The Best Gifts For Children | Bible Study Notes

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Romans 10:13-17

I. Introduction: Several years ago, I preached this lesson that I thought was worth revising and preaching. In the last several weeks, parents have been shopping for gifts to give their children. We look for gifts to bring joy to our children and perhaps teach them a new skill. We give wonderful gifts to our children on the holidays and birthdays, but every day we must give them more precious gifts.

II. We must give our children faith

A. We know faith comes from hearing the word of God, Romans 10:17.

B. However, we must remember the context: Romans 10:13-17.

C. Parents are the preachers for the children every day.

D. Before children can even speak, they must be taught.

E. Sing memory songs (books of the Bible, apostles, etc.) while changing diapers, working in the kitchen, or holding them. Read the Bible aloud if reading while they are in the room. Study the Bible with them (sing or not; but Bible and prayer)

F. Teach your children how to worship God.

G. We teach by example in worship service.

H. If we are inattentive, playing or talking, what do we teach them? If we are actively participating and attentive, what do we teach? If we are not serious about our worship, they will not be serious.

I. We must teach them to pay attention and participate in ways appropriate to their maturity level.

J. We should not accept behavior in worship that is prohibited in school We must explain why we are doing what we are doing and why they need to worship God (Passover: “What do these things mean?”).We must teach them to love God and reverence

III. We must give our children a godly example

A. Children see through inconsistency and hypocrisy.

B. Our example may determine whether they accept the Bible as the word of God or as something not to be taken seriously

C. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 – The word of God effectively works in us. Paul did not commend their “profession” of faith but their practice! Our children must see Jesus and His doctrine alive in us—genuine.

D. We must be an example of dedication to the Lord

E. Do our children see us reading our Bibles even when we are not preparing for a Bible class? (Do they see us preparing for Bible class?) Do our children see us active in the work of the church in whatever capacity we can serve? Do our children see us as friendly with brethren and helpful to them?

F. We must be an example in repentance

G. We must be willing to tell our spouse and children “I’m sorry, I was wrong” if we want them to learn repentance. We must not teach them the “blame game” but, by our example, teach them to accept responsibility and consequences for actions.

IV. We must give our children time.

A. There are so many demands on our time; some unavoidable, some optional.

B. Time is generally the gift children want most of all.

C. We must schedule time to spend with our children:

D. Playing with them Talking with (not to) them Instructing them Wise use of our commute time with them (to school, practices, etc)

E. Teach responsibility

G. This teaches responsibility and pride for the home. Generates good feeling of shared accomplishment Though at first the job may take longer to finish and perhaps be more frustrating, the kids will learn a new skill and the parent will learn patience and understanding; both will enjoy the time together.

H. Sometimes we need to turn off the T.V., put down the paper, get off the internet or computer game, and find ways to spend time children of all ages.

V. We must give our children direction

A. Through discipline

B. Proverbs 22:15 – It is to teach wisdom and remove foolishness. Proverbs 19:18 - Chasten while there is hope and do not be put off by his crying; his eternal welfare outweighs his temporary comfort. Proverbs 29:15 – shame can lead to obedience; rebellion brings shame Hebrews 12:5-6, 11 – God’s punishment proves His love

C. Don’t reward bad behavior (giving in to whining; playing when taken out of the worship service)

D. Through directed and assisted decision making

E. Teach young children to make decisions, but parents retain rule. There was a couple that let their 5 year old decide whether to go to Bible class or not. Should never be an issue. We teach them what is right and often must make them do what is right. That is training and discipline (literally disciple-ing!)

VI. I want to give my children the gift of love.

A. So many children in the world do not have love.

B. Criminally abused and neglected children Children neglected by parents who are in their own worlds Children on field trips that gravitate toward the attention and love

C. Think of 1 Corinthians 13 in relationship to children.

D. Love must word and in deed: both are necessary

VII. Conclusion: Psalm 127:3: Children are an inheritance from the Lord. We must wisely direct their paths as an archer directs arrows at a target. Godly children are a crown to godly parents and godly parents are a treasure to children.

II. We must give our children faith

A. We know faith comes from hearing the word of God, Romans 10:17.

B. However, we must remember the context: Romans 10:13-17.

C. Parents are the preachers for the children every day.

D. Before children can even speak, they must be taught.

E. Sing memory songs (books of the Bible, apostles, etc.) while changing diapers, working in the kitchen, or holding them. Read the Bible aloud if reading while they are in the room. Study the Bible with them (sing or not; but Bible and prayer)

F. Teach your children how to worship God.

G. We teach by example in worship service.

H. If we are inattentive, playing or talking, what do we teach them? If we are actively participating and attentive, what do we teach? If we are not serious about our worship, they will not be serious.

I. We must teach them to pay attention and participate in ways appropriate to their maturity level.

J. We should not accept behavior in worship that is prohibited in school We must explain why we are doing what we are doing and why they need to worship God (Passover: “What do these things mean?”).We must teach them to love God and reverence

III. We must give our children a godly example

A. Children see through inconsistency and hypocrisy.

B. Our example may determine whether they accept the Bible as the word of God or as something not to be taken seriously

C. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 – The word of God effectively works in us. Paul did not commend their “profession” of faith but their practice! Our children must see Jesus and His doctrine alive in us—genuine.

D. We must be an example of dedication to the Lord

E. Do our children see us reading our Bibles even when we are not preparing for a Bible class? (Do they see us preparing for Bible class?) Do our children see us active in the work of the church in whatever capacity we can serve? Do our children see us as friendly with brethren and helpful to them?

F. We must be an example in repentance

G. We must be willing to tell our spouse and children “I’m sorry, I was wrong” if we want them to learn repentance. We must not teach them the “blame game” but, by our example, teach them to accept responsibility and consequences for actions.

IV. We must give our children time.

A. There are so many demands on our time; some unavoidable, some optional.

B. Time is generally the gift children want most of all.

C. We must schedule time to spend with our children:

D. Playing with them Talking with (not to) them Instructing them Wise use of our commute time with them (to school, practices, etc)

E. Teach responsibility

F. Share in housework or household repairs and chores.

H. Sometimes we need to turn off the T.V., put down the paper, get off the internet or computer game, and find ways to spend time children of all ages.

V. We must give our children direction

A. Through discipline

C. Don’t reward bad behavior (giving in to whining; playing when taken out of the worship service)

D. Through directed and assisted decision making

VI. I want to give my children the gift of love.

A. So many children in the world do not have love.

B. Criminally abused and neglected children Children neglected by parents who are in their own worlds Children on field trips that gravitate toward the attention and love

C. Think of 1 Corinthians 13 in relationship to children.

D. Love must word and in deed: both are necessary

VII. Conclusion: Psalm 127:3: Children are an inheritance from the Lord. We must wisely direct their paths as an archer directs arrows at a target. Godly children are a crown to godly parents and godly parents are a treasure to children.