Introduction
Bringing children home.
I am heavily indebted to Pastor Doug Wilson's book Standing on the Promises for the content of this sermon. As a matter of fact, this sermon is a summary of the first chapter in the book. You can read the chapter here.
I. The Family Must Be the Primary Place Where Culture Is Created
A. The biblical family is an instituted government, established by God at the very beginning of human history.
B. Each family is designed to be a culture.
C. As Christian parents seek to apply this truth to the building of a godly culture in their families, what are some possible obstacles?
D. Fathers must lead in establishing this biblical culture, and mothers must be convinced of the importance of it.
II. Receiving Little Ones into the Family
A. Once a husband and wife understand the vision for establishing a Christian culture in the home, they are then prepared for the privilege of receiving children from the hand of the Lord.
B. This is important because it is a fearful thing to cause a child to stumble, Mt. 18:6.
C. Although Christ is speaking generally, to whom do these words primarily apply? To parents!!!
D. As we bring up our children, we should descend to their level in one sense (humility) in order to lead them to our level (maturity).
E. This is not the same as descending to their level (immaturity) in order to lead them to our level (pride).
F. We must be servants to our children; we must not cater to them.
III. Foundational Expectations for Fathers and Mothers.
A. The first expectation is understanding that in fulfilling our parental duties and privileges, the Bible is sufficient.
B. Christian parents must also remember that discipline is no substitute for regeneration.
C. The third thing to remember is that godly child-rearing is covenantal.
D. Fourthly, it is absolutely essential for both parents to recognize that the final responsibility for child-rearing is the father's— he cannot pass it off to the wife.
E. Fifthly, parents must also remember that young children are not equipped for independence.
IV. The Promises of God to Us and Our Children
A. The Bible teaches us that the norm for faithful members of the covenant is that their children will follow them in their faithfulness.
B. This does not teach automatic transfer of saving grace to our children.
C. Transgenerational blessing is assumed throughout the Bible.
V. A Final Word about Means and Grace
A. Some of you may be concerned that I have forgotten that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
B. I assure you that I haven't forgotten it at all.
C. If our children are going to be saved, they will be only saved by the righteousness of Christ imputed them through the instrument of their own personal faith.
D. Having said that, we also must understand that God uses means.
E. We also need to understand that grace and obedience are not enemies, but best friends.
Conclusion – Pastor Joel Beeke in his book Parenting by God's Promises says, "We all need help in parenting; the only 'perfect' parents I know are those who have no children.
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