Parenting by the Book
STUDY 155
Text: Proverbs 16
13 June 2004
Dear Parents,
PLEASING THE LORD
Children learn early in life how to please parents, because they know that when that happens, they are amply rewarded for their efforts. One of the many lessons that we must teach children is how they should seek to please the Lord and not just parents.
When a man’s ways please the LORD,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.Proverbs 16:7
WAYS THAT PLEASE THE LORD
We ought to feel greatly challenged by this great truth. How do we apply ourselves to the truth of this text? What are some ways that please the Lord? The ways that please Him are found scattered throughout the Scriptures:-
1. Exemplified in the lives of godly men and women
We have many wonderful examples of people whose lives truly please the Lord. One of the most outstanding people was Joseph, who went on to become a powerful minister in the court of Pharaoh! Another outstanding man was Daniel who became a powerful court official in the reign of Nebuchadnezzar.
2. Clear Precepts in the Scriptures
The Scriptures abound with specific references as to how we should order our lives. The Ten Commandments is a good place to start. The first four commandments teach us how we are to relate to God. The last six commandments teach us how we are to relate to each other. The challenge is to put all our knowledge into practice.
THE BLESSING OF THE LORD
Every effort that we put into the practice of our faith in the Lord will be honoured and blessed. We have a most interesting promise in this text. How should we understand this text?
1. Enemies in life
There will always be “enemies” in life. These enemies can prove most challenging. How do we deal with our “enemies”?
2. The promise of “peace” with enemies
This is a special promise indeed. Imagine enemies becoming friends! This certainly happened in the case of Daniel and his three friends. Their obvious enemies were the Babylonians, and yet through God’s blessings, they became significant officials in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar instead.
Let us teach our children how to please the Lord in life.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie