Someone asked Susanna Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley, how she was able to raise these two sons as she did. She told them it was by getting a firm grip on their hearts when they were young and never turning them loose. Susanna and her pastor husband had nineteen children, and all who lived to adulthood became Christians. Children need the love of their father and mother. They need a good education as well as spiritual instruction—Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, church camps; and the list goes on. When we think of raising children, let’s keep in mind that the Bible is the perfect guidebook. Proverbs is a great prescription for child-rearing. When we stay with God’s Book, we have the help that every family needs and we become the channels through which godly help continues to flow to our children. Are we prepared for the discipline of raising godly children?
1. Exodus 2:6–7. Refresh your mind on the story of the birth of Moses. What did his parents do for his welfare? What can we do to protect our children in evil times?
2. Deuteronomy 6:6–9. When is the best time to read the Bible with children, pray, and talk with them about how God wants your family to live and honor Him?
3. 1 Samuel 2:22–25. Why do you think Eli’s two sons became immoral? What early training can parents give children that will help them live for Christ’s glory?
4. Proverbs 4:1–27. This entire chapter presents the potential for rich blessings to be upon our children. Select a few verses to share and explain to your children.
5. Proverbs 22:6. What does it mean to train up a child? How much time should be given to children’s training? How can we help children plan for the future?
6. Matthew 10:21. What causes some children to betray their parents? Why do some children rebel? Is the environment responsible for the behavior of our youth?
7. Mark 10:13–16. What attitude did the disciples have about children? What response did Jesus make regarding this attitude? Talk about how Jesus received the children.
8. Luke 11:11–13. Name some bad gifts that children could receive from parents. What good gifts should children receive? What does God as our loving parent provide?
9. Ephesians 6:1–4; Colossians 3:20. What promises are given to children who obey their parents? How does God feel about children who obey their parents?
10. 2 Timothy 3:14–15. When should children be taught the Scriptures? (Deuteronomy 6:6–9). How important is it to teach our children the Word of God?
1. Exodus 2:6–7. Refresh your mind on the story of the birth of Moses. What did his parents do for his welfare? What can we do to protect our children in evil times?
2. Deuteronomy 6:6–9. When is the best time to read the Bible with children, pray, and talk with them about how God wants your family to live and honor Him?
3. 1 Samuel 2:22–25. Why do you think Eli’s two sons became immoral? What early training can parents give children that will help them live for Christ’s glory?
4. Proverbs 4:1–27. This entire chapter presents the potential for rich blessings to be upon our children. Select a few verses to share and explain to your children.
5. Proverbs 22:6. What does it mean to train up a child? How much time should be given to children’s training? How can we help children plan for the future?
6. Matthew 10:21. What causes some children to betray their parents? Why do some children rebel? Is the environment responsible for the behavior of our youth?
7. Mark 10:13–16. What attitude did the disciples have about children? What response did Jesus make regarding this attitude? Talk about how Jesus received the children.
8. Luke 11:11–13. Name some bad gifts that children could receive from parents. What good gifts should children receive? What does God as our loving parent provide?
9. Ephesians 6:1–4; Colossians 3:20. What promises are given to children who obey their parents? How does God feel about children who obey their parents?
10. 2 Timothy 3:14–15. When should children be taught the Scriptures? (Deuteronomy 6:6–9). How important is it to teach our children the Word of God?