What the Bible has to Say about Children

Date: November 13^th, 2011
Text: Proverbs 22:6
Preached by: Pastor Van Morris

Main Idea: The Bible tells us important things about the nature of children.

Introduction

In our desire to see our children make a true confession of faith in Christ, we should consider certain facts about the nature of children as revealed in the Scriptures.

The Intellectual Immaturity of Children

1 Corinthians 13:11; 14:20

Paul is not saying anything insulting about children.  He is pointing out a fundamental difference between children and adults: namely, that a child is one whose thinking, speaking, and understanding of things is generally less mature than that of an adult.

The Changeableness of Children

Ephesians 4:14

Children are easily influenced and can be swayed from one idea to another quickly.  Encouraging a child to have faith in Christ should be balanced with patience in looking for evidence of true faith, especially when considering baptism.

Opportunities for Patient Cultivation

Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:1-2 Timothy 3:14-15

“To this end, parental instruction must be persevering and continuous.  The entrance of Divine truth into the mind and heart, the formation of habit and the training of character, are not formed by sudden and isolated efforts, but by regular and unceasing repetition.  This is the law of all growth in nature.”  (Andrew Murray)

Application Questions

1.     What are the prevailing beliefs about children based solely on the messages put out by modern culture?  Does the Bible support or contradict these beliefs?

2.     What are some of the characteristics of immature thinking?  Of mature thinking?

3.     Consider your own experience in coming to faith in Christ.  How old were you?  What were your thoughts at the time?  How has your faith changed or deepened as you’ve matured?

4.     The parents of a four year old child come to you and say, “Our son says he loves Jesus and we want him to be baptized.”  How would you answer them?

5.     What can parents do in the home to ensure that their efforts to teach their children about God are “persevering and continuous”?