:01:18.960 --> 00:01:20.259 And that's scary, isn't it? 00:01:20.260 --> 00:01:22.920 We need help. 00:01:23.859 --> 00:01:25.760 And God has given us help. 00:01:26.340 --> 00:01:29.180 He's really given us help in a lot of ways. 00:01:30.280 --> 00:01:32.680 He's put some people in our lives who can help us. 00:01:33.960 --> 00:01:40.939 Some of you have grandparents, or for your children have grandparents, aunts and uncles, 00:01:40.939 --> 00:01:44.280 some teachers and coaches. 00:01:45.780 --> 00:01:48.579 Hopefully, if you think about having help in raising your children, 00:01:48.659 --> 00:01:53.060 you think about some of the people here, Sunday school teachers, student pastor, pastor. 00:01:54.679 --> 00:01:55.819 You're not on your own. 00:01:57.180 --> 00:02:01.959 But God has given you not just people to help, but He's given you His Word. 00:02:03.019 --> 00:02:08.500 He's given you, if you're a Christian parent, His Spirit is within you and His Word is there before you. 00:02:08.500 --> 00:02:13.479 I want you to turn to Colossians chapter 3 and look at one passage, 00:02:13.599 --> 00:02:18.060 and it's a very brief one, where God gives us some instructions, 00:02:18.439 --> 00:02:20.300 not just to parents, but to children, 00:02:21.020 --> 00:02:23.919 in order to experience healthy Christian living in the home. 00:02:24.900 --> 00:02:26.680 As you're turning, I want to remind you, 00:02:28.000 --> 00:02:35.360 there's an expanded version of these instructions in Ephesians chapter 5. 00:02:35.360 --> 00:02:44.200 God's also given us a good statement, challenge in Deuteronomy chapter 6, 00:02:44.880 --> 00:02:48.960 about teaching children as a way of life, is what it's talking about. 00:02:49.440 --> 00:02:54.060 Just as you go through life, teaching your children about God, 00:02:54.140 --> 00:02:57.300 about knowing Him, loving Him, His ways, His will. 00:02:57.300 --> 00:03:05.800 And in the book of Proverbs, it's just filled with instructions to fathers, 00:03:06.740 --> 00:03:12.900 specifically, but parents, about teaching your child, 00:03:13.860 --> 00:03:17.960 disciplining your child, providing the right kind of example for your child. 00:03:17.960 --> 00:03:25.560 In some ways, Proverbs could even be thought of as a manual for Christian parents, 00:03:26.240 --> 00:03:28.800 help them to impart wisdom to their children. 00:03:29.860 --> 00:03:35.020 This morning, though, we're going to look at Colossians chapter 3, verses 20 and 21, 00:03:36.439 --> 00:03:38.659 God's goals for the home, parents, and children. 00:03:39.580 --> 00:03:44.060 Last week, we looked at God's goals for the home in terms of husbands and wives. 00:03:44.060 --> 00:03:47.620 Next week, we're going to look at God's goals for us at work. 00:03:48.759 --> 00:03:53.020 Let's read Colossians chapter 3, beginning with verse 20. 00:03:55.939 --> 00:03:56.500 Children. 00:03:57.659 --> 00:04:01.599 This is directed at all children in this room, if you're still living at home. 00:04:02.560 --> 00:04:08.860 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 00:04:08.860 --> 00:04:16.620 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 00:04:17.400 --> 00:04:21.020 Now, I want to begin the same way we did last week in looking at husband-wife relationships. 00:04:22.060 --> 00:04:22.540 Look at this. 00:04:22.720 --> 00:04:26.080 God's instructions for Christian relationships in general. 00:04:27.379 --> 00:04:31.360 That's really what we've been looking at in chapter 3, verses 5 through 17. 00:04:31.879 --> 00:04:33.860 Everything that we've looked at in these verses. 00:04:33.860 --> 00:04:43.500 It's been talking about developing Christian character, putting away sinful habits. 00:04:45.080 --> 00:04:51.560 And the place where we begin living this way is in the home. 00:04:53.180 --> 00:04:56.860 The home is really the practice field for developing and demonstrating Christian character. 00:04:56.860 --> 00:05:03.060 David Garland does a good job of explaining that in this quote. 00:05:03.180 --> 00:05:03.920 Look at it with me. 00:05:04.920 --> 00:05:05.199 He says, 00:05:05.300 --> 00:05:18.120 The family is where, under the Lordship of Christ, we learn to control anger, rage, abusive language, and lying, so that peace might reign. 00:05:19.120 --> 00:05:20.740 We looked at that a few weeks ago. 00:05:20.740 --> 00:05:32.139 The family is where we first learned to work out the values of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 00:05:32.500 --> 00:05:34.199 We've also covered those. 00:05:35.060 --> 00:05:44.240 There is no more, he says, there is no more difficult place to exercise these virtues day in and day out than in the home. 00:05:45.639 --> 00:05:46.360 Isn't that true? 00:05:46.360 --> 00:05:46.379 Isn't that true? 00:05:50.740 --> 00:06:03.319 I can be compassionate and kind with you for a little while until I get tired of it. 00:06:03.860 --> 00:06:05.759 And then I can walk away. 00:06:07.379 --> 00:06:11.519 And you might even think he's a real compassionate and kind person. 00:06:11.519 --> 00:06:21.859 But it's another thing to be that way at home with the people that you live with every day. 00:06:24.299 --> 00:06:25.240 Difficult, isn't it? 00:06:27.060 --> 00:06:33.959 It's true there's no more difficult place to exercise these virtues day in and day out than in the home. 00:06:33.959 --> 00:06:45.519 But it's also true that there's no more important place to develop and demonstrate Christian character than in the home. 00:06:46.439 --> 00:06:51.159 So let's keep this in mind as we move on now and look at some of God's specific goals. 00:06:51.379 --> 00:06:52.959 One in particular for children. 00:06:53.799 --> 00:06:55.120 God's instruction is to children. 00:06:55.579 --> 00:06:57.299 Children, obey your parents in everything. 00:06:58.579 --> 00:07:00.000 For this pleases the Lord. 00:07:00.000 --> 00:07:04.839 This is addressed every child living at home with your parents. 00:07:08.079 --> 00:07:09.920 If you are dependent upon them. 00:07:11.040 --> 00:07:14.759 If they're providing the place you live. 00:07:15.220 --> 00:07:16.199 The clothes you wear. 00:07:16.740 --> 00:07:17.699 The food you eat. 00:07:19.160 --> 00:07:22.899 If they're paying for the house or it's in their name and paid off. 00:07:23.480 --> 00:07:24.720 It's their house. 00:07:24.720 --> 00:07:34.000 And so their house rules or what you need to live under is the idea if you're an older child. 00:07:34.640 --> 00:07:38.720 And especially a younger child you just obey your parents. 00:07:39.400 --> 00:07:42.000 Now if you're not living with your parents. 00:07:43.000 --> 00:07:47.800 This would apply to whoever's in charge at the place where you live. 00:07:47.800 --> 00:07:53.220 What I want us to say here is that God gives children a responsibility. 00:07:54.920 --> 00:07:57.740 The responsibility to obey your parents. 00:07:57.939 --> 00:08:02.319 The word obey literally means to listen under your parents. 00:08:02.580 --> 00:08:06.920 It means you are to listen to your parents and obey what they tell you. 00:08:08.840 --> 00:08:13.819 Have you ever heard your parents, boys and girls, young people. 00:08:13.819 --> 00:08:17.599 Have you ever heard your parents say, are you listening to me? 00:08:17.659 --> 00:08:18.899 Did you hear what I said? 00:08:19.120 --> 00:08:20.399 Or listen up? 00:08:23.040 --> 00:08:25.740 They know that you won't obey unless you listen. 00:08:28.579 --> 00:08:33.600 You've got to listen in order to know how to obey your parents. 00:08:35.100 --> 00:08:39.299 And so it's very important that you, if you're living at home with your parents. 00:08:39.299 --> 00:08:41.719 That you listen to them. 00:08:43.059 --> 00:08:45.379 So that you can obey them. 00:08:46.159 --> 00:08:49.419 Now obeying your parents also includes having a good attitude. 00:08:51.899 --> 00:08:53.599 Having a good attitude. 00:08:54.279 --> 00:08:54.879 You listen. 00:08:57.579 --> 00:08:58.899 You obey them. 00:09:00.419 --> 00:09:04.899 And you do it in a way that shows you respect them. 00:09:05.199 --> 00:09:06.459 You don't talk back. 00:09:06.460 --> 00:09:12.639 You don't give them a hard time about your obeying them. 00:09:14.320 --> 00:09:19.139 You know, all too often, children, like a little boy who was told by his mother to sit in the corner. 00:09:20.120 --> 00:09:26.639 As he sat there, he was thinking, I may be sitting down on the outside, but on the inside, I'm standing up. 00:09:28.500 --> 00:09:29.740 You've seen your child. 00:09:29.740 --> 00:09:36.700 Hey, let's just, most of us in this room, we're not too old to remember being defiant. 00:09:36.899 --> 00:09:39.720 We did what they said, but we didn't want to. 00:09:40.539 --> 00:09:43.100 And we let them know we didn't want to. 00:09:44.240 --> 00:09:48.220 Well, that's not obeying your parents as God says to obey your parents. 00:09:49.440 --> 00:09:52.240 This verse also says that children are going to obey your parents in everything. 00:09:52.240 --> 00:09:59.919 God wants you, child living at home, obey your parents every time. 00:10:01.220 --> 00:10:02.460 The first time. 00:10:04.220 --> 00:10:06.019 And in every way. 00:10:06.919 --> 00:10:11.379 Now, we need to stop here and have sort of a parenthetical statement. 00:10:11.379 --> 00:10:23.740 Paul is writing to Christians with the assumption that Christian parents would not command their children to do something that would be wrong, sinful, or harmful. 00:10:25.039 --> 00:10:29.340 But since we're living in a day where there is so much child abuse, 00:10:29.340 --> 00:10:43.639 You can't hardly watch even a local newscast or read local news without seeing someone doing something awful, cruel to their own child. 00:10:45.080 --> 00:10:46.300 In the home, even. 00:10:47.100 --> 00:10:50.160 So I want to make it clear, this is not blind obedience. 00:10:50.159 --> 00:11:03.539 Children should not obey a parent's command or anyone's command that they know to be morally wrong, sinful, or that would cause harm to yourself or anyone else. 00:11:05.519 --> 00:11:12.519 Anyone in authority who would command something like that, they shouldn't be in a position of authority. 00:11:13.299 --> 00:11:15.879 That's not God-wilded authority. 00:11:16.879 --> 00:11:19.399 And they should be disobeyed. 00:11:19.399 --> 00:11:20.939 We looked at that last week. 00:11:22.699 --> 00:11:24.819 Wives are not to obey their husband. 00:11:25.600 --> 00:11:27.840 Paul specifically did not use that word. 00:11:28.139 --> 00:11:33.059 But when it comes to submission, he was talking about a voluntary submission. 00:11:33.059 --> 00:11:46.240 But it does not apply to a husband who would lead the wife astray, away from pleasing God, into something that would be wrong, harmful, or abusive. 00:11:46.240 --> 00:11:50.799 Children, I want you to listen. 00:11:50.799 --> 00:12:09.659 If there is something going on at your home that you know it is wrong, that it does not please God, that is causing harm to you, to your body, to your mind, or someone else in the home, you need to tell somebody. 00:12:09.659 --> 00:12:13.079 You need to tell somebody here. 00:12:13.079 --> 00:12:13.740 Tell me. 00:12:13.740 --> 00:12:13.799 Tell me. 00:12:13.799 --> 00:12:15.419 Tell Mike. 00:12:15.419 --> 00:12:17.039 Tell your Sunday school teacher. 00:12:17.039 --> 00:12:18.740 Tell your teacher at school. 00:12:18.740 --> 00:12:20.439 Tell your guidance counselor. 00:12:20.439 --> 00:12:23.159 But don't live in an abusive situation. 00:12:23.159 --> 00:12:25.319 You don't have to. 00:12:25.320 --> 00:12:27.980 There's people who can help you. 00:12:27.980 --> 00:12:30.280 You need to understand that. 00:12:31.480 --> 00:12:41.560 If we ever face the choice between obeying God or obeying any kind of human authority, we don't even have to pray about it. 00:12:41.559 --> 00:12:55.899 The early church leaders, as we saw last week, they set the example for us when they told those authorities in Jerusalem who told them, you cannot preach in Jesus' name, they said this. 00:12:55.979 --> 00:12:57.299 Look at it in Acts 5.29. 00:12:57.639 --> 00:13:00.379 We must obey God rather than men. 00:13:01.879 --> 00:13:07.059 Now, what we're looking at applies to children living at home with their parents. 00:13:09.059 --> 00:13:10.199 Let me say it here. 00:13:10.200 --> 00:13:12.020 I left it out in the first service. 00:13:12.100 --> 00:13:13.160 I had to put it in at the very end. 00:13:14.340 --> 00:13:19.800 As a child grows up, they need to be given more responsibility and freedom. 00:13:22.360 --> 00:13:31.540 You shouldn't expect your 16-year-old to look to you and respond to you the way that a 6-year-old responds. 00:13:31.539 --> 00:13:42.779 Part of our responsibility as parents is to teach our children how to be responsible and be responsible mature adults when they leave home. 00:13:43.079 --> 00:13:44.319 Well, that doesn't happen overnight. 00:13:44.819 --> 00:13:56.279 It needs to be a gradual process of giving your child freedom until they abuse it and letting them make more decisions on their own. 00:13:56.279 --> 00:14:07.600 And not trying to rule with an iron fist, a young adult who's been responsible, who acts mature, who's given you every reason to trust them. 00:14:08.559 --> 00:14:10.199 So that's important here. 00:14:10.200 --> 00:14:17.660 But we are talking about looking at that which applies to children who are living at home with their parents. 00:14:18.879 --> 00:14:25.520 But when children grow up and move out on their own, this command no longer applies. 00:14:26.240 --> 00:14:27.800 Now, that should be obvious. 00:14:27.799 --> 00:14:32.379 Normal parents do not expect their adult children to obey them. 00:14:33.199 --> 00:14:34.839 But all parents aren't normal. 00:14:36.519 --> 00:14:41.479 Now, I have not received any kind of communication from anyone in light of this. 00:14:43.979 --> 00:14:46.339 But there could be some parents in here. 00:14:49.019 --> 00:14:53.240 You just have not let go of your adult child. 00:14:53.240 --> 00:15:00.899 You're still trying to control your adult son or daughter who's out on their own. 00:15:01.100 --> 00:15:02.279 Maybe married. 00:15:04.519 --> 00:15:05.539 That's wrong. 00:15:07.000 --> 00:15:08.700 That's not your place. 00:15:11.820 --> 00:15:13.060 They are adults. 00:15:13.220 --> 00:15:14.159 They're responsible. 00:15:15.159 --> 00:15:18.139 And if you want to have a healthy relationship, you will acknowledge that. 00:15:18.259 --> 00:15:19.399 Be thankful for that. 00:15:19.399 --> 00:15:23.100 Let them go and support them in that. 00:15:23.240 --> 00:15:30.899 Parents can be good advisors because they have more life experience. 00:15:31.940 --> 00:15:32.460 They're older. 00:15:33.779 --> 00:15:44.220 But in most situations, parents are not wise to offer too much unsolicited advice. 00:15:45.659 --> 00:15:47.259 And some parents need to hear that. 00:15:49.100 --> 00:15:50.159 I am thankful. 00:15:50.159 --> 00:15:51.000 Lisa and I both. 00:15:51.059 --> 00:15:51.879 We grew up. 00:15:52.980 --> 00:15:54.379 We had good parents. 00:15:55.399 --> 00:15:56.559 We both had freedom. 00:15:58.019 --> 00:15:59.079 Learned responsibility. 00:16:00.120 --> 00:16:00.879 We got married. 00:16:00.959 --> 00:16:02.819 Benaiah was 22 and Lisa was 19. 00:16:03.199 --> 00:16:06.459 And we were mature, responsible adults. 00:16:07.679 --> 00:16:11.839 One year later, we moved to Fort Worth, Texas from this part of the country. 00:16:12.179 --> 00:16:13.279 On our own. 00:16:13.279 --> 00:16:15.100 We were prepared. 00:16:15.100 --> 00:16:18.819 Our parents. 00:16:19.819 --> 00:16:22.879 We have asked them questions all through the years. 00:16:23.059 --> 00:16:25.259 Sought their advice about some things. 00:16:26.639 --> 00:16:33.799 But rarely, if ever, they offer unsolicited advice. 00:16:33.799 --> 00:16:37.259 And we always had a good relationship. 00:16:37.259 --> 00:16:48.159 Now, believe this or not, I do not offer a whole lot of unsolicited advice to my boys and daughters-in-law. 00:16:48.839 --> 00:16:50.339 You can ask them. 00:16:50.519 --> 00:16:51.459 They're in this service. 00:16:52.179 --> 00:16:54.199 I said, not too often. 00:16:54.200 --> 00:16:58.040 They live their lives. 00:16:58.160 --> 00:16:59.160 They're on their own. 00:16:59.820 --> 00:17:01.080 They ain't coming back. 00:17:02.160 --> 00:17:03.720 I'm not bailing them out. 00:17:05.299 --> 00:17:05.819 Seriously. 00:17:07.700 --> 00:17:09.059 There's probably very few. 00:17:09.180 --> 00:17:15.039 But there's some parents who make life difficult for their adult children. 00:17:15.460 --> 00:17:17.340 Because they won't let them go. 00:17:17.580 --> 00:17:18.799 They won't just bless them. 00:17:19.259 --> 00:17:20.460 Let them be on their own. 00:17:21.059 --> 00:17:22.759 Let your adult children be on your own. 00:17:22.759 --> 00:17:27.940 And teach your children as they grow up to accept more and more responsibility. 00:17:28.519 --> 00:17:34.140 And when they do become of age, they can go out and be on their own. 00:17:34.559 --> 00:17:37.379 And not be dependent upon you. 00:17:37.640 --> 00:17:38.220 Period. 00:17:39.799 --> 00:17:45.660 Now, having said all that, children never outgrow the command to honor their father and mother. 00:17:47.099 --> 00:17:49.759 Honoring our father and mother is a lifelong responsibility. 00:17:49.759 --> 00:17:50.200 Responsibility. 00:17:50.879 --> 00:17:52.740 That's talking about not obeying them. 00:17:53.140 --> 00:17:54.599 It's talking about respecting them. 00:17:55.640 --> 00:17:56.379 Loving them. 00:17:57.599 --> 00:17:59.299 Having a relationship with them. 00:18:00.220 --> 00:18:02.980 Helping them if they have certain needs. 00:18:04.339 --> 00:18:06.140 But Paul gives a very good reason. 00:18:06.440 --> 00:18:07.279 Let me move on here. 00:18:07.519 --> 00:18:10.259 Paul gives a very good reason why children should obey their parents. 00:18:10.400 --> 00:18:10.819 Look at this. 00:18:11.140 --> 00:18:12.259 This pleases the Lord. 00:18:13.259 --> 00:18:14.920 Boys and girls and young people living at home. 00:18:14.920 --> 00:18:21.100 Obeying your parents is not some archaic, out-of-date command. 00:18:22.480 --> 00:18:24.800 Obeying your parents pleases the Lord. 00:18:24.880 --> 00:18:26.500 It brings a smile to God's face. 00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:32.180 Jesus smiles when you obey your parents with a good attitude. 00:18:34.519 --> 00:18:36.420 When you obey them the first time. 00:18:36.900 --> 00:18:38.180 When you obey them in everything. 00:18:38.180 --> 00:18:41.340 If you're a child living at home. 00:18:42.140 --> 00:18:43.680 And you are a Christian. 00:18:44.960 --> 00:18:48.920 One of the most important ways you can honor God and please Jesus. 00:18:50.100 --> 00:18:52.360 Is to obey your parents like we're talking about. 00:18:53.320 --> 00:18:54.380 Here's what I want you to understand. 00:18:55.660 --> 00:18:57.440 Boy or girl, teenager. 00:18:58.360 --> 00:19:04.340 If you are a Christian there should be within you a desire to obey God. 00:19:04.339 --> 00:19:07.799 And in this particular, what we're looking at today. 00:19:08.559 --> 00:19:13.139 There should be a desire in you to obey God by obeying your parents. 00:19:14.259 --> 00:19:15.500 There should be something within you. 00:19:16.079 --> 00:19:18.619 The Spirit of God should be in you if you're a Christian. 00:19:19.279 --> 00:19:20.959 That you want to honor your parents. 00:19:21.799 --> 00:19:25.799 You want to please the Lord by obeying them. 00:19:27.379 --> 00:19:28.519 Here's what I want you to understand. 00:19:28.639 --> 00:19:30.199 Boys and girls, teenagers. 00:19:30.200 --> 00:19:36.559 If you don't really care at all about honoring God and pleasing Jesus. 00:19:38.240 --> 00:19:41.900 I don't see how you could even think that you are a Christian. 00:19:44.340 --> 00:19:47.200 Christian is someone in whom the Spirit of God dwells. 00:19:48.640 --> 00:19:50.779 And the Spirit of God gives all of us. 00:19:50.920 --> 00:19:51.940 No matter what age you are. 00:19:52.000 --> 00:19:52.620 If you're a believer. 00:19:53.140 --> 00:19:54.140 If you're in Christ. 00:19:54.519 --> 00:19:58.360 He gives us the desire and the ability to please the Lord. 00:19:58.359 --> 00:20:01.659 Children have responsibilities in the home. 00:20:02.059 --> 00:20:02.879 But so do parents. 00:20:03.219 --> 00:20:03.779 Look at this. 00:20:04.259 --> 00:20:07.359 God's instructions to fathers or parents. 00:20:08.119 --> 00:20:08.539 Verse 21. 00:20:09.039 --> 00:20:10.459 Fathers do not provoke your children. 00:20:10.719 --> 00:20:12.619 Lest they become discouraged. 00:20:13.799 --> 00:20:15.639 This verse is addressed to fathers. 00:20:15.759 --> 00:20:19.279 Because they have been given the God given responsibility to lead their family. 00:20:19.619 --> 00:20:20.000 Men. 00:20:21.979 --> 00:20:22.399 Husbands. 00:20:22.579 --> 00:20:22.919 Fathers. 00:20:22.919 --> 00:20:22.979 Fathers. 00:20:24.459 --> 00:20:27.919 God has given you the responsibility. 00:20:28.359 --> 00:20:29.539 It's an awesome responsibility. 00:20:30.439 --> 00:20:31.839 To be the leader of your home. 00:20:32.039 --> 00:20:33.339 The leader of your family. 00:20:35.119 --> 00:20:36.539 I want to make that clear. 00:20:37.619 --> 00:20:40.639 But what is said here applies to mothers as well. 00:20:40.779 --> 00:20:43.779 In terms of not provoking your children. 00:20:44.779 --> 00:20:46.399 The word translated fathers. 00:20:47.219 --> 00:20:48.919 Is translated parents. 00:20:49.099 --> 00:20:51.219 In Hebrews chapter 11. 00:20:51.219 --> 00:20:53.119 In referring to Moses' parents. 00:20:53.240 --> 00:20:53.599 Look at it. 00:20:53.599 --> 00:20:54.559 By faith. 00:20:55.099 --> 00:20:55.459 Moses. 00:20:55.740 --> 00:20:56.799 When he was born. 00:20:57.279 --> 00:20:58.740 Was hidden for three months. 00:20:58.859 --> 00:20:59.879 By his parents. 00:20:59.879 --> 00:21:02.379 That is the same root word. 00:21:02.859 --> 00:21:04.379 That is translated fathers. 00:21:05.079 --> 00:21:05.859 In Colossians 3. 00:21:05.879 --> 00:21:06.219 21. 00:21:06.219 --> 00:21:06.619 Now. 00:21:08.779 --> 00:21:10.639 These instructions that we're looking at. 00:21:11.399 --> 00:21:13.159 They also apply to grandparents. 00:21:13.419 --> 00:21:13.879 Guardians. 00:21:14.039 --> 00:21:15.419 Or whoever has the responsibility. 00:21:15.859 --> 00:21:17.079 For the children of the home. 00:21:17.079 --> 00:21:17.319 So. 00:21:17.879 --> 00:21:18.759 Wherever that applies. 00:21:18.879 --> 00:21:19.699 Take that this morning. 00:21:21.139 --> 00:21:22.980 Parents have the God given authority. 00:21:23.139 --> 00:21:23.899 Over their children. 00:21:26.139 --> 00:21:27.379 Boys and girls and young people. 00:21:27.419 --> 00:21:28.279 Do you understand that? 00:21:29.740 --> 00:21:31.259 God has given your parents. 00:21:31.359 --> 00:21:32.220 The responsibility. 00:21:34.759 --> 00:21:35.939 To be an authority. 00:21:35.939 --> 00:21:36.740 Over you. 00:21:36.740 --> 00:21:39.919 Parents are to lead. 00:21:40.460 --> 00:21:41.419 And rule. 00:21:41.779 --> 00:21:42.539 The home. 00:21:43.399 --> 00:21:44.859 Not the children. 00:21:44.859 --> 00:21:48.039 I want to say that again. 00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:49.859 Parents. 00:21:50.039 --> 00:21:50.879 I want to say it stronger. 00:21:51.159 --> 00:21:52.539 Have the God given. 00:21:53.119 --> 00:21:54.079 Responsibility. 00:21:54.879 --> 00:21:55.759 To lead. 00:21:56.419 --> 00:21:57.699 And rule. 00:21:58.599 --> 00:21:59.139 The home. 00:22:00.579 --> 00:22:01.059 Not. 00:22:01.839 --> 00:22:02.319 The children. 00:22:04.839 --> 00:22:05.279 But. 00:22:05.879 --> 00:22:08.219 God wants parents to exercise their authority. 00:22:08.459 --> 00:22:09.579 In the right way. 00:22:10.000 --> 00:22:11.139 The right way includes. 00:22:11.719 --> 00:22:14.039 Demonstrating the Christ like character qualities. 00:22:14.039 --> 00:22:15.220 That we've been looking at. 00:22:15.299 --> 00:22:16.039 In this study. 00:22:16.399 --> 00:22:17.119 For an example. 00:22:17.440 --> 00:22:17.879 Compassion. 00:22:17.960 --> 00:22:18.379 Kindness. 00:22:18.480 --> 00:22:18.960 Patience. 00:22:19.500 --> 00:22:20.440 And most importantly. 00:22:21.059 --> 00:22:21.519 Love. 00:22:24.019 --> 00:22:25.519 Exercise authority as a parent. 00:22:25.579 --> 00:22:27.399 But make sure you do it with compassion. 00:22:27.559 --> 00:22:27.960 Kindness. 00:22:28.059 --> 00:22:28.500 Patience. 00:22:28.859 --> 00:22:29.240 Love. 00:22:29.339 --> 00:22:30.279 These kind of things. 00:22:30.279 --> 00:22:32.980 The right way also includes. 00:22:33.759 --> 00:22:36.019 Lovingly disciplining your children. 00:22:38.019 --> 00:22:40.480 And did any parent ever learn this? 00:22:40.579 --> 00:22:41.200 I did. 00:22:41.519 --> 00:22:43.799 Children do not automatically obey. 00:22:44.039 --> 00:22:47.180 Any of you ever see that happen in your home? 00:22:48.639 --> 00:22:49.819 Your children just didn't. 00:22:50.399 --> 00:22:53.000 Automatically want to be excited about. 00:22:53.500 --> 00:22:54.399 Obeying you. 00:22:55.779 --> 00:22:56.379 No. 00:22:57.379 --> 00:22:58.779 You know what the children's problems are? 00:22:58.940 --> 00:22:59.619 They're sinners. 00:23:01.039 --> 00:23:02.480 Just like we are. 00:23:03.599 --> 00:23:05.319 They've got to be taught to obey. 00:23:06.420 --> 00:23:07.379 That requires. 00:23:07.899 --> 00:23:08.500 Discipline. 00:23:08.500 --> 00:23:09.299 Both. 00:23:09.299 --> 00:23:09.339 Both. 00:23:10.160 --> 00:23:10.599 Positive. 00:23:11.259 --> 00:23:11.700 Teaching. 00:23:11.900 --> 00:23:12.220 Training. 00:23:12.420 --> 00:23:12.960 And negative. 00:23:13.279 --> 00:23:13.740 Correcting. 00:23:13.920 --> 00:23:14.339 Punishment. 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:15.720 Now. 00:23:15.900 --> 00:23:18.660 God provides us with the best model. 00:23:19.059 --> 00:23:20.460 Of loving discipline. 00:23:20.839 --> 00:23:22.759 And the way he disciplines us as his children. 00:23:23.059 --> 00:23:25.259 And it's described in Hebrews chapter 12. 00:23:25.819 --> 00:23:26.759 The whole passage. 00:23:26.859 --> 00:23:27.859 Verses 5 through 11. 00:23:28.059 --> 00:23:29.779 I'll give you three examples. 00:23:29.920 --> 00:23:30.480 From three verses. 00:23:30.599 --> 00:23:31.039 Look at this. 00:23:31.039 --> 00:23:33.960 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves. 00:23:34.759 --> 00:23:38.379 And chastises every son whom he receives. 00:23:38.819 --> 00:23:40.819 If you are left without discipline. 00:23:41.180 --> 00:23:43.319 In which all have participated. 00:23:43.720 --> 00:23:45.539 Then you are illegitimate children. 00:23:45.779 --> 00:23:47.180 And not sons. 00:23:48.000 --> 00:23:48.899 For the moment. 00:23:49.359 --> 00:23:51.379 All discipline seems painful. 00:23:51.819 --> 00:23:52.980 Rather than pleasant. 00:23:52.980 --> 00:23:56.839 But later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. 00:23:56.839 --> 00:24:00.079 To those who have been trained by it. 00:24:01.779 --> 00:24:04.120 Discipline is good for children. 00:24:05.079 --> 00:24:07.960 Sometimes it's going to be painful for children. 00:24:08.299 --> 00:24:09.160 And that's okay. 00:24:09.880 --> 00:24:13.579 That's just a part of what discipline involves. 00:24:14.039 --> 00:24:15.839 But I want to not just dwell on that part. 00:24:16.740 --> 00:24:18.360 God's discipline and parents discipline. 00:24:18.900 --> 00:24:20.700 It does involve teaching. 00:24:20.700 --> 00:24:23.620 It does involve training. 00:24:25.160 --> 00:24:27.860 And it will involve correction and punishment. 00:24:28.960 --> 00:24:30.700 It involves teaching and training. 00:24:30.840 --> 00:24:32.160 And the right kind of behavior. 00:24:34.380 --> 00:24:35.360 Modeling it. 00:24:35.759 --> 00:24:36.720 As well as teaching it. 00:24:37.640 --> 00:24:39.299 But it also involves correcting. 00:24:40.100 --> 00:24:40.700 Wrong behavior. 00:24:42.480 --> 00:24:44.519 It is your job as a parent. 00:24:45.140 --> 00:24:47.180 To teach your children these things. 00:24:47.340 --> 00:24:48.700 And to correct the wrong behavior. 00:24:49.259 --> 00:24:50.519 It's your job. 00:24:50.700 --> 00:24:55.680 Children are problems in schools. 00:24:56.200 --> 00:24:57.100 By and large. 00:24:57.220 --> 00:24:58.600 Because children have been taught. 00:24:58.740 --> 00:24:59.900 And allowed to get by. 00:25:00.400 --> 00:25:02.319 Being troublemakers at home. 00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:05.759 I know too many teachers. 00:25:06.160 --> 00:25:07.840 There's a lot of teachers in our church. 00:25:09.220 --> 00:25:11.400 And I hear time and time again. 00:25:11.960 --> 00:25:13.720 And I read things. 00:25:13.799 --> 00:25:14.519 You do too. 00:25:14.519 --> 00:25:17.420 There's been a great breakdown. 00:25:17.420 --> 00:25:19.779 In the American home. 00:25:19.980 --> 00:25:20.420 Family. 00:25:21.500 --> 00:25:22.660 Parents don't parent. 00:25:22.980 --> 00:25:23.720 They don't discipline. 00:25:23.819 --> 00:25:24.400 They don't teach. 00:25:24.440 --> 00:25:25.440 They don't correct anymore. 00:25:26.440 --> 00:25:29.920 And so all this is dumped into the laps of teachers. 00:25:31.299 --> 00:25:33.299 And it's an impossible task. 00:25:33.299 --> 00:25:36.200 I do believe one of the hardest jobs. 00:25:36.200 --> 00:25:39.799 In American society today. 00:25:39.980 --> 00:25:40.940 Is the teaching profession. 00:25:42.099 --> 00:25:42.899 It's not because. 00:25:43.579 --> 00:25:45.259 Teaching is more difficult. 00:25:46.299 --> 00:25:47.099 It's what. 00:25:47.639 --> 00:25:48.879 Is expected of teachers. 00:25:49.419 --> 00:25:50.319 To deal with. 00:25:50.480 --> 00:25:51.259 Put up with. 00:25:51.940 --> 00:25:52.579 Endure. 00:25:52.579 --> 00:25:56.240 In addition to trying to teach. 00:25:56.919 --> 00:25:57.679 Their subject. 00:25:58.319 --> 00:25:59.679 Teach the children the subject. 00:26:01.399 --> 00:26:03.199 The main point Paul makes here. 00:26:07.220 --> 00:26:08.439 Let me back up a moment. 00:26:09.279 --> 00:26:10.899 Parents who love their children. 00:26:11.759 --> 00:26:12.819 Will not neglect. 00:26:13.159 --> 00:26:14.199 Discipline and correction. 00:26:14.819 --> 00:26:15.779 God's the model. 00:26:16.159 --> 00:26:17.019 Our Heavenly Father. 00:26:17.019 --> 00:26:18.559 He loves us. 00:26:19.559 --> 00:26:21.039 And so when we sin. 00:26:21.559 --> 00:26:22.439 When we rebel. 00:26:22.740 --> 00:26:23.659 When we ignore him. 00:26:24.299 --> 00:26:25.740 He is going to discipline us. 00:26:25.919 --> 00:26:27.460 But it's all because he loves us. 00:26:27.740 --> 00:26:29.099 He's going to bring us back to himself. 00:26:30.099 --> 00:26:31.059 Children will not grow. 00:26:31.159 --> 00:26:33.019 Mature and gain wisdom on their own. 00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:37.720 God has appointed you as a parent. 00:26:38.819 --> 00:26:39.939 To teach them. 00:26:40.019 --> 00:26:40.919 To train them. 00:26:41.359 --> 00:26:42.460 To correct them. 00:26:43.079 --> 00:26:44.439 Even to punish them. 00:26:44.439 --> 00:26:44.500 Now. 00:26:46.679 --> 00:26:47.839 The main point Paul makes. 00:26:47.919 --> 00:26:48.359 Verse 21. 00:26:48.839 --> 00:26:51.439 Addresses the wrong way of exercising authority. 00:26:51.440 --> 00:26:53.080 This is what we've been coming to. 00:26:53.480 --> 00:26:54.640 It's important to discipline. 00:26:55.360 --> 00:26:57.340 It's important for parents to exercise authority. 00:26:57.740 --> 00:26:59.259 But it's important that you do it the right way. 00:26:59.380 --> 00:26:59.980 The wrong way. 00:27:00.039 --> 00:27:00.360 Look at it. 00:27:00.480 --> 00:27:00.840 Fathers. 00:27:01.220 --> 00:27:02.799 Do not provoke your children. 00:27:02.920 --> 00:27:04.380 Lest they become discouraged. 00:27:04.779 --> 00:27:05.960 The word translated provoke. 00:27:06.160 --> 00:27:07.980 Is also translated embitter. 00:27:08.360 --> 00:27:09.660 Or exasperate. 00:27:10.160 --> 00:27:11.380 Calvin the reformer. 00:27:11.600 --> 00:27:14.660 Says parents must not irritate their children. 00:27:14.660 --> 00:27:16.720 By unreasonable severity. 00:27:16.720 --> 00:27:22.539 How do parents provoke their children. 00:27:23.600 --> 00:27:24.559 And discourage them. 00:27:25.460 --> 00:27:27.720 There's a lot of things that could be said here. 00:27:28.640 --> 00:27:30.160 I ran across something this past week. 00:27:30.319 --> 00:27:31.220 Eric Raymond. 00:27:32.279 --> 00:27:36.259 You can read some of his writings on the Gospel Coalition website. 00:27:37.259 --> 00:27:40.620 He came up with what I think is a helpful list. 00:27:41.460 --> 00:27:44.620 Some of the ways parents provoke their children. 00:27:44.619 --> 00:27:46.279 And discourage them. 00:27:46.939 --> 00:27:48.599 Now it's not the guy's fault. 00:27:48.819 --> 00:27:51.079 In the running the projector this morning. 00:27:51.259 --> 00:27:53.539 I had some technical issues. 00:27:54.000 --> 00:27:56.119 And so I don't have this list on the PowerPoint. 00:27:56.699 --> 00:27:57.599 So I want you to listen. 00:27:57.939 --> 00:27:58.659 But it's important. 00:27:58.859 --> 00:28:00.859 I'm going to put it in the newsletter this coming week. 00:28:01.299 --> 00:28:02.039 But I want you to listen. 00:28:02.500 --> 00:28:04.619 Some of the ways parents provoke their children. 00:28:04.819 --> 00:28:05.859 And discourage them. 00:28:06.059 --> 00:28:06.279 Listen. 00:28:06.539 --> 00:28:07.139 Number one. 00:28:07.299 --> 00:28:07.819 Bullying. 00:28:07.819 --> 00:28:17.399 And what he's talking about is harsh and intimidating words from parents in authority over their child can be greatly discouraging. 00:28:18.819 --> 00:28:26.319 Parents, as a general rule, bigger, stronger, and just by pure size are intimidating at times. 00:28:26.319 --> 00:28:41.299 And it's important that parents are not guilty of being so harsh and intimidating in the way that they talk to their children, treat their child. 00:28:42.539 --> 00:28:45.859 Parents need to be careful that they are not bullying. 00:28:46.700 --> 00:28:47.039 Number two. 00:28:47.379 --> 00:28:48.460 Showing favoritism. 00:28:48.919 --> 00:28:53.899 If parents favor one child over another, discouragement is inevitable. 00:28:53.900 --> 00:28:57.040 Jealousy is as well. 00:28:57.860 --> 00:28:59.660 Conflict is on down the road. 00:28:59.920 --> 00:29:04.840 Think of Jacob and Esau in the Old Testament in Genesis as an example. 00:29:05.160 --> 00:29:05.519 Number three. 00:29:05.860 --> 00:29:07.400 Unclear standards. 00:29:08.300 --> 00:29:12.200 He says kids need to know and understand the standards they are being held to. 00:29:15.080 --> 00:29:17.400 What do you expect me to do? 00:29:17.660 --> 00:29:19.380 What can I not do? 00:29:19.920 --> 00:29:23.240 He says if not, they'll be confused, surprised, and discouraged. 00:29:23.240 --> 00:29:24.240 Number four. 00:29:25.200 --> 00:29:26.599 Unexplained discipline. 00:29:28.400 --> 00:29:32.380 He's talking about discipline requires instruction. 00:29:33.180 --> 00:29:35.960 There is a need to explain what is right. 00:29:37.039 --> 00:29:39.579 And when you can, why it's right. 00:29:40.160 --> 00:29:42.660 There's a need to explain what is wrong. 00:29:42.740 --> 00:29:45.319 And when you can, why it is wrong. 00:29:45.940 --> 00:29:46.480 Number five. 00:29:47.180 --> 00:29:47.700 Inconsistency. 00:29:48.220 --> 00:29:50.279 Parents need to be consistent with their kids. 00:29:50.279 --> 00:29:53.960 If something is wrong on Tuesday, it should also be wrong on Thursday. 00:29:55.339 --> 00:29:59.139 If you laugh at it on Tuesday, how in the world are you going to spank them on Thursday? 00:30:00.039 --> 00:30:01.379 For doing the very same thing. 00:30:02.539 --> 00:30:03.180 Number six. 00:30:04.240 --> 00:30:07.460 Excessive or unreasonable discipline. 00:30:09.339 --> 00:30:11.759 Excessive or unreasonable discipline. 00:30:11.759 --> 00:30:18.720 He says just as there are levels of rebellion, there should be corresponding levels of discipline. 00:30:19.640 --> 00:30:26.740 Also, parents can't discipline for every single thing that the child does that is wrong. 00:30:27.259 --> 00:30:29.599 Otherwise, you never stop correcting. 00:30:30.460 --> 00:30:36.440 He says be careful of punishing too often or excessively. 00:30:36.440 --> 00:30:40.000 Discipline should be reasonable. 00:30:42.220 --> 00:30:50.680 Some Christian parents who take their responsibilities seriously, and they're going to be strong disciplinarians, 00:30:51.559 --> 00:30:55.320 this is a tendency to go overboard, what he's talking about. 00:30:56.900 --> 00:31:02.960 You can't punish everything, every time, every little thing, every time that is. 00:31:03.140 --> 00:31:04.259 Major things, yes. 00:31:04.259 --> 00:31:06.599 Number seven. 00:31:07.140 --> 00:31:08.480 Discipline out of anger. 00:31:09.359 --> 00:31:15.339 Parents who are out of control and losing their temper will hurt their children and discourage them. 00:31:15.839 --> 00:31:20.259 Think of how twisted it is to inflict harm in the name of love. 00:31:20.859 --> 00:31:24.559 It will almost certainly damage the child and the relationship. 00:31:25.259 --> 00:31:31.819 Be careful, parents, of being out of control when you discipline. 00:31:31.819 --> 00:31:32.619 Number eight. 00:31:33.039 --> 00:31:33.539 Humiliation. 00:31:33.539 --> 00:31:36.420 Parents are seeking to build up their kids. 00:31:36.720 --> 00:31:44.440 If they are humiliating them in public, in front of their friends, at home, in front of their siblings, or even just one-on-one, 00:31:45.259 --> 00:31:47.059 that's going to provoke them. 00:31:47.420 --> 00:31:48.680 That's going to alienate them. 00:31:49.420 --> 00:31:49.920 Number nine. 00:31:51.079 --> 00:31:52.299 Here's a way to provoke your child. 00:31:52.779 --> 00:31:54.839 Never admit you are wrong. 00:31:55.879 --> 00:31:57.779 Kids live with their parents. 00:31:58.159 --> 00:32:00.359 They see when we mess up. 00:32:00.359 --> 00:32:11.559 If the parent never admits they're wrong, especially when the offense is against the child, children will soon see through it. 00:32:11.559 --> 00:32:16.220 Humility is required of a parent. 00:32:16.220 --> 00:32:19.740 When you're wrong, you mistreat your child. 00:32:20.700 --> 00:32:21.980 Say, I'm wrong. 00:32:22.240 --> 00:32:22.919 I was wrong. 00:32:23.679 --> 00:32:24.480 I'm sorry. 00:32:25.359 --> 00:32:26.639 Would you forgive me? 00:32:26.640 --> 00:32:27.759 And number ten. 00:32:27.759 --> 00:32:28.460 Listen to this. 00:32:28.460 --> 00:32:32.759 Over-protection and smothering. 00:32:33.240 --> 00:32:35.000 Today's helicopter parent. 00:32:36.120 --> 00:32:41.540 Well-meaning over-protection can cause discouragement and resentment. 00:32:42.759 --> 00:32:45.920 Remember, kids are people who need to grow. 00:32:45.920 --> 00:32:52.340 Their wills should be shepherded, but they can't be controlled absolutely. 00:32:54.200 --> 00:32:59.539 You can't make your child what you want him or her to be. 00:33:00.600 --> 00:33:01.580 You can teach. 00:33:01.700 --> 00:33:02.180 You can train. 00:33:02.340 --> 00:33:03.920 You can discipline. 00:33:05.060 --> 00:33:06.259 You can model. 00:33:07.259 --> 00:33:08.920 You can do a lot of things. 00:33:08.920 --> 00:33:15.940 But you cannot shield them from all harm. 00:33:16.779 --> 00:33:19.779 And you cannot make them in your image. 00:33:21.360 --> 00:33:22.600 Parenting is hard. 00:33:23.580 --> 00:33:25.019 It's hard work. 00:33:25.779 --> 00:33:27.140 But God is gracious. 00:33:27.860 --> 00:33:32.620 By the power of God's Spirit and His Word, we can be faithful parents. 00:33:32.619 --> 00:33:45.439 Every time we do a parent-child ceremony here, I always use this quote by Cal Thomas that emphasizes a parent being faithful, not perfect. 00:33:45.559 --> 00:33:46.059 Look at this. 00:33:46.639 --> 00:33:54.879 He says, make sure that at the end of your life, he's talking to parents, make sure that at the end of your life, regardless of how your child turns out, 00:33:54.880 --> 00:34:05.360 that you can honestly stand before God and say, in a fallen world, being the sinner that I am, I did the best I could through the power you gave me. 00:34:05.580 --> 00:34:10.820 If you can't say that, whatever else you have accomplished doesn't matter. 00:34:12.039 --> 00:34:16.180 Christian parents are not perfect, cannot be perfect. 00:34:17.260 --> 00:34:21.599 And God doesn't hold us to a standard of perfection in our parenting. 00:34:21.599 --> 00:34:25.059 But He does hold us to a standard of being faithful. 00:34:26.239 --> 00:34:29.880 Being faithful with the help and wisdom He gives us. 00:34:30.779 --> 00:34:31.739 Final thoughts here. 00:34:31.920 --> 00:34:34.139 Boys and girls and young people living at home. 00:34:35.159 --> 00:34:38.519 Are you obeying your parents and everything with a good attitude? 00:34:40.319 --> 00:34:45.239 I'm sure some of you boys and girls, young people, you are seeking to be faithful to do that. 00:34:45.299 --> 00:34:46.420 And I commend you for it. 00:34:47.019 --> 00:34:48.619 But if you're not, why aren't you? 00:34:48.619 --> 00:34:58.119 Is it that you're not willing to submit to God's authority in your home? 00:35:00.119 --> 00:35:03.039 Could it be that you're not a Christian? 00:35:05.019 --> 00:35:09.559 Could it be that what needs to take place in your life is you need to humble yourself before the Lord? 00:35:11.559 --> 00:35:12.880 Admit your sinfulness. 00:35:14.279 --> 00:35:16.159 Call upon Jesus to save you. 00:35:16.159 --> 00:35:17.940 Commit your life to Him. 00:35:18.199 --> 00:35:20.559 To live in life His way, not your way. 00:35:20.879 --> 00:35:24.399 And a part of living life His way is to obey your parents. 00:35:25.239 --> 00:35:31.119 Parents, are you seeking to love your children, discipline them, but not provoke and discourage them? 00:35:31.879 --> 00:35:37.299 And I have no doubt many parents in here, while you're not perfect, you are seeking to be faithful to do that. 00:35:37.460 --> 00:35:38.759 But if you're not, why aren't you? 00:35:40.539 --> 00:35:42.000 What needs to change? 00:35:42.000 --> 00:35:55.539 I'm convinced that the longer time goes on and we've gone from the generation, the World War II, the builder generation, 00:35:56.539 --> 00:36:00.400 they tried to make things easier for their children. 00:36:00.500 --> 00:36:03.260 That was my parents making things easier for me. 00:36:03.980 --> 00:36:06.780 Me wanting things to be easier for my kids. 00:36:06.780 --> 00:36:11.680 And I think on down through the generations, we've let too many things go. 00:36:11.679 --> 00:36:19.199 We've become more selfish with each generation, more self-centered. 00:36:20.199 --> 00:36:29.480 And I think a lot of times, parents today, the problem is that you're more concerned about yourself, 00:36:29.480 --> 00:36:38.320 having everything your way, than you are thinking about your children being a God-given responsibility 00:36:38.320 --> 00:36:41.880 and seeking to discover their needs and meet their needs. 00:36:42.039 --> 00:36:45.920 And that takes time, that takes energy, that takes sacrifice. 00:36:47.539 --> 00:36:50.199 And maybe that's the kind of commitment that you need to make this morning. 00:36:51.639 --> 00:36:57.099 Children and parents, let's remember the key ingredient in all relationships. 00:36:57.099 --> 00:36:59.279 It's love. 00:36:59.940 --> 00:37:00.559 Look at this. 00:37:01.159 --> 00:37:08.279 And above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 00:37:09.019 --> 00:37:09.980 Let's pray together. 00:37:10.699 --> 00:37:18.319 Dear God, show every child and teenager in this room living with their parents, 00:37:18.940 --> 00:37:23.900 how they should respond right now to your word, your truth. 00:37:23.900 --> 00:37:27.380 Help them to do that. 00:37:28.740 --> 00:37:35.519 Help them to be a child that obeys in everything with the right attitude. 00:37:36.940 --> 00:37:42.240 Father, show every parent or grandparent or whoever's in charge of children in their home 00:37:42.240 --> 00:37:44.639 how they should respond. 00:37:47.639 --> 00:37:53.280 Help them to see where there needs to be more or less loving discipline. 00:37:53.900 --> 00:38:00.200 Help them to see if they are provoking and discouraging their child. 00:38:01.740 --> 00:38:08.680 Help them to confess and turn from sinful things that are causing that. 00:38:10.139 --> 00:38:17.860 Help them to exercise more self-control, more personal denial, more self-giving. 00:38:17.860 --> 00:38:25.940 Let's just be in an attitude of prayer and listen to the Lord and respond to Him. 00:38:26.740 --> 00:38:28.559 It's what we all need to do now. 00:38:29.140 --> 00:38:32.019 And I'd be happy to pray with anyone if you would like for me to. 00:38:32.760 --> 00:38:34.920 Here at the front during these next few minutes. 00:38:34.920 --> 00:39:02.440 Let's pray with us.