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TRAIN UP A CHILD

Text: Proverbs 22:6; Galatians 4
13 June 2010

(I) BIBLICAL THEOLOGY: CHILDREN IN THE COVENANT

1. With reference to the Lord Jesus Christ

a) He loves them

b) He will bless them

c) He will admit them into His kingdom

2. With reference to the Abraham Covenant

a) Original Form (Old Testament)

They are included! (Cf. Genesis 17 )

b) New Covenant (Abrahamic Covenant fulfilled in the New Covenant)

They are certainly included!

(II) THE TRAINING OF CHILDREN

1. Though they are included and blessed they must be trained

2. The Concept of Training in the Book of Proverbs

a) Children must be trained in the way he should go ( Proverbs 22:6a )

b) Children must be sometimes corrected with “the rod of correction” ( Proverbs 22:15 )

3. The Concept of Training in Pauline Theology

a) The heir as long as he is a child does not differ from a slave ( Galatians 4:1 )

b) He is placed under “guardians and stewards” ( Galatians 4:2a )

c) The heir is to be trained well under wise and careful supervision until he comes of age ( Galatians 4:2b )

d) When he has been well and fully instructed he will enter into his inheritance as ” a son” ( Galatians 4:7 )

(III) CHALLENGE TO TRAIN UP CHILDREN

1. Parenting by the Book

a) With constant reference to the Scriptures

b) With deep understanding of what the Scriptures teach

2. Parenting Challenges:

a) To lead by example

b) To emulate godly examples found in the Scriptures

i) Hannah ( 1 Samuel 1-2 )

ii) Mary and Joseph ( Luke 1-2 )

c) To be deeply committed to producing Godly offspring