Don't Leave the Children Behind

Introduction: God created the family, or household, as a spiritual unit. It is unnatural for it to be divided spiritually. God wants it to be united.

For Salvation

• Zacchaeus (Luke 19:9-10)
• Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:30-32)

For Sanctification

• The Believing Spouse (1 Corinthians 7:12-14)
• Example of Abraham (Genesis 18:19)

How can the family be a true spiritual unit? It takes ELC (compare to TLC – tender-loving care). ELC stands for Example, Love, and Command. This is taken from Ephesians 6:4 – “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

• EXAMPLE bring them up
• LOVE in the nurtureof the Lord
• COMMAND in the...admonition of the Lord

1. EXAMPLE bring them up
1. Must Bring Up to Bring Out (Genesis 19:12)
2. Must Be Up to Bring Up (Proverbs 22:6)
3. The Power of Example (1 Peter 3:1-4)
4. The Pattern of Example (1 Timothy 4:12)
2. LOVE in the nurtureof the Lord
1. Show the Butter and Honey to your Children (Isaiah 7:15)
2. Avoid Inconsistent or Unjust Dealings (Ephesians 6:4a)
3. COMMAND in theadmonition of the Lord
1. The Part of the Children (Ephesians 6:1-3)
2. The Part of the Parents
1. Command in the ways of God (Genesis 18:19)
2. Demand obedience (Proverbs 19:18)

Conclusion:

The Biblical Order is Required

• Example first
• Love before command

Absolute Determination is Required

• Satan is after your children
• May take years of faithful application
• Many obstacles will present themselves

NEVER GIVE UP!!!

• Not during the terrible twos this is when most parents lose their children
• Not during the early school years
• Not during the rebellious teens
• Not when they are grown and on their own

Invitation:

• Are you the example your children need?
• Are you balancing love and command?
• Are you praying for your children?
• Are you refusing to give up?