As Christian parents, we must deepen our understanding of the Bible's teachings to raise children in God's wisdom. By studying Scripture, we gain insights to guide our parenting.
God's Word is an invaluable guidebook for instilling biblical principles in our child’s hearts, as Deuteronomy instructs, "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). We can model Godly character and purpose for the next generation when we devote ourselves to knowing biblical truths.
This treasury of spiritual wisdom readies us to live according to the Lord's ways as we instill virtuous qualities and Christian mission in our children.
God's Sovereignty and Our Identity
A foundational biblical truth involves recognizing God's complete authority over all creation. As Isaiah 40:15 states, "Surely...the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales." In comparison to God's supreme power, humans seem insignificant.
Yet despite our smallness, Scripture shows God intimately cares for us. Psalm 8:4-5 exclaims, "...what is humanity that you are mindful of, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor."
God's grandeur assures us our lives matter as His purposeful children. Instilling this builds security in children. Despite lies surrounding chaos or worthlessness, they stand rooted in their identity as His beloved creation.
The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
While God authors peace, Scripture warns that there are forces of evil seeking to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). 1 Peter 5:8 cautions, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
As parents, we must recognize adversaries scheming to derail our children's destinies. These include the fallen world system, peer pressure, inner strongholds, and demonic assignments. We can teach our children to use spiritual weapons of prayers, truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation to thwart attacks.
Walking in wisdom and discerning spiritual battles protects their purpose. Ephesians 6:12 notes, "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Grace, Repentance and Righteousness
A repeated biblical theme highlights the gulf between God's holiness and humans' natural tendency toward waywardness. Isaiah 53:6 states, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray; each of us has turned to our own way."
Yet despite our shortcomings, Christ offers redemption, propitiating sin's penalty through sacrifice. Titus 2:11-12 proclaims, "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age."
Hearing God's Voice
Another key biblical theme is God speaking to those longing to listen. Jesus declared, "My sheep hear my voice...and they follow me" (John 10:27).
We can train children to recognize the Holy Spirit's whispers in their conscience and confirm leadings through Scripture. When they miss the mark, Proverbs 3:11-12 applies: "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."
Serving God and Others
While Scripture warns humanity naturally focuses selfishly on personal gain, Jesus modeled radical others-centeredness. He said, "...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10: 43-45).
This theme of sacrificial giving for God's kingdom transcends the Bible. We instill this value in children by modeling compassion, meeting practical needs, and exemplifying the joy of generosity over materialism.
Promise of Destiny and Reward
A final overarching biblical theme assures believers that our lives matter greatly to God. He prepares specific adventures for each to uniquely fulfill through surrender to Him.
Jeremiah 29:11 notes, " 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
We steward children to embrace their predestined purpose. Scripture urges persevering faithfully through hardship, keeping eternity's reward in view. Hebrews 11:6 promises, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
The Bible guides parenting with revelation, principles, and encouragement. By wholeheartedly modeling Christ, we show our children the blessings of following Him. This sets them on the path to discovering their God-given potential.
Actionable Ways to Instill Biblical Values
While absorbing Scripture intellectually offers one layer of revelation, the Bible's teachings must permeate everyday living. We lead children to their convictions by practically modeling what following Christ looks like.
Here are some ideas to ingrain biblical truths:
- Memorize Scripture: Choose meaningful verses addressing relevant topics and review them together frequently. When a child recalls Bible promises amidst trials, truth dispels lies or confusion. Consider making verse cards to display around the home.
- Discuss sermons: Debrief after church services, revisit concepts and applications, and welcome questions and dialogue around biblical themes.
- Do topical studies: Select issues children face, like identity, priorities, integrity, disabilities, loss, etc. Research scriptures offering perspective and discuss takeaways.
- Praying together as a family:
- Reading the bible: For toddlers have a selection of illustrated books, for teenagers and youth do topical study that relate to their issues and refer stories in the bible
- Go on Family Retreats together: This helps to revive the family's faith and spirit in God.
Final Thoughts: Partnering with God for Our Children's Destiny
Grasping Scripture helps us steward our children wisely, nurture them spiritually, and impart Kingdom ethics. Modeling Christ fosters intimacy with Him, combating debilitating mindsets. God guides us into deeper surrender and faith as we pray Scripture over children. He empowers us to shape our children's destiny.
Our great reward is witnessing our children discover the Father's love and become bold for Christ as we patiently impart wisdom. How can we not aim to nurture lasting faith when Scripture equips us to do so? Who wouldn't want to embrace God's purpose in shaping the emerging generation?
Biblical examples and tips at Praying for Your Child equip us to nurture lasting faith and embrace God's purpose in shaping the emerging generation.