Browse Bible Study Resources

Parenting by the Book

Introduction   Study
Study 6

STUDY 6

Text: Deuteronomy 6:20-25
3 August 2001

Dear Parents,

POINT CHILDREN TO THE LORD
When Moses advised parents to give to their children a rich spiritual heritage, he also had in mind the challenge to point children to the Lord.

The physical heritage of Israel would of course have the following features, peculiar to the nation.

1. They could identify Egypt as the nation that had once enslaved Israel. (Deuteronomy 6:21)

2. They could also identify the Pharaoh and his household as their nemeses. (Deuteronomy 6:21-22)

3. They could speak of “The Land” of Canaan as the promised land. (Deuteronomy 6:23)

However, even if Jewish parents pass down their knowledge of the history of Israel to their children, they would miss much if they only pointed to the physical aspects. The challenge obviously was to point children to the Lord early in life, so that they could learn from a very young age how to appreciate not just the blessings inherited, but God Himself who gave the blessings!

LOOK AT THE NUMBER OF REFERENCES TO GOD
That Moses was encouraging parents to speak about the Lord may be adduced from the number of references he made to God. Let us consider the following emphases:-

1. “The LORD brought us out of Egypt…” Deuteronomy 6:21

2. “The LORD showed signs and wonders before our eyes…” Deuteronomy 6:22

3. “He brought us out from there…” Deuteronomy 6:23

4. “The LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes…” Deuteronomy 6:24

A rich spiritual heritage must be centered in having a vital appreciation of the way in which God involves Himself in our lives. Let us be deeply challenged to mention the Name of the Lord much more frequently in front of our children. Let us teach our children how to love and appreciate what it means to have a faith where we can speak of God actually playing a prominent role in our lives.

TEACH OUR CHILDREN HOW TO “FEAR THE LORD”
Moses wasn’t just urging parents to teach their children the national history of Israel. In teaching children about God, it is important that they are also taught how to “fear the Lord” (Deuteronomy 6:24).

Knowledge alone is not sufficient. There must be knowledge, but there must also be an appropriate regard for God even as His Name is mentioned. Children must be taught how to revere God from a very young age. They must be taught how to hold God in reverential awe. Awe and knowledge must be taught in tandem.

It was the Lord Himself who gave this commandment to Moses.

The LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes,
to fear the LORD our God…

Deuteronomy 6:24

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

Tags: