Text: Proverbs 20:7
We often think of instruction and discipline when it comes to raising children. This lesson lays the foundation for that. Parents must also teach by example. If parents fail to do this, children will come to see them as hypocrites, thus making any instruction and discipline seem to be irrelevant. We must let our lights shine to all (Matthew 5:16), especially to our children.
Role Models within the Home/Family
- Example of authority/submission (Ephesians 5:22-24) – this should provide a foundation for teaching about submitting to Christ’s authority (1 Corinthians 11:3; Matthew 28:18-20)
- Example of sacrifice (Ephesians 5:25-29) – requires selflessness; we must make sacrifices for family, brethren (1 John 3:16), and the Lord (Romans 12:1); the willingness to sacrifice should first be taught to children in the home
- Example of hard work (Ecclesiastes 9:10; Colossians 3:23) – mothers and fathers, though with different roles, must both work hard (1 Timothy 5:8, 13-14)
Role Models within Society
- Example of being a good neighbor (Luke 10:27-37) – do good to others as you have the opportunity (Galatians 6:10)
- Example of being a good citizen – submit to civil authorities, not for their sake, but for the Lord’s sake (1 Peter 2:13-16); obedience to human rulers has limits (Acts 5:29)
- Example of being different than the world (Matthew 5:14-16; Philippians 2:15) – should cover every area of our lives (1 Timothy 4:12)
Role Models within the Church
- Example in making time to assemble (Hebrews 10:25) – do we make time for the assembly? … what are we teaching our children about priorities? (Matthew 6:33)
- Example of being an active member in the local church (Ephesians 4:16) – each one has a role to play (1 Corinthians 12:12,14-21); if we fail to do what we can, we are teaching them that some members are not important
- Example of adhering to the truth (2 Timothy 1:13) – the church is one generation away from apostasy (Judges 2:10-12); we must teach children the importance of doing all in the name of the Lord (Colossians 3:17)
