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Raising Children to Walk with God

© 2017 Life Resources

"...But as for me and my house,
we will serve the LORD."
Joshua 24:15

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. I. Children: A Precious Gift from God's Hand

3. 1. Children Are a Blessing from the Lord–Part 1

4. 2. Children Are a Blessing from the Lord–Part 2

5. 3. Every Child is Precious to God

6. 4. Every Child Is Created for God's Glory

7. 5. Loving God More Than Our Children

8. 6. Valuing Our Children Equally

9. 7. Jesus Blessed Children

10. II. Example: Modeling Christ to Our Children

11. 8. The Example of Love and Obedience–Part 1

12. 9. The Example of Love and Obedience–Part 2

13. A Note about Hypocrisy

14. 10. The Example of Prayer and Devotion to God

15. 11. The Example of Servanthood

16. 12. Imitating Christ

17. III. Discipline: The Key to Wisdom

18. 13. Helping Our Children Learn to Honor and Obey–Part 1

19. Are children required to both honor and obey their parents throughout all of life?

20. 14. Helping Our Children Learn to Honor and Obey–Part 2

21. 15. Helping Our Children Learn to Honor and Obey–Part 3

22. 16. The Value of the Rod–Part 1

23. What was the "rod" that Proverbs speaks about?

24. 17. The Value of the Rod–Part 2

25. 18. Building Our Children Up

26. 19. Using Our Words to Build Up Our Children

27. 20. God's Loving Discipline of His Children

28. 21. Being Parents of Grace

29. 22. How Can We Show Grace to Our Children?

30. IV. Instruction: The Key to the Knowledge of God

31. 23. Why Is It Important to Teach Our Children God's Word?

32. What is the "fear of the Lord"?

33. 24. Keeping God and His Word Central in Your Home

34. 25. Teaching Our Children to Listen

35. 26. Teaching Our Children to Look to God (Trust)

36. 27. Teaching Our Children to See God's Greatness and Worship Him

37. 28. Teaching Our Children to Know Christ

38. 29. Teaching Our Children to Walk By the Spirit

39. 30. Inspiring Our Children to Live by Faith

40. Stories

41. 31. Teaching Our Children to Obey God's Word

42. 32. Teaching Our Children Moral Purity–Part 1

43. 33. Teaching Our Children Moral Purity–Part 2

44. 34. Preparing Our Children to Endure Hardship–Part 1

45. 35. Preparing Our Children to Endure Hardship–Part 2

46. V. Prayer: A Parent's Greatest Resource

47. 36. Finding the Wisdom We Need to Raise Our Children for Christ

48. 37. Fighting Spiritual Battles for Our Children

49. 38. Fighting in Prayer for Our Children

50. 39. Agreeing Together in Prayer for Our Children

51. 40. Praying for a Prodigal Son or Daughter

52. Appendix A: Blessings to Pray for Your Children

53. Appendix B: Other Important Topics to Teach

54. Appendix C: Suggestions for Keeping Christ Central in Your Home

55. Appendix D: What does your child need to know to be saved?

56. Appendix E: Verses to Help Our Children Learn to Walk by the Spirit

57. Appendix F: Suggested Bible Stories

58. Appendix G: Suggestions for Teaching Sexual Purity

59. Appendix H: Verses to Encourage Endurance in Hardship

60. Appendix I: Verses for Parents of Prodigal Children

61. If you would like to translate this book

Introduction

As a parent who is a follower of Jesus, you have a great responsibility. God has placed in your hands the task of not only caring for the physical needs of your children, but also nurturing them spiritually. With every child, parents have a limited time to train them to walk in God's ways, then they are grown and on their own. If we think about this, it will cause us to tremble at the seriousness of our calling as parents.

The good news is that God does not expect parents to raise their children with only their own wisdom and resources. He has given us His Holy Spirit as our "Counselor." He has also given us His Word, which is filled with all the wisdom and guidance we will need.

This book of 40 meditations has been written to help you discover the valuable insights from God's Word that relate specifically to parenting. A great way to use this book is for husband and wife to go through it together. It can also be used individually, as an aid to your personal time alone with God. Or it could be used as a guide for discussion and prayer by a small group of parents meeting together for mutual encouragement.

Besides the studies, this book contains several lists and resources in the Appendices at the back that you will find useful as your children grow up. It is recommended that you keep this book where you can refer to it frequently.

As you grow in the knowledge of God's Word, may He fill you with courage and hope, and may your children bring joy to God's heart and yours!

I. Children: A Precious Gift from God's Hand

The birth of every child is a miracle! How amazing it is that God gives to mankind the privilege of working together with Him to create a totally new human being. Think about it: God could have created all people in the same way He made Adam and Eve, without human participation— but He didn't. Instead, He gave to mankind the blessing of bringing forth that which is most precious in all the world, a tiny human being, totally dependent on its parents for life and nurture.

Every child will have an effect on the world, either for God's kingdom and for good, or for the kingdom of darkness and for evil. Parents have a unique opportunity to influence their children to choose God's way. What an awesome task God has given to parents! Let's begin our studies by looking at some Scriptures that will help us see the value of every human life. Let's start with the first man and woman.

1. Children Are a Blessing from the Lord–Part 1

Opening Thoughts:

Think about the time when you held your first child in your arms for the first time. How did you feel? What were some of the thoughts that were in your mind at that time?

Read the verses below from Genesis.

26Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness..." 17So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.18And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth." (Genesis 1:26-28)

1.  Look at verse 28 again. This verse begins with God blessing Adam and Eve. Included in that blessing is God's first command to them. What is the first part of that command?

2.  Look again at how this verse connects blessing with having children. Do you see your children as a blessing from God?

Read Genesis 4:1 (below).

1Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, "I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD."

3.  What did Eve say when she gave birth to Cain?

4.  Eve was the first woman to give birth to a child. Can you imagine what it must have been like to see a tiny, living person come from her own womb? What do you think she must have been thinking and feeling at this time?

5.  What do you think she meant when she said she had received a child "with the help of the Lord"?

6.  Do you think she saw her son as a blessing from God?

Prayer: Take some time to thank God for blessing you with each of your children. Ask God to give you His eyes to see each child as He sees them. If possible, do this together with your spouse.

2. Children Are a Blessing from the Lord–Part 2

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:17)

Opening Thoughts:

What are some good gifts that God has given to you personally?

Read the Psalm below.

3Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. 1Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. 1Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5)

1.  What words are used in verse 3 to describe children?

Who does it say gives this heritage?

2.  To what are children compared in verses 4&5? What do you think the writer is saying about children through this comparison?

Note: In the time of the Old Testament, the influential men would gather at the city gate to conduct business transactions or to settle disputes. A man's enemies might come to the gate to bring a court case against him. If that man had sons to stand with him, he would not be alone in defending himself. Therefore, he would be less likely to be "put to shame," or defeated by his enemies.

3.  Sometimes as parents we are tempted to think of our children as a burden; they cost us money and they take up large amounts of our time. How do these verses help you to see your children as a blessing from God?

4.  Perhaps one or more of your children has been difficult, either because they have physical needs or because they have a very strong will. Can you accept that child also, as God's gift to you?

Prayer: Close your eyes now and picture in your mind each of your children one at a time. Ask God to help you see how each child is a gift to you from Him. Thank God that He will use each of your children to teach you more of His ways and draw you closer to Himself.

3. Every Child is Precious to God

Opening Thoughts:

Before your child or children were born, did you see a sonogram of them in the womb? When did you first realize that this was a little person growing inside its mother's body? How did you feel about this?

King David, the writer of many of the Psalms, describes the wonder that he felt when he thought about how God forms the unborn child.

Read the Psalm below.

13For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. 14I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 15My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. 17How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. (Psalm 139:13-18)

1.  Look back over these verses and tell how God is involved in the formation of a child within the womb.

(Note: In verse 15, "in secret" and "in the depths of the earth" actually refer to "in his mother's womb.")

2.  What words does the writer use to describe how God formed him in his mother's womb? (See especially verses 13-15.)

3.  If God takes such care in the creation of every unborn child, what does this say to you about the value God places on every person?

4.  What does verse 16 tell you about God's plan for every person?

5.  Read Psalm 139:16-18 again. Do you believe that God has a good plan for every child—even if they have some physical or mental imperfection?

Prayer: Take a few minutes to think about each of your children one at a time. Picture God the Father forming that child with loving hands before they were born. (Don't rush through this, but allow time for God to speak to you.)Take some time to worship God for the amazing way He has designed for children to be born and the wonder of new life that He gives.

Pray often that God's special plan for each of your children would be fulfilled. If possible, do this together with your spouse.

4. Every Child Is Created for God's Glory

Opening Thoughts:

Do you ever stop to think about why you were created? What do you think is the main purpose for which you have been placed on this earth?

Sometimes as parents we think and act as if our children belong to us to do with as we please. Let's look at what God's Word has to say about this.

Read the verses below.

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (The Apostle Paul, speaking of Jesus, Rom 11:36)

Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. (from the Apostle John's vision of heaven, Rev. 4:11)

6Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! 1For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. (Psalm 95:6-7)

1Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! 1Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 1Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. (Psalm 100:1-3)

1.  Read the verses above again. Who created us and who do we belong to?

2.  According to these verses, Who alone is worthy of all glory? What should our response to Him be?

3.  Take a few minutes to think about this question: If your children are created by God to glorify Him, and if they belong to Him, how should this truth affect the way you raise them?

Prayer: Will you pray now, and in your heart, commit each of your children to God to use for His glory? Will you lay down any thoughts that you "own" your children and release them to Him? Take time, with your spouse, if possible, to dedicate each child individually to God.

Note: Many parents like to plan a special time with other believers to dedicate their children to God. This gives others a chance to pray over their children and commit to stand with them in raising their children to love and serve God.

5. Loving God More Than Our Children

Opening Thoughts:

Do you think it's possible for parents to put their children in the place of God in their hearts? How do you think this might happen?

Let's look at what Jesus said about this in the verses below.

37"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 18And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." (Matt. 10:37-38)

1.  Read verse 37 again. What does Jesus say about the person who loves their son or daughter more than Him?

2.  In Luke 14:26, Jesus says that anyone who puts family members above Him cannot be His disciple. Why do you think this would be true?

3.  Read the verses above from Matthew again. What does this passage say to you about the place that Jesus must have in our hearts?

Now read the verse below.

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." (Mark 12:30)

4.  Jesus said that this verse is the greatest commandment. If you seek to obey this commandment each day, how will this help you not to put your children above God in your heart?

Of course as parents we love our children; God wants us to love them. It's also good to be proud of their accomplishments. But parents can easily be tempted to honor their children above God. Our children were not created to fill God's place, and it will cause damage to them emotionally and spiritually if we allow them to become gods in our lives.

5.  In the previous study, we saw that our children are created for God's glory, not ours. If we keep this truth in our minds, how can this help us to keep everything in its rightful place--God first, and then our family?

Prayer: Be quiet for a few moments and allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Who holds first place in your affections? Bow humbly before the Lord, give your children to Him, and ask Him to help you, by His grace, to love Him more than you love anyone else.

6. Valuing Our Children Equally

Opening Thoughts:

How do you think it affects a family when one child is favored over the other children? How do you think it would feel to be the unfavored child?

In Genesis we read about Jacob (also known as Israel) and his twelve sons. The youngest two, Joseph and Benjamin, were born in his old age to his favorite wife, Rachel. In Genesis 37, we see how Jacob's unequal treatment of his children caused serious trouble in the family.

Read the verses below.

3Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. 1But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him. (Genesis 37:3-4)

1.  Read verse 3 again. What was Jacob's attitude toward Joseph?

2.  What special gift did Jacob give him?

3.  How were the brothers affected by Jacob's treatment of Joseph? (Verse 4)

In the rest of this chapter we read how his brothers sold him as a slave because they were jealous and hated him.

4.  Every child has different gifts and abilities. Some children are more physically attractive than others, and some are more clever than others. Some children are easier to love because they are more obedient. And sometimes parents are tempted to favor one sex over the other.

Why do you think it is important for all of our children to know they are loved equally, in spite of their differences?

5.  At various times in their growing up years, one child may need more attention than the others because of a physical, emotional, or spiritual need. At these times, think about how you can show the children receiving less of your time and energy that they are loved just as much.

Prayer: Think about your treatment of each of your children. Ask God to show you if there is any favoritism of one over the others in your heart. Ask Him to help you to show each one that he is dearly loved and precious in your eyes.

Sometimes children behave badly because they feel unloved and are desperately trying to get a parent's attention. Ask God to help you to discern these times and to know how to meet that child's real need—the need to know your love.

7. Jesus Blessed Children

Opening Thoughts:

Have you ever had someone speak a blessing over your life? How did that encourage you? If you have not had this happen, what blessing would you like to have spoken over you?

Let's go to the New Testament to see how Jesus blessed children. Read the verses below.

13And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." 16And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. (Mark 10:13-16)

1.  Why were people bringing children (in Luke 18 it says, "even infants") to Jesus?

2.  Contrast Jesus' reaction to the children with the reaction of the disciples. (verses 13-14)

3.  Read verse 16 again. What did Jesus do for the children?

4.  Read this passage again. (verses 13-16) How did Jesus show by His words and actions that the little children had value in His eyes?

5.  Think for a minute about your own responses to your children when they come to you for something. Do you take time for them, or are you frequently annoyed that they are bothering you?

Just as Jesus blessed the children, do you frequently pray for His blessing over your children?

Do you hug them often, to show your love through your touch?

6.  Are there changes that you need to make in how you relate to your children?

Prayer: What are some blessings that you would like to pray for in your children's lives? Take time now to pray for these blessings and for God's protection over each child that He has given you. Ask God to give you eyes to see how precious they are—even when they seem to be a bother to you.

(Note: We will look more at this subject in studies 18 & 19.)

II. Example: Modeling Christ to Our Children

When God the Father wanted us to know how to live as children of His kingdom, He did not just give us a book of instructions. He sent Jesus to be our perfect example. Jesus showed us God's love, even to the point of giving His life for us.

Jesus' entire life on earth showed us what God the Father is like. In John 14:9 Jesus said, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." Now we have the opportunity to follow Jesus' example and show our children by our lives what Jesus is like. From a very young age, our children are watching everything that we do and listening to everything that we say. As our children see Christ-like behavior and attitudes modeled before them everyday, it will help to motivate them to give their hearts to Him.

The studies in this section will look at a few of the important ways that Jesus was an example to us. This will help us to look at our own lives before we begin to look closely at how to influence our children.

As you go through the studies, ask yourself, "Am I truly modeling Christ to my children? Although I will never do this perfectly, how can I, with the help of the Holy Spirit, grow to do it better?"

8. The Example of Love and Obedience–Part 1

"...love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12)

Opening Thoughts:

Can you think of someone who showed love to you in a special way at some time in your life? How did their example of love affect you?

(Note: If you have not already done so, read the introduction to Section 2 before you continue with this study. It will help you to understand why we are looking at Jesus' example.)

Jesus set the perfect example for us of love and sacrifice. As you study the passage below, think about how you can, by your own life, encourage your children to also love God and others.

Read the verses below.

9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love... 12This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:9&12-13)

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

1.  Read the verses above again. In John 15:9 Jesus says that He has loved His followers in the same way that His Father has loved Him. What command does He then give to His disciples? (verse 12)

2.  What does He say shows the greatest love? (verse 13) How did He show that kind of love for us? (See Rom. 5:8)

3.  To "lay down your life" for someone doesn't always mean to die for them. Often it means to give up what you want in order to serve them. Do you set aside your own desires to serve your family with a willing heart?

4.  As we see in these verses in John, Jesus showed his love by his actions. Think about your own actions in the past week. Do your children see love in the way you "lay down your life" for them as well as others outside the family? How do you show love in your everyday life?

Prayer: Look back at the questions in number 4 above. Take some time to pray for yourself. Ask God to show you how you can grow in love for Him and others. In the future, take time often to ask God to change you where you see that you are weak, both for your own spiritual growth, and to be a good example for your children to follow.

9. The Example of Love and Obedience–Part 2

Opening Thoughts:

How do you think obedience to God shows our love for Him?

Read the verses below from the book of John.

27[The Jews] did not understand that he had been speaking to them about his Father. 18So Jesus said to them, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. 19And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him. (John 8:27-29)

"I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me." (John 5:30)

So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise." (John 5:19)

"For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me." (John 6:38)

1.  Look again at the verses above. All of these are Jesus' words, speaking about His relationship to the Father. What truth about this relationship do you see repeated in every passage?

2.  What do these passages tell us about His submission to His Father?

3.  What do they tell us about His obedience?

4.  Jesus gave us an example of One who was perfect in his submission to his Father. Think about your own obedience to God and to His Word as you read the following questions:

- Is it your desire to try to "always do what pleases him"?

- Do you obey Him because you know how much He loves you and because you love Him, too?

- As your children watch your life, do they see an example of someone who shows honor and love to God by seeking to do His will rather than their own?

Prayer: Read again the questions in number 4 above. As followers of Jesus, all of us will be growing throughout our whole lives in learning to submit our will to His. At this time, what is God speaking to you about that you need to submit to Him? Will you do that now? If possible, share your thoughts with your spouse and pray together for each other.

A Note about Hypocrisy

In striving to set a good example for our children, it's important that we ourselves live out—from our hearts— the things we teach. Do you tell your children to do things that you don't do yourself? Do you expect them to have good attitudes when your own attitude is bad? Do you act one way when you are with your children and another way when they are absent? All of these are signs of hypocrisy—trying to appear to be someone that we really are not. Young children are very good at sensing when we are not genuine. Jesus will be faithful to show you any hypocrisy in your life if you ask Him to. And the Holy Spirit will help you begin to change so that all that you do comes from a heart of true love and submission to God.

Jesus' Words about Hypocrisy

Jesus often rebuked the religious leaders of his day because they tried to look very religious to impress other people, but their hearts were not right with God. You can read more of what Jesus had to say about hypocrisy in the verses below from Matthew 23.

1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 1"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, 1so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 1They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 1They do all their deeds to be seen by others.

23"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 14You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!

25"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 16You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.

27"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. 18So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

10. The Example of Prayer and Devotion to God

Opening Thoughts:

Can you think of someone you know or someone you have read about who has a strong prayer life—that is, someone who talks to God about everything and enjoys spending time with God? What do you see in that person's life that you would like to see in your own life?

Let's look at Jesus' relationship to His Father through prayer. Read the verses below.

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, [Jesus] departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. (Mark 1:35)

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5:16, NIV)

12One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles. (Luke 6:12-13)

1.  Look over the verses above. Where did Jesus often pray?

2.  In these verses, when did Jesus pray?

3.  Why do you think that Jesus often got away by Himself to spend time with His Father?

Read the verse below.

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." (Luke 11:1)

4.  Read the verse above again. What did Jesus' disciples ask Him to do?

5.  Why do you think they wanted to learn to pray in the same way that Jesus did?

When we look at all that Jesus said and did, we can see that He loved His Father and spending time alone with the Father was very precious to Him. Jesus never did anything out of religious obligation.

6.  Think about your own relationship to God. Do you spend time with Him because you know that you need Him and you want to know Him better?

Prayer: The most important thing you can model for your children is a genuine and growing relationship with God. Take some time now to talk with God about how you want to grow deeper in your personal walk with Him.

11. The Example of Servanthood

"...the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve..." (Mark 10:45)

Opening Thoughts:

Think back to your own childhood. Was there ever a time when your parents or someone you knew did something for you when they probably would rather have done something for themselves?

In John 13 we read how Jesus took the role of the lowliest servant and washed the feet of his disciples.

Read John 13:12-17 (below). If you are not familiar with this story, you will want to read John 13:1-11 first.

12When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? 13You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. (John 13:12-17)

1.  Look back at verse 13. Who did Jesus say that He was, in relation to those sitting with Him at the table?

2.  In verses 14 and 15, how does Jesus challenge them to follow His example?

3.  Picture in your mind Jesus kneeling down and washing His disciples' feet. How did His actions show humility? How did He show that He cared more for them than for Himself? (As we said above, this was usually the job of the lowest servant!)

Note: As a parent, you will sometimes find yourself in a situation where you need to do things for your children that are neither pleasant nor convenient. A child may be ill in the middle of the night; they may need your help when you are exhausted; sometimes, helping them may require getting yourself very dirty or humbling yourself in some way.

4.  Think about your attitude when your children have a need, or when you have an opportunity to serve your family. Do you complain, even inside, to yourself? Or do you give of yourself willingly, asking God to give you the grace to have a pleasant attitude?

5.  Take a minute to think about the attitude of Jesus. He not only washed His followers' feet, but He gave up His place in heaven to come to earth and die for us. Can there be any greater example of servanthood?

How does His example help you want to be a loving and caring servant to your family?

Prayer: Take some time to thank Jesus for giving Himself so willingly for you. Ask Him to give you that same heart attitude to serve your family. Trust Him to give you the grace and strength you need when serving them is difficult.

12. Imitating Christ

Opening Thoughts:

Is there someone you know or have read about who is a very godly person, whose example you would like to follow? What are some of the things that you admire in that person?

In the previous four studies we have looked at the example that Jesus set for His followers. They saw His love for His Father in His perfect obedience and in time spent alone with Him, and they saw His example of humble service in washing their feet. Over many centuries, God's kingdom has grown throughout the world as followers of Jesus have imitated the Christ-like example of those who have gone before them.

In his letters, the Apostle Paul often encouraged his disciples to follow his example. Think about what this means in training your children.

Read the verses below.

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. (Phil. 3:17)

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. (1 Cor. 11:1)

15For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 16I urge you, then, be imitators of me. (1 Cor. 4:15-16)

1.  Who was Paul imitating? (See 1 Cor. 11:1 above)

2.  Paul knew that he was not a perfect person. Why do you think he is encouraging them to imitate him?

The purpose and goal of Paul's life was to die to himself and his desires daily, so that the life of Christ might be seen in him. In Galatians 2:20 he wrote, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." He continually encouraged the believers to whom he wrote, to imitate him in this.

3.  Who are you imitating? Could you say to your children, "Imitate me, as I imitate Christ"?

4.  Take a minute to picture in your mind what it would look like if your children imitated your attitudes and behavior. Are you pleased with that picture?

Prayer: Take a few minutes to be quiet and ask God's Spirit to search your heart. In what ways do you want to grow in order to better reflect Christ in your life? Ask God to begin now to work those changes in you. Each day, learn to say along with Paul, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."

III. Discipline: The Key to Wisdom

"...bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
(Ephesians 6:4)

According to God's Word, every child ever born has been affected by the sin of Adam and Eve.

"...sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned..." (Romans 5:12)

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

Within every child is a tendency toward selfishness, stubbornness and pride. When they misbehave or disobey, they are only acting according to the sinful nature within them. How can parents help their children overcome these traits and live lives pleasing to God?

In this section, we will turn our attention to the instructions of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament to children and to parents. In his words to fathers, Paul speaks of "discipline" (or training) and "instruction." Discipline opens our children's eyes to see that they "fall short of the glory of God." Parents must then help them see that they cannot please God in themselves, and they must instruct their children in the Gospel of Jesus, as found in the New Testament. We will look more closely at instructing our children in Section IV.

13. Helping Our Children Learn to Honor and Obey– Part 1

Opening Thoughts:

When you were a child in your parents' home, how well did you obey your parents? Was it easy for you to obey, or did you often want to rebel and disobey?

Read the verses below.

1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 1"Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), 1"that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." (Ephesians 6:1-3)

20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. (Colossians 3:20)

1.  Read Ephesians 6:1 and Colossians 3:20 again. What instructions are given to children in these verses?

2.  Ephesians 6:2-3 is a quote from the Ten Commandments. Read these verses from Ephesians again. What is the commandment in verse 2? What is the promise in verse 3?

Note: This command was first given to the nation of Israel. (See Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16.) If they obeyed it, they would be blessed. If they did not obey it, life would be hard, and they would be conquered by their enemies. Usually, children who honor their parents will naturally honor other authorities as they grow up. Think about the blessing that comes to families and nations today where children are taught to respect authority. How do you think this compares to families and nations where children grow up to be disrespectful and rebellious?

3.  Take a few minutes to think about honor and obedience. How are they alike? How are they different?

4.  Do you think it is possible for children to obey their parents while at the same time not honoring them in their heart?

There is a story of a little girl who was being disobedient. Her parents told her to sit down. At first she refused, but when they threatened to punish her, she finally sat down. But then she said to them, "I am sitting down on the outside, but on the inside, I'm still standing up!"

5.  Obedience is a physical act; honor is an attitude of the heart. Why do you think that both obedience to parents and honor of parents are important in our children?

6.  Think about each of your children. Do they respond to you with a good attitude? Do they obey cheerfully without talking back or arguing? These are signs of honor. Where do you see signs of honor or dishonor in your children?

Prayer: Take time now to pray for your children to learn both to honor and to obey. Pray also for yourself to know how to encourage them in this important aspect of growing up.

Something Extra to think About

Take a few minutes to think about your own relationship to your parents. When your children look at how you interact with them, do they see an example of honor? When you speak about your parents, do the words you say show honor to them? Also, do you show honor to your mother-in-law and father-in-law?

If you do not honor your parents, is it right to expect your children to honor you?

If you have disobeyed this command, take time right now to pray and ask God's forgiveness. Ask Him to help you learn to control your thoughts and words toward your parents and in-laws. Ask Him to change your heart to truly honor them. (This is important even if your parents are no longer living.)

Are children required to both honor and obey their parents throughout all of life?

"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." (Exodus 20:12)

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." (Ephesians 6:1)

The Bible does not say at what age children are to obey or to honor their parents. However, we can gain some understanding on this by looking closely at Scripture. You will notice that the command given in Exodus 20:12 as part of the Ten Commandments speaks of honor, but not obedience. The command to obey in Ephesians is directed to children; it is not given to adults.

In Genesis 2:24, God says "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife." The man is now the head of a new family unit. He is no longer under the care of his parents, nor is he under their authority. And the woman is now under her husband's care and authority. Both Jesus and Paul affirm this in the New Testament. (Matthew 19:5 and Ephesians 5:31) Parents who recognize this will not require the same obedience of their adult children that they did when the children were young and living in their home. Adult children will also realize that their first responsibility is to their own spouse and children.

Honor, however, is an attitude of the heart and should not end when young men or women leave their parents' home. When this command was first given in Exodus 20:12 as one of the Ten Commandments, it was directed to everyone and not just to children. In Matthew 15:4, Jesus, speaking to grown men, quoted this command to honor parents. We are actually told to show honor to all people (Romans 12:10), but we are commanded to honor our parents—even if they have done many wrong things. Forgiveness from the heart can help enable us to do this. If they truly are bad people, we may not be able to trust them, but we should not speak badly about them or show disrespect either. God's Word does not say to honor them if they do things well. It simply says we are to honor them. There is no time in our lives when this requirement ends.

14. Helping Our Children Learn to Honor and Obey– Part 2

Opening Thoughts:

If a child is obedient and honors his parents, what do you think his behavior and attitudes would look like?

Let's look again at Paul's instructions in Ephesians and Colossians.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. (Ephesians 6:1)

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. (Col. 3:20)

1.  Read Ephesians 6:1 again. According to this verse, why should children obey their parents?

2.  Now read Colossians 3:20 again. How does this verse say they should obey their parents?

Why does it say they should obey?

3.  These verses are directed to children, but we all know that children do not naturally obey these commands. Think about the behavior of your own child or children. How does it compare to what you described in the opening question above?

4.  As you train your children to be obedient and to honor you as parents, here are some questions to ask yourself:

- Am I doing this just to make life easier for me?

- Am I doing it to make me look good before other people?

Ephesians 6:1 says they should obey their parents because "this is right." Colossians 3:20 says they should obey "in everything" because "this pleases the Lord." This is our ultimate goal—that they do what is right in order to please God.

Prayer: Take time to think about each one of your children and their behavior. Where do you see that they need to grow? Take some time now to pray for them. Ask the Holy Spirit to show them any ways that they are not pleasing God and that they need a Savior to change their heart. Continue to pray for them often. If you have several children, you may want to focus on each child separately in your prayer time on different days.

If possible, discuss these things and pray about them together with your spouse.

15. Helping Our Children Learn to Honor and Obey– Part 3

Opening Thoughts:

If children are disobedient, do you think that sometimes parents could be partly responsible for their misbehavior? How could they be responsible?

Read the verse below.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

1.  According to this verse, what is the role of parents in helping their children learn to be obedient and honor their parents?

Note: The word that is used for "fathers" in the original language (Greek) can actually have the broader meaning of "parents." This means that mothers could also be included in this word.

2.  What do you think it means to "bring [your children] up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord"?

3.  How do you think parents sometimes hinder their children from learning obedience and honor?

4.  Here are some questions to think about:

- Do I think it's cute and laugh when my children are disobedient or talk back?

- Do I ignore it when they hit me or show other disrespectful behavior?

- Do I expect my children to obey, or do I make excuses for them? ("He/She is only a child!")

- When they don't do what I ask them to, do I just do it myself because that's easier than making them do it?

- If they don't want to do what I say when I say it, do I let them do it whenever they want to?

- If they obey only part of what I ask them to do, do I ignore the part they didn't do?

5.  Read the questions in number 4 again, slowly and thoughtfully. How might these things hinder your children from learning the kind of obedience that pleases God?

Prayer: Of the things we have looked at in this study, what could you change in how you relate to your children that would help them learn honor and obedience? Take some time now to pray, asking God to help you to change in these areas.

16. The Value of the Rod–Part 1

Opening Thoughts:

What are some methods that parents use to discipline their children? Which ones do you think are most effective?

Unless your child is still an infant, it is probably clear to you that children do not just naturally love to obey their parents! All children have a free will of their own, and every child has been affected by the sinful nature that is passed down from one generation to the next since Adam and Eve. We have looked at the importance of helping our children grow to be obedient from the heart, but how do we do that? What can we do when they are stubborn and refuse to listen? This study and the next will look at some guidance that God's Word has for parents.

The writer of Proverbs suggests the use of a rod to help our children learn discipline.

Read the verses below.

Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. (Proverbs 13:24)

Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death. (Proverbs 19:18)

1.  What connection is there between love and discipline? (Prov. 13:24)

2.  Why would the lack of discipline show hatred?

3.  If you don't discipline your children, how do you think this might lead to their death—either physical death or spiritual, eternal death? (Prov. 19:18)

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. (Proverbs 22:15)

4.  What is the goal of the rod of discipline according to this verse?

13Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. 14If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol. (Proverbs 23:13-14)

5.  How do these verses encourage you to be bold and consistent in your discipline, even if your child cries and resists?

(Note: Be sure to read "What was the 'rod' that Proverbs speaks about?" that discusses the difference between loving discipline and child abuse.)

6.  What is the very serious goal of your discipline according to Prov. 23:14? Look back also at Prov. 19:18 above.

Prayer: Take a few minutes to think about your own discipline of your children. Are you consistent in your discipline so that they learn to love God's way that leads to life? Pray for God's help in any area where you want to grow. If it is difficult for you to give discipline, pray that God would strengthen you in this.

What was the "rod" that Proverbs speaks about?

The Hebrew word that is used for "rod" in Proverbs means simply "a wooden stick." There is nothing in the definition of the word to tell us how big the stick must be or what it should look like. Therefore, parents must use wisdom and careful judgment in choosing what they will use to correct their children. When we look at all that Proverbs says about using the rod, it seems that the writer is referring to something that will cause pain. Pain is often necessary in order to convince a child to obey. But it is neither loving nor kind to beat children so they are bruised or bleeding. Nor should they be hit on parts of the body that can be easily damaged. This is child abuse.

Many parents choose to use a wooden spoon or something similar to give a light slap on their child's thigh or bottom. This will sting, but should never be used hard enough to cause long-term pain or injury. When this is done out of a desire to motivate the child to do what is right and not out of anger, it is loving discipline.

Some parents believe that it is wrong to spank a child. The goal of these studies is not to promote a certain method of discipline, but rather simply to look at what God's Word says. Parents must decide for themselves how they will discipline their children, but they need to choose a method that is effective. Their discipline should help the child want to choose what is right and hate evil. Young children are not yet able to understand reason. Therefore, something that causes mild, physical pain is often necessary in order to accomplish this goal. The writer of Proverbs does not shy away from the idea of causing pain.

We need to remember, of course, that it is not enough just to discipline our children for wrong behavior. Along with this, we need to teach them God's way. We must pray and work to draw their hearts toward Him. We will look more at this in Section 4.

[Chapter 16]

17. The Value of the Rod–Part 2

Opening Thoughts:

Do you enjoy your children? Think about some times when they have brought joy to your heart.

Let's look at more of what Proverbs has to say about discipline.

The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. (Proverbs 29:15)

1.  What will be the end result of using the rod and reproof? How do you think this gives wisdom?

2.  How might the child "left to himself" bring shame?

Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart. (Proverbs 29:17)

3.  How is this child different from the "child left to himself" in verse 15 above?

4.  Read again the verses above from Proverbs, and also the verses from study 16 (below). Name the various goals or results of discipline that are stated in these verses.

Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. (Proverbs 13:24)

Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death. (Proverbs 19:18)

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. (Proverbs 22:15)

13Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. 14If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol. (Proverbs 23:13-14)

5.  Are your goals the same as those found in Proverbs?

What are you doing now to accomplish those goals?

What do you need to begin to do differently?

Prayer: Take some time to pray now for God's wisdom and direction in how and when to discipline your children so they become wise and are saved from eternal death.

18. Building Our Children Up

Opening Thoughts:

Proverbs speaks of disciplining your children in love so that they become wise and are saved. How is this different from beating them to hurt them because you are angry over their behavior? How is it different from publicly shaming them?

Sometimes as parents we try to force our children to behave in certain ways. We are tempted to use anger and harsh punishment against them. But James 1:20 tells us that "...human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." Let's look again at the letters of the Apostle Paul to see what he has to say about this.

Read the two verses below.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. (Colossians 3:21)

1.  What are some ways that parents sometimes "provoke their children to anger"? (Eph. 6:4) How might the things listed below contribute to a child's anger?

- Treating them unfairly

- Being harsh with them with your words or physical abuse

- Embarrassing them in public

2.  Were there things in your own experience growing up that stirred up anger in you?

3.  How do parents sometimes "embitter" and "discourage" their children? (Col. 3:21) Below are some ways that parents often do this.

- Putting their children down or yelling at them if they haven't done things perfectly

- Nagging at them constantly about things they do or don't do

- Frequently being impatient with them

- Cursing them

- Frequently speaking negatively about them either to them directly, or to others

- Making your home feel like an institution run by rules rather than a home run by love

- Can you think of other examples based on your own experience?

4.  Think about your own home. Are you guilty of provoking your children to anger?

Do you sometimes say or do things that discourage them?

Prayer: Take some time now to invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Ask God's forgiveness for any ways that you have provoked your children to anger or discouraged them. You may need to also go to your child and ask his forgiveness. Ask God to teach you ways to encourage and build up your children, rather than tearing them down.

Note: If you have ever spoken curses over your children, it is important to realize that there is power for evil in those words. But that power can be broken if you turn to Jesus and ask his forgiveness. Pray in the strong name of Jesus, asking Him to come and break the power of the evil that you have spoken. If you spoke these things in front of your child and he is old enough to understand, you need to ask his forgiveness also. Then speak blessing over that child.

19. Using Our Words to Build Up Our Children

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." Proverbs 18:21

Opening Thoughts:

Can you think of a time when you were discouraged and someone spoke an encouraging word to you? How did it make you feel?

All of us have been affected by the words of others. Positive words can give us renewed strength when we're weary or discouraged, while negative words can make us feel worthless or hopeless. As parents, it's good to realize that the words that we speak and how we speak them, can have a powerful effect on our children. They can either help them become all that God has planned for them, or they can be the cause of deep insecurities and wounds.

Let's look at some verses from Proverbs that help us think about this.

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)

1.  It is easy to speak harshly when we don't stop to think before we speak. To what does this verse compare these rash words?

2.  How is the tongue of the wise different?

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. (Prov. 15:4)

3.  Compare the two ways of speaking that the verse above speaks about. What is the result of each?

Are you sometimes guilty of breaking your child's heart or spirit?

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (Prov.16:24)

4.  To what are gracious words compared? According to this verse, what are some benefits we can expect from these kinds of words?

It's not easy to control the tongue, but it's very important that we learn to do so. Think about the words that you speak to your children. Do they bring life, health and sweetness, or do they crush the child's tender spirit?

Prayer: Ask God to help you control your tongue so that you learn to speak to your children only words that bring life—even when you correct and discipline them.

Begin now to speak words of encouragement and blessing regularly to your children. Also, pray often for blessing in their lives. (See Appendix A for blessings from Scripture that you can pray.)

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." (Prov.31:26)

20. God's Loving Discipline of His Children

Opening Thoughts:

What do you think are some ways that God disciplines us as His children?

In the Word of God, we read of how God disciplines both individuals and entire nations. Why does God discipline us? What is His goal for us in his discipline? Let's look at the Scripture below to see what we can learn from the perfect Father of us all.

Read the verses below from Hebrews.

5And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 1 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." 1It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 1If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 1Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:5-11)

1.  According to verse 10, why does God discipline us?

2.  Read verses 6-8 again. What does His discipline show us about His love and acceptance of us?

3.  What is the end result of God's discipline of us? (verse 11)

4.  What do you want to see as the end result of your discipline of your children?

5.  Think about your discipline of your children. Do you discipline them because you love them?

Do they know you are doing it out of love? How do they know this?

Prayer: Take some time to pray for yourself as a parent to grow to be more like Christ in your discipline of your children. Where do you see a need to change? Ask God to help you show your children how much you love and accept them, even when you must correct their behavior.

If possible, talk about this together with your spouse and pray for each other.

21. Being Parents of Grace

Opening Thoughts:

What do you think the word "grace" means? What are some ways that you have experienced God's grace in your life?

In the past studies we have looked at how important it is for parents to discipline their children. This must not be neglected! But in all we do, let us keep in mind the attitude of our heavenly Father toward us as His children.

Grace: undeserved kindness or mercy shown by God to us, or by us to one another

Read the verses below from the beginning of John's Gospel.

14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth...16For from his fullness we have all received grace upon grace. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:14,16&17)

1.  Look closely at verse 14. What two things does it say Jesus was full of?

2.  Take a few minutes to think about what it means for you, personally, that Jesus came to earth bringing grace and truth. Why do you need both in your life every day?

3.  Read verse 16 again. In what ways have you seen "grace upon grace" in your life?

4.  How has the grace that God has shown to you helped you grow to be more like Him?

5.  Now look at verse 17. What was given through Moses? What came through Jesus Christ?

Of course, every home must have the law (rules that must be obeyed) if there is to be peace and order. But every child must also know that there is forgiveness, love, and acceptance when they fail. Our children, like us, are fallen human beings who are greatly in need of mercy and grace. Just as we want our heavenly Father to show mercy toward us, we also need to have hearts of mercy toward our children.

6.  Think about your own family. Is it characterized more by law or by grace?

How do you think the grace that you show your children might help them desire to be more like Jesus?

Prayer: Take a minute to wait silently and allow God's Spirit to speak to your heart. How do you need to grow in showing grace toward your children? Take time to thank God for the grace He has shown to you.

22. How Can We Show Grace to Our Children?

"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them," (Matt. 7:12)

Opening Thoughts:

Can you think of a time when someone showed mercy to you when you did not deserve it?

The idea of "grace" includes many things—kindness, forgiveness, patience, gentleness, etc. The verses below from the letters of the Apostle Paul can help us see practical ways that we can be parents who are full of grace.

Read the three passages below.

4Love is patient and kind... Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians. 13:4&7)

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians. 4:32)

12Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (Colossians 3:12-14)

1.  Read the passages above again. Describe how we are to treat others, according to these verses.

2.  Which characteristics are repeated in these passages?

3.  Think about your relationship with your children.

- Are you patient with them or are you quick to accuse and judge?

- Are you quick to forgive?

- Do you have compassion for them in their weakness, just as God has had compassion on you in your weakness?

Prayer: Take a few minutes to think about the mercy and kindness that God has shown to you, especially through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Do you deserve His mercy and kindness? In prayer, ask God's forgiveness where you see that you have not shown the characteristics described above toward your children. Ask God to help you grow to be a parent characterized by grace.

IV. Instruction: The Key to the Knowledge of God

"Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)

We have looked at what God's Word teaches about discipline, or training of our children; now we will look at what it means to instruct, or teach them. Discipline and instruction must always go hand in hand. It is not enough to just correct our children's wrong behavior; we must also teach them the truth that is found in God's Word. If we help them to see the goodness of God and the blessing that comes from living for Him from an early age, they will often be ready to commit their lives to Him as they grow older.

Besides the studies in this section, there is much more for our children to learn about God. As your children grow in wisdom and understanding, you will want to study with them through the Old and New Testaments. You will also want to teach and inspire them to study God's Word for themselves. If they love God's Word, they will continue to grow in Him throughout their lives.

Appendix B has suggestions of important topics not included in this book, for you to study with your children.

23. Why Is It Important to Teach Our Children God's Word?

Opening Thoughts:

Why do you think it is easy for us to forget about God when life is going well and we have abundance?

After the nation of Israel had been slaves in Egypt for hundreds of years, God sent Moses to bring them to the land He had promised them. The book of Deuteronomy is Moses' final message of warnings and encouragements to Israel as they are about to take possession of the Promised Land. Moses knew how easy it would be for the people go away from God in their hearts after they got comfortable in the new land. Therefore, he stressed the importance of passing on to the next generation all that they had experienced and learned about God.

Read the verses below from Deuteronomy.

9Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children— 10how on the day that you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, "Gather the people to me, that I may let them hear my words, so that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children so." (Deuteronomy. 4:9-10)

1.  Read verse 9 again. What strong words does Moses use to encourage the people not to forget God's work among them? What is he concerned might happen if they are not careful?

2.  The generation that Moses is speaking to has seen many mighty works of the Lord. What are they to do to make sure that this important part of their history is kept for following generations? (verse 9)

3.  Read verse 10 again. When God spoke to his people at Mount Horeb, what was his purpose for them and for their children?

(Note: You can read more about what happened at Mount Horeb in Exodus 19.)

4.  What do you think it means to "fear God"? (For more understanding on the fear of the Lord, see "What is the 'fear of the Lord'?")

5.  Why do you think it would be important for them and their children to learn to fear God all the days of their lives?

6.  Do you fear God? What are you doing to "keep your soul diligently" (v. 9) so that you never forget what God has done for you and how Jesus has saved you from your sin?

What are you doing to pass these important lessons on to your children?

Prayer: Pray for yourself and your family to learn to fear God. As you do this, you will hate evil, you will be wise, and you will have strong confidence and a fountain of life as described on the following page.

What is the "fear of the Lord"?

To "fear God" is to understand that He is the Creator of the universe and all power and authority belong to Him. He will one day be our judge, and we cannot bribe Him or deceive Him in any way. Everything is open before Him. Psalm 96:9 tells us to "tremble before Him" as we worship Him. Here are some verses to help us understand the fear of the Lord:

- Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! (Psalm 33:8)

- The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. (Proverbs 8:13)

- The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10)

- In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, (Prov. 14:26)

- The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. (Prov. 14:27)

- The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; (Psalm 19:9)

The idea of the fear of the Lord is not just found in the Old Testament. Believers in New Testament times also saw the importance of fearing God.

- So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. (Acts 9:31)

- For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. (2 Cor. 5:10-11)

- And he said with a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, (An angel, speaking at the end of time— Rev. 14:7)

- And from the throne came a voice saying, "Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great." (Rev. 19:5)

Even though we recognize God's greatness and holiness and stand in awe of Him, to fear Him does not mean we run and hide from Him. Although we cannot come near to God on our own because of our sin, we have a mediator, Jesus, our Savior, who makes us clean (Hebrews 4:16). Therefore, we can come near with confidence to our Father (Matthew 6:9), who loves us (John 3:16).

[Chapter 23]

24. Keeping God and His Word Central in Your Home

Opening Thoughts:

What are some things that you and your family talk about the most frequently throughout the day? How much do you talk about God, about his goodness and greatness and the joy we can find in following Him?

Read the verses below from Deuteronomy.

4Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 1You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 1And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 1You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 1You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 1You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.(Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

1.  Read verse 5 again. Describe the love that they are to have for God. (Jesus quotes this verse in Matthew, Mark, and Luke as the most important commandment.)

2.  What are they to do with these instructions that Moses is giving them? (verses 6-9)

Name all of the various times they are to speak about God's words. (verse 7)

3.  After reading these verses, what do you think is the parent's responsibility in passing God's Word on to the next generation? (See especially verse 7.)

4.  Do you think Moses' instructions to Israel in these verses are still valid for us today? Take a few minutes to think how you could apply these verses in your family.

5.  If you continually keep God's Word central in your family as suggested in these verses, how will that help your family to love God with all their hearts?

Prayer: Do you have the kind of love for God that is described in verse 5 above? How do you want to grow in this love? Pray about this now. Pray also that God would show you how to keep Him and his Word as the central focus of your home.

See Appendix C for suggestions on how to keep Christ central in your home.

25. Teaching Our Children to Listen

Opening Thoughts:

When was the first time that you knew God was speaking to you? How did He speak to you—was it through His Word; through another person; through a vision or dream; or some other way? How did you respond?

The book of Proverbs, has much to say to parents about training their children. Many passages are speaking to sons, but certainly these exhortations are true for all our children.

Read the passages below.

8Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. 1They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. (Proverbs 1:8-9, NIV)

1Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, 1for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching. (Prov. 4:1-2)

1.  Look at Prov. 1:8 again. Who is involved in training the child according to this verse?

2.  Think back to what we have read on past days from Ephesians 6:4: "Fathers [parents]... bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." What does this verse, along with Proverbs 1:8 tell you about who has been given the main responsibility for training children to know God?

3.  What exhortation is given to sons in Prov. 1:8 and 4:1?

4.  Why do you think it might be important to begin our instruction of our children with teaching them to "listen"? (The word "listen" means both to hear with the ears, and also to obey.)

How effective will any other instruction be if our children have not learned to listen?

5.  Besides listening, what is he told to do in Prov. 1:8 and 4:2?

What do you think it means to "not forsake" what you have been taught? Why is this an important part of paying close attention?

6.  When you give instruction to your children, do you take time to make sure they are listening closely to what you say?

Do you make sure they also obey what you are telling them?

Prayer: Think about your children's response to you. How well do they listen to you? What can you do to help them learn to be better listeners? Ask God to help you to be patient and kind, yet firm and consistent in training your children to listen and obey.

26. Teaching Our Children to Look to God (Trust)

Opening Thoughts:

When you are in a difficult situation, or when you have an important decision to make, what is the first thing you usually do?

Read the verses below from Proverbs.

5Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 1in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 1Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. 1This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. (Proverbs 3:5-8, NIV)

1.  Read again verses 5-6. These are very good verses to memorize and to have your children memorize. How is this exhortation a good foundation for our children throughout all of their lives?

2.  Take a few minutes to think about this: What does it mean to "trust in the Lord with all your heart"?

3.  According to verse 6, what must you do if you want God to "make your paths straight"?

4.  Do you apply verses 5&6 in all of your own life? How important do you think your example is in teaching your children to trust God?

5.  How is being "wise in your own eyes" different from trusting in the Lord and submitting to Him?

6.  How can you teach your children to trust in the Lord and to submit to Him in the ups and downs of everyday life?

7.  Think about the following questions:

- Do you encourage your children to pray and put their hope and trust in God in every decision or difficulty that they face?

- Are you training them to submit their whole lives to Him, asking Him to show them His will for their lives?

- Are you helping them to see how very much He loves them and wants the best for their lives?

Prayer: Take some time now to pray for your children to learn to trust God. Pray that they would see that He is completely trustworthy and always faithful to his Word.

6"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:6-7)

27. Teaching Our Children to See God's Greatness and Worship Him

Opening Thoughts:

How does looking at God's creation—the heavens above and nature around you—help you to worship God?

Many of the Psalms speak of God's greatness as seen in creation and in the miracles and wondrous things He does. Teaching these Psalms to our children can help them to have a greater appreciation for how awesome God is.

Read the Psalm below.

3Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. 1One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. 1On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. 1They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. 1They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. (Psalm 145:3-7)

1.  What are some things that the Psalm writer encourages his readers to pass on to the next generation?

2.  What does he say about the greatness of the Lord in verse 3?

Think about some of the ways that God displays His glory. He shows it to everyone through creation. Psalm 19:1 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork."

3.  Do you take time with your children to marvel at God's greatness as seen in the nighttime sky? If you haven't done this before, when and how could you do this? (You could plan a walk in the park or in the country on a clear night, or plan a camping trip.)

4.  What are some ways that nature shows the awesome power of God?

Think about how plants, and even giant trees, grow from tiny seeds. Think about mountains, rivers and seas. Can you think of other examples?

5.  Read verse 7 again. What do God's people proclaim and sing about?

6.  What are some ways that God has shown his goodness and faithfulness to your family? (Don't forget about the greatest thing He has done for us all in giving his Son to die for our sins.)

7.  Do you take time together as a family to celebrate and sing together of the greatness and goodness of God?

Prayer: Take some time now to praise God for all that He has done. Do this often together with your family.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? (Ps. 8:3-4)

28. Teaching Our Children to Know Christ

Opening Thoughts:

How did you first learn about Jesus? What was it that drew you to want to give your heart to Him?

As parents our most important goal in training and instructing our children is to lead them to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Timothy is a good example from the New Testament of a young man who was brought up by his mother and grandmother to know and love God. While he was still young, Timothy became a disciple of the Apostle Paul. He is mentioned several times in Acts, chapters 16-20, as well as in many of Paul's letters. We learn the most about him from the two letters that Paul wrote to him specifically—1 Timothy & 2 Timothy.

Read the two passages below from 2 Timothy.

5I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. (2 Tim. 1:5)

14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:14-17)

1.  From whom did Timothy learn the truths of Scripture? (2 Tim. 1:5)

2.  Read 2 Tim. 3:14-15 again. When was he taught?

3.  What was he taught? (3:15) How did he come to have a saving faith in Jesus?

4.  What was the result of the teaching of his mother and grandmother? (1:5 and 3:14&17)

As we read about Timothy in the book of Acts and throughout the letters of Paul, it is clear that, even as a youth, he was mature and firm in his faith. We frequently see Paul giving him leadership responsibilities among the believers. The things he was taught from childhood took deep root and bore good fruit in his life.

5.  As your children grow older, are you seeing signs that they understand the way of salvation and want to live for Christ? What specific signs do you see?

We cannot force our children to follow Jesus; this must be their own decision. Nevertheless, if you are doing your best to teach them the Word of God which is "able to make [them] wise for salvation," God's Spirit will work in their hearts to draw them to Him.

Prayer: Pray for each of your children by name. Ask God to show you what each one needs to help them come to saving faith in Jesus. Pray that they would see the sinfulness of their hearts and their need for a Savior. If they have already committed their lives to Jesus, pray that they would be firmly established in Him.

See Appendix D for a brief overview, including Scriptures, of what your child needs to know to be saved.

29. Teaching Our Children to Walk By the Spirit

Opening Thoughts:

Do you sometimes find that one part of you wants to think and do what is right and good, but another part of you wants to do something different? What do you do in these situations?

After our children have trusted in Christ as their Savior, they will face many temptations from the sin that surrounds them in the world and the wrong desires of their own flesh. How can we help them win these battles? Let's look at Paul's instructions to the believers in Galatia.

Read the verses below.

16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law... 12But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 13gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 14And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:16-18 & 22-24)

1.  Read verse 16 again. What does Paul say will be the result if you walk by the Spirit?

2.  Read verse 17 again. Describe the war that is going on inside the believer.

In what ways do you see this war going on inside of you?

How do you see this war going on in the lives of your children?

3.  Read verses 22-23. Name the fruit that will be produced in the life of the person who is led by the Spirit.

4.  Take a few minutes to read again and think about verse 24. What does this verse say about our fleshly passions and desires?

Crucifixion is not easy, nor is it painless. In the same way, it is not easy or painless to deny the desires of the flesh and choose instead to walk by the Spirit. But as our children learn to practice this each day, they will find that the desires of the flesh grow weaker and their desire for true, spiritual life will grow stronger. For more verses on this topic see Appendix E.

Prayer: Pray that both you and your children would learn to submit yourselves to God each day, asking Him to strengthen you to say "no" to fleshly desires, and "yes" to the Spirit. Pray for this with your children as soon as they are old enough to understand.

30. Inspiring Our Children to Live by Faith

Opening Thoughts:

Who are some of the people in the Bible who inspire you to believe God for things that seem impossible? (Think about Moses, Hannah, Daniel, the apostles Peter and Paul, and many others)

Living as followers of Jesus should never be boring! God desires that we live by faith in Him. This means He is always challenging us to believe Him to work in and through us to do things that are greater than we could do in our own strength or with our own resources. This brings glory to Him and joy to us! Let's think about what faith is and how we can inspire our children to live by faith.

Read the verses below from Hebrews.

1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 1For by it the people of old received their commendation. 1By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 1And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:1-3 & 6)

1.  Read verse 1 again. How is faith different from being confident in something that already exists or believing in something concrete that you can see or touch?

2.  What example of faith is given in verse 3?

3.  Read verse 6 again. According to this verse, what is impossible without faith? Why do you think this is true?

4.  What must we believe if we want to come near to God? (verse 6) Why do you think it would be important to believe this?

5.  Over and over throughout God's Word, we read about men and women of faith. We see that faith is the most important thing that God looks for in the hearts of His people.

Think about your own life. Do you believe that God "exists and that He rewards those who seek Him"? Does the way you live show that you trust God and that you seek Him in faith?

6.  What are you doing to instill this kind of faith in your children?

Hebrews, chapter 11 tells briefly of many heroes of the faith. As your children learn these heroes' stories, they will be inspired to trust the God of Noah, Abraham, Moses, and many others. The following page will give you ideas of how you can make these and other stories an important part of your children's upbringing.

Prayer: Pray for yourself and your children to be people of faith. Pray that you would all follow the example of the people of faith in God's Word, and that your lives would bring glory to Him.

Stories

One very important way that you can pass on God's truth to your children is through reading or telling stories. All children love to hear a good story! The most important stories to pass on to them are found in the Word of God. If your children are too young to understand the language used in the Bible, you can read the story and learn it first and then retell it in simple words. Ask them simple questions to help them discover the most important lesson in the story. You can tell the same story over and over again—young children love repetition! You may also be able to find a children's Bible story book in your language that you can read with them.

As your children become old enough to understand, it's good to read God's Word together as a family. (See Appendix F for a list of stories that are good to read with children.) As you read, help them to see that God's Word contains truths and lessons that apply to their lives today. Talk about what you have read, asking questions and praying together about it.

A good time to read God's Word together is either in the morning before going to work or school, or in the evening before bedtime. You might try turning off electronic devices after dinner and using this time to read together. Besides Scripture, you can probably also find wonderful stories of men and women of God throughout history that you can read to older children, one chapter each night. What could be better to fill your child's mind with before sleep, than thoughts of God's love and faithfulness?

Also, think about your own life story. What has God done for you? What have you seen Him do in the lives of others you know? What answers to prayer have you seen? Have there been times that you knew God was speaking to you about something, or times that you sensed His presence in a special way? Have you told these testimonies to your children? If you are a grandparent, have you told them to your children's children?

Children especially love to hear a story about people they know. As soon as your child is old enough to understand, you can begin to tell stories of God's faithfulness in your life and in the lives of others. Tell them often as you sit around the table, as you put them to bed at night, or at any other good time throughout the day.

31. Teaching Our Children to Obey God's Word

Opening Thoughts:

What do you think makes a person wise? What are some characteristics that you would expect to see in the life of a person who is wise?

Read the parable below that Jesus told about a wise man and a foolish man.

24"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 15And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 16And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 17And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it." (Matthew 7:24-27)

1.  Look at verse 24. Who does Jesus say is like the wise man? What does the wise man do in this verse?

2.  What happens to the house in verse 25?

Why did the house not fall?

3.  Look again at verse 26. Who does Jesus say is like the foolish man?

4.  Where does the foolish man build his house? What happens to it? (Verse 27)

5.  Compare the man in verse 24 with the man in verse 26. They both heard the words of Jesus. What was different about them?

Little children love this story! They will enjoy doing hand motions to pretend they are building a house, then making the noises of a storm. Then, with their hands, they can show the house standing firm or crashing down.

6.  As you have fun telling this story to them, be sure you emphasize the main purpose of the story. What do you see as the lesson in this parable?

Prayer: Think about the end result of the two houses in the story above. None of us want our children's lives to end up like the house built on the sand! Pray that from an early age, your children would see the importance of obeying God's words, not just reading and knowing them. Pray that they would have hearts that are submitted to God and desire to be obedient to Him.

32. Teaching Our Children Moral Purity–Part 1

Flee from Sexual Immorality. (1 Cor. 6:18)

Opening Thoughts:

Did anyone give you any instruction regarding sexual purity when you were growing up? What do you wish you had been taught?

Read the Scriptures below.

18Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 10for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians. 6:18-20)

22So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (Paul to his young disciple, Timothy, 2 Tim. 2:22)

1.  In these verses, what does Paul say a person should do when they are faced with sexual temptation? (1 Cor. 6:18 & 2 Tim. 2:22)

2.  In the verses above from 1 Corinthians 6, Paul gives several reasons why sexual immorality is so bad. What are these reasons?

3.  In 2 Tim. 2:22, what is Timothy encouraged to pursue instead of "youthful passions"?

In many societies today, parents do not talk with their children about sexual things. Yet you can be sure, as your children reach their teenage years, they will learn these things—from their peers, from the internet, from television. And it is very likely that what they hear will not be God's perspective! Therefore, it is of utmost importance that we, as parents who are also followers of Jesus, not neglect this part of our children's instruction in godliness.

4.  If you have children who are old enough to understand these things, will you be bold and begin to open up this subject with them?

Prayer: Pray for yourself to know when is the right time to begin this conversation with each child, and pray that you will have the courage to talk openly and honestly with them. Pray for each of your children to be saved from the deception of the enemy in the area of sexual temptation. Pray that each one might know the joy of true intimacy that is found in marriage alone.

See Appendix G for some Scripture passages that you will find useful in discussing sexual purity with your children.

33. Teaching Our Children Moral Purity–Part 2

Keeping Our Thoughts Pure

Opening Thoughts:

How do you think your thought life (the things you often think about) affects your attitudes and behavior?

Read the verses below from Ephesians.

3But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 1Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 1For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous, (that is, an idolater) has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 1 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:3-6)

1.  Look again at verses 3-4 above. Name the things that should not be a part of the life of a follower of Jesus.

What should there be instead of these things? (verse 4)

2.  Read verses 5-6 again. What will be the results for those who do the unclean things listed here?

Read the verse below from Philippians.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)

3.  Name the kinds of things this verse says we should think about. What does this say to you about having a pure mind, thinking pure thoughts?

The verse above is a very good one to have children memorize. They can learn to ask themselves, "Do my thoughts line up with the things listed in this verse?"

4.  What do you think about throughout the day? Are your thoughts the same as those that are described in Philippians 4:8?

5.  Take some time to think through the television programs that you watch and that you allow your children to watch. Is your family watching things that will make it difficult to keep a pure mind?

Do you go to websites on the internet that show improper images or that discuss things that are impure?

6.  What could you do with your children instead that would help them grow in godliness? (See Appendix C "Suggestions for Keeping Christ Central in Your Home")

Prayer: Read Ephesians 5:3-4 again (above). What changes do you need to make as a family to help you and your children keep clean minds and hearts? Take some time to pray about these things now. Ask God to help you follow through and do whatever He shows you to do.

34. Preparing Our Children to Endure Hardship–Part 1

Opening Thoughts:

Have you ever suffered some kind of persecution because you were a follower of Jesus? If not, have you known someone who has had this happen? How did you (or they) respond?

Throughout the New Testament we read that followers of Jesus can expect to face persecution and hardship because of their faith. We must be prepared for this ourselves and we must prepare our children.

Read the verses below from the letter of the Apostle Peter.

12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. ...19Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter 4:12-14&19)

1.  Read verse 12 again. According to this verse, how should we react when facing "fiery trials"? Why does it say they come upon us?

If we expect trials as a normal part of the life of a believer, how can this help us to be strong when we face them?

2.  Read verses 13-14 again. What should we do in times of trial? Why should we do that?

3.  Look at verse 14. Have you or your children ever been "insulted for the name of Christ"? What encouragement do you find in this verse?

4.  What does verse 19 say to do in times of suffering? Why would it be important to keep "doing good" at these times?

Read the words of Jesus in the verses below.

10"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:10-12)

5.  Suppose one of your children comes home from school and tells you about being mistreated by a teacher or other children because of their faith. How could you use the verses above to encourage them?

Prayer: Speaking about the seed of God's Word, Matthew 13:20-21 says, "As for [seed that] was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away." Pray that your children's hearts would be good soil and that God's Word would take deep root there so that they would not fall away in times of hardship. Pray that instead, they would rejoice that they share in Christ's sufferings.

35. Preparing Our Children to Endure Hardship–Part 2

Opening Thoughts:

Do you think that anything good can come from going through hard times? (These could be any kind of hard times--sickness, financial need, persecution, etc.)

Read the verses below.

2Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 1for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 1And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)

1.  Verse 2 speaks of "trials of various kinds." These trials may come because of hard times in your country (economic troubles, war, natural disasters); they may be caused by the sin of others against you; or they may be directed towards you because of your faith. Regardless of how they come, what does this verse say we should do when they come to us?

2.  What do you see in verses 3&4 that should encourage you to rejoice at these times?

3.  As parents, we often want to shield our children from the hard things in life. This is normal. But think about the end result that suffering brings.

Look again at verses 3&4. Are these not things that you desire for your children?

4.  Why is steadfastness so necessary in order to stay true to God in a dark world?

Read the verses below.

35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?...17No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 18For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, 19nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35&37-39)

5.  How do the verses above give you strength for difficult times?

If you teach these verses to your children, think about how they might be a help to them as well.

Prayer: Pray for yourself and your children that you would be able to welcome trials because you know they have a good purpose for your lives. Pray that God would help you draw near to Him in hard times and have confidence that He is with you.

See Appendix H for other Scriptures about suffering in trials and persecution.

V. Prayer: A Parent's Greatest Resource

Although each of the devotionals so far has encouraged parents to pray both for themselves and for their children, this last section presents a specific call to prayer. There is nothing more powerful that you can do to influence your children than to pray for them.

As you read through God's Word for your own personal growth, be looking for verses that contain promises or truths that you want to see lived out in the lives of your children. For example, you could pray that they would be people of faith, like Noah or Abraham. You could also pray that they would not be like Cain (Gen. 4:1-7), who did not listen when God warned him. Pray that instead, they would have soft hearts and ears open to hear God's voice.

There are many beautiful prayers of the apostles found in the letters of the New Testament. Just as the apostles prayed for the believers of their day, you can pray the same things for yourself and for your children. (See Appendix A, for blessings you can pray from the prayers of the apostle Paul.)

36. Finding the Wisdom We Need to Raise Our Children for Christ

Opening Thoughts:

As a parent, do you ever worry that maybe you aren't doing what is best for your children? How can you know how to raise a child when you've never done it before? What are some of your biggest worries?

Every parent feels inadequate at times. This is normal! God created us to be dependent on Him in all that we do. He wants us to work in partnership with Him in His good plan for our families. Let's look at what God's Word says about how to find the wisdom we need to raise our children for Him.

Read the verses below from James.

5If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 1But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 1For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 1 he is a double- minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-8)

1.  Read verse 5 again. What does this verse say we should do if we lack wisdom?

2.  How will God respond?

3.  Read verse 6 again. What does it say is important in our asking?

4.  What do verses 7-8 tell us about the person who doubts? What can he expect to receive from the Lord?

5.  Do you frequently go to God when you don't know what to do in a situation concerning your children?

6.  Do you believe that He will generously give you the wisdom that you need?

Prayer: At this time, where do you need wisdom in raising your children? Take some time to pray about these things. Pray with confidence that God will hear you and He will answer. God loves your children even more than you do, and He wants what is best for them.

If possible, pray for these things together with your spouse.

37. Fighting Spiritual Battles for Our Children

Opening Thoughts:

Do you ever feel that you are in a battle, with your children on one side and you on the other? What can a parent do in this situation?

Most parents feel this way at some time. The truth is, we are in a battle— but the real enemy is not our children. Let's look at what the Apostle Paul has to say about this warfare and how we can fight the real enemy.

Read the verses below from Ephesians 6.

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places... 14Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. (Ephesians. 6:10-12 & 14-18)

1.  Read verse 12 again. Who does Paul say is really coming against us?

2.  How do we stand against these forces, according to verses 10-11?

3.  Read verses 14-17 again. Name the various parts of our spiritual armor described in these verses.

4.  Look at verse 16. Why is our faith so important?

5.  Read verse 18 again. What is the role of prayer in our fight against the forces of darkness? When and how are we encouraged to pray?

As parents we must recognize that we have a very real enemy who wants to destroy our families. Even the strongest, most disciplined person cannot conquer Satan on his own—only God's power can stand against him. But Jesus has defeated him on the cross! And He gives to us the strength and wisdom that we need as we stand in faith in His powerful name.

Prayer: Ask God to open your spiritual eyes to see where the enemy may be attacking your family. Often his ways are subtle. Take up the shield of faith, and pray in Jesus' mighty name for your family to be delivered from his schemes. Believe that God will always hear and answer these prayers. If you do not see an immediate answer, don't give up—keep on praying in faith!

38. Fighting in Prayer for Our Children

Opening Thoughts:

How often do you pray for your children? Do you believe that your prayers make a difference?

Read the verses below from the letters of Paul and of Peter.

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith. (1Corinthians. 16:13)

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2)

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians. 5:17)

8Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1Resist him, firm in your faith. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

1.  Notice the following phrases from the verses we have read: "Be watchful," (1 Cor. 16:13); "continue steadfastly" (Col 4:2); "Be sober- minded; be watchful." (1 Pet. 5:8)

What do these phrases say to you about the attitude we must have as we consider the spiritual battle we are in?

2.  Read again 1 Cor. 16:13 and 1 Peter 5:9. How do you think we stand firm in the faith?

3.  Think about this: Is it possible to stand firm and resist the enemy without faith in Christ's victory over him?

4.  Parents are in a unique position to provide spiritual protection for their children. God has established you to be the authority over the children He has given you, as we have already seen in many of the passages we have studied. Do you take this responsibility seriously?

5.  We all feel inadequate for this. That is because in ourselves we are inadequate! But Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." How does this verse encourage you?

Prayer: Pray for yourself that God would teach you how to stand in prayer against the enemy. Pray for your children, that they would be protected from the enemy's schemes by the powerful name of Jesus. Pray on all occasions, steadfastly, and without ceasing. Ask God to help you make this a habit throughout your life.

39. Agreeing Together in Prayer for Our Children

Opening Thoughts:

Do you sometimes find yourself growing weary or feeling weak in your prayers? How does it strengthen you to pray together with others? If you have never done this, how do you think it might strengthen you?

Read Jesus words in the verses below.

19"Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 10For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." (Matthew 18:19-20)

1.  Read the verses above again. What does Jesus say will happen if two people agree together in prayer?

2.  What does verse 20 say is true wherever two or three people gather in Jesus' name?

3.  Of course, we have many examples in God's Word of people who prayed by themselves: David's prayers in the Psalms, and Jesus, Himself, who often got alone to pray. But what do these verses say to you about the strength of the prayers of two or more who agree together?

4.  What do you think it means to "agree" when you pray together about something?

5.  Think about how it could affect your family if you and your spouse took time together regularly to pray for each other and for your children.

If it is not possible to pray with a spouse, is there a believing relative or friend you could meet with to pray together? A mother could meet together with one or more other mothers or a father with other fathers to pray for each other and for their children.

Prayer: Plan a time to pray together with your spouse or with someone else. Think about how you would like to see your children grow spiritually. Agree together in prayer for these things and expect to see wonderful answers, just as it says in the verses above!

James 5:16 says, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (NIV) The prayer of two or three righteous persons, agreeing together, can be even more powerful!

40. Praying for a Prodigal Son or Daughter

(Note: If you do not personally have a prodigal child, use this study to pray for someone you know who has wandered away from God.)

Opening Thoughts:

If an older child turns away from God, what do you think a parent can do to try to bring them back?

In spite of our best efforts to raise our children to follow Jesus, sometimes they choose to go their own way. What can parents do when this happens? Often, there is little we can say to them because they do not have ears to hear. But God's Spirit is able to speak to their hearts. We have a powerful tool we can use to release God's Spirit to work in them, and that is prayer.

Read the verses below.

3For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 1For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 1We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

1.  These verses speak about the spiritual battle we are in as long as we live on earth. Read verse 4 again. What kind of power does it say our weapons have?

2.  It's important that we learn to recognize what is happening when we are fighting spiritual battles and that we know how to use spiritual weapons. Think for a minute about some of the fleshly weapons we often use to try to persuade our children to change: threats, manipulation, yelling or "preaching sermons" at them, arguing, physical punishment. How does a rebellious child usually respond to these things?

Do these methods have any real power to change a child's heart?

3.  There is a stronghold of the enemy in the life of a child who has rejected Jesus, and perhaps even denied the existence of God. They usually have "arguments" and "lofty opinions" against God.

Read verses 4-5 again. What are God's weapons able to do?

4.  As we read through all of the Scriptures, we see that we have four powerful weapons: (These verses are written on the next page.)

- The Word of God (Ephesians 6:17 & Hebrews 4:12)

- Prayer (Ephesians 6:18 & Luke 18:1)

- Our faith (1 Peter 5:9 & 1 John 5:4)

- The power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8 & Romans 8:26-27).

How can these weapons be effective in the life of a child who has closed his heart to our words?

In the book of the Prophet Ezekiel we read the words that God spoke to the rebellious nation of Israel.

26And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 17And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

5.  How do these verses encourage you as you pray for your child who has wandered from faith in Christ?

Prayer: The strongest weapon we have to fight against the enemy of our child's soul is prayer. It is stronger than any argument, any punishment, any sermon we can preach to them. Don't be discouraged, but have faith, and pray daily for your child. Ask God to do what He says in the verses above from Ezekiel. Remember, He created your child and He loves them even more than you do!

If you don't see answers immediately, don't stop praying. Many parents have seen their children turn around after years of running from God.

(See Appendix I, for Scriptures to pray and encouraging verses for parents of prodigal children.)

Scriptures from question 4, above:

Ephesians 6:17: and take... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV): And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.

Luke 18:1: And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

1 Peter 5:9: Resist [the devil], firm in your faith....

1 John 5:4: And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

Acts 1:8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.

Romans 8:26-27: Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Psalm 127:1

Appendix A: Blessings to Pray for Your Children

Below are some blessings from the letters of the Apostle Paul that you can pray for you children.

From Ephesians 3:16-19:

- That they may "be strengthened with power through his Spirit in [their] inner being"

- That "Christ may dwell in [their] hearts through faith"

- That they would be "rooted and grounded in [Christ's] love"

- That they would "know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge"

- That they would "be filled with all the fullness of God"

From Ephesians 2:10:

- That they would fulfill all the good works that God has prepared especially for them.

From Ephesians 6:10-11:

- That they would "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might" to stand against the evil one

From Philippians 1:9-11:

- That their "love would abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment," so they may "approve what is excellent"

- That they would be "pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness" that comes through Christ to the glory of God

From Philippians 2:15:

- That they would "be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation."

- That they would "shine as lights in the world"

From Philippians 3:10:

- That they would "know [Christ] and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings," (Yes, this, too, is a blessing!)

From Colossians 1:9-11:

- That they would "be filled with the knowledge of [God's] will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,"

- That they would "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him,"

- That they would "bear fruit in every good work and increase in the knowledge of God."

- That they would be "strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,"

As you read God's Word, you will find many more blessings to pray into the lives of your children.

[Chapter 19]           [Section V]

Appendix B: Other Important Topics to Teach

The passages from God's Word that we have studied in Section 4 contain many important truths to teach your children. However, as your children grow, you will want to teach them more and more of God's Word. Included here are just a few important topics not covered in these studies, along with Scripture references that pertain to the topics, that you will find helpful.

Thankfulness

- Psalm 92:1-5

- Psalm 106:1-2

- Psalm 100 and other Psalms

- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

- Colossians 2:6-7

- Philippians 4:6-7

Being Content

- Philippians 4:11-13

- 1 Timothy 6:6-10

- Hebrews 13:5

The Value of Hard Work

- Proverbs 6:6-11; 12:24; 13:4; 18:9; 19:15; 20:4; 24:30-34

- 1 Corinthians 15:58

- Colossians 3:23-24

- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12

Caring for the Needy

- Psalm 41:1-2

- Proverbs 14:21; 19:17; 21:13

- Isaiah 58:6-11

- Matthew 6:1-4

- Matthew 25:31-46

- Luke 10:25-37

Forgiveness

- Matthew 6:9-15

- Matthew 18:21-35

- Mark 11:25

- Luke 23:33-34

- Colossians 3:12-14

- Ephesians 4:32

Loving Your Enemies

- Matthew 5:43-48

- Luke 6:27-36

- Romans 12:14-21

Generosity

- Proverbs 11:24

- Matthew 6:1-4

- Mark 12:41-44

- Luke 6:38

- Luke 12:33-34

- Acts 20:35

- 2 Corinthians 8:1-7

- 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

- 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Honesty

- Psalm 15

- Proverbs 10:9

- Proverbs 19:5

- Ephesians 4:25

- Colossians 3:9-10

- Acts 5:1-11

Prayer

- Matthew 6:5-13

- Luke 18:1-8

- Luke 18:9-14

- Philippians 4:6-7

- James 5:13-18

Humility

- Micah 6:8

- Matthew 5:3&5

- Philippians 2:1-11

- 1 Peter 5:5-7

[Section IV]

Appendix C: Suggestions for Keeping Christ Central in Your Home

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

These verses say that parents are to make God's Word a central part of the life of their family every day. Take some time to think about how you can do this in your family. Many people spend a lot of time talking about their problems or about trivial or material things—gossip, food, clothes, money, work, etc. In your home, how much time do you spend focusing on eternal things—the love and greatness of God; how you can serve God; what God is doing in the world; what you are learning from God's Word, etc?

Below are a few suggestions to help you make Christ the center of your home.

➡ Memorizing Scriptures as a family; putting them up around the home where they can be seen often

➡ Setting aside a time for regular family worship and Bible reading or study

➡ Reading Scripture and praying together in the morning before going off to work/school/etc.

➡ Stopping throughout the day for moments to thank God for specific answers to prayer

➡ Stopping throughout the day to pray about problems or needs as they arise

➡ Taking a moment before meals to thank God for his provision

➡ Singing songs of praise and worship together often

➡ Reading together books about men and women of God

➡ Playing audio Scriptures in your home

➡ Playing spiritual music in the home, car, etc.

➡ Looking at nature together and talking about God's greatness

➡ When your children come to you with problems or questions, praying with them and helping them to find answers in God's Word

[Chapter 24]           [Chapter 33]

Appendix D: What does your child need to know to be saved?

The most important thing we can do for our children as they are growing up in our home is to lead them to trust in Jesus as their Savior. You must help them understand God's truths, and you can begin as soon as they are able to listen to a short story and understand very simple concepts. As they learn from God's Word, His Spirit will work in their hearts and convict them of sin and of their need for a Savior. Pray often that they would have ears to hear and soft hearts to receive God's truth.

Below are some basic truths taught in God's Word that our children need to understand in order to come to saving faith in Jesus.

1.  They are sinners and separated from God. The price for sin is death.

- Genesis 1-3 (The story of creation and the fall of mankind into sin.)

- Jeremiah 17:9

- Romans 3:23 & 5:12

2.  Jesus died to pay the price for their sin. He rose again, conquering sin and death.

- Matthew 26-28; Mark 14-16; Luke 22-24; John 18-20. (These chapters tell the story of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.)

- Romans 3:21-26

- Romans 5:6-11

- Isaiah 52:13-53:12 (Prophecy of Jesus' suffering and death for our sin)

3.  They receive forgiveness and new life in Christ by faith alone, not by anything they can do.

- Romans 1:16-17

- Ephesians 2:1-10

4.  If they will confess their sin and turn from it, and believe that Jesus died for their sin, they will be saved.

- Luke 24:46-47

- John 3:16-18

- 1 John 1:8-10

- Acts 2:38

- Romans 10:8-11

5.  When they are saved, they are born of God's Spirit. God sends the Holy Spirit to live in them and give them the will and the strength to obey God and grow to become more like Jesus.

- John 1:12-13

- Romans 8:1-11

- Philippians 2:13

- 2 Peter 1:3-11

[Chapter 28]

Appendix E: Verses to Help Our Children Learn to Walk by the Spirit

Throughout our entire lives we are all learning to say "no" to temptations and "yes" to Jesus. Below is a list of verses you can use to help your children learn to overcome sin.

Verses specifically about temptation

- Psalm 1:1-2 & 119:11

- James 1:12-15

- James 4:1-10

- Matthew 6:13

- Romans 6-8

- 1 Corinthians 10:13

- Galatians 6:7-9

- Ephesians 6:10-18

- 1 Timothy 6:6-16

- 2 Timothy 2:22

- Hebrews 2:18 & 4:14-16

- 1 Peter 5:8-11

- 1 John 2:1-6; 3:1-10 & 5:4

Verses about denying ourselves to follow Christ

- Matthew 10:37-39 & 16:24-26

- Mark 8:34-38

- Luke 9:23-25 & 14:25-35

- Romans 12:1-2 & 13:11-14

- Galatians 2:20; 5:16-25 & 6:14

- Titus 2:11-14

- 1 John 2:15-17

- Revelation 12:11

[Chapter 29]

Appendix F: Suggested Bible Stories

Below is a list of Bible Stories that children will enjoy.

Old Testament

- Genesis 1&2: Creation

- Genesis 3: The fall of mankind into sin

- Genesis 4: Cain and Abel: the first murder

- Genesis 6:5 - Genesis 8:22: Noah and the flood

- Genesis 11:1-9: The Tower of Babel

- Genesis chapters 12-50: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph: These chapters have many stories children will love. Some of the stories will be more appropriate for children who are a little older.

- Exodus chapters 1 - 20:21 & chapters 32—34: God Delivers Israel from Egypt and gives the Ten Commandments. There are many fascinating stories for children in these chapters.

- Numbers chapters 13—14: Spies are sent into Canaan; Israel rebels against God

- Joshua chapters 1—4 & 5:10––10:15: Joshua leads Israel into Canaan; the walls of Jericho fall

- Judges chapters 6 and 7: Gideon miraculously defeats the Midianites

- The Book of Ruth: This is a beautiful story of love and faith!

- The Books of 1 & 2 Samuel: Young children will love the story of David defeating the giant, Goliath, in 1 Sam. 17. Many of the other stories in these two books have important lessons for children who are a little older.

- 1 Kings chapters 16:29—19:21 and 2 Kings chapter 2: Elijah the prophet confronts a wicked king and false gods (Miracle Stories)

- 2 Kings chapters 4-7: Elisha the prophet does many miracles

- 2 Chronicles 20:1-30: Jehoshaphat: God delivers Judah

- The Book of Esther: Esther risks her life to save her people

- Daniel chapters 1-6: Exciting stories of Daniel and his three friends in Babylon and how God delivered them.

- The Book of Jonah: Jonah Runs from God and is swallowed by a fish

New Testament

Below is a list of 25 stories that young children will enjoy from the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and the Acts of the Apostles. The Gospels contain many stories from the life and miracles of Jesus. The Book of Acts has many great stories of miracles God did through the Apostles after Jesus went back into heaven. It also tells of trials and suffering that Jesus' followers endured as they took the gospel everywhere. These stories can inspire your children to also follow Jesus and take the gospel to others.

- The Birth of Jesus: Luke chapters1&2 and Matthew 1:18-2:23

- Jesus Is Tempted: Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13

- The Parable of the House on the Rock: Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:46-49

- Miracles of Healing: Matthew 8:1-17

- Jesus Calms a Storm: Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; and Luke 8:22-25

- Jesus Forgives Sins and Heals a Paralyzed Man: Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26

- Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals Others: Matthew 9:18-34; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56

- The Parable of the Sower: Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; and Luke 8:4-15

- Jesus Feeds Five Thousand People: Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; and Luke 9:10-17

- Jesus Walks on Water: Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-21

- Jesus Feeds Four Thousand People: Matthew 15:32-39; Mark 8:1-10

- The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant: Matthew 18:21-35

- Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem: Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10 Luke 19:28-40

- Jesus Heals a Blind Man: Mark 8:22-26

- Jesus Says to Let the Children Come to Him: Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17

- The Parable of the Prodigal Son: Luke 15:11-32

- Jesus Heals Ten Lepers: Luke 17:11-19

- Jesus Meets Zacchaeus: Luke 19:1-10

- Jesus Is Crucified: Matthew chapters 26&27; Mark chapters 14&15 Luke chapters 22&23 John chapters 18&19 (These passages are very long. For young children you will need to tell it more briefly or read it from a children's Bible. You could also read a little each day, leading up to Easter Sunday.)

- Jesus Rises from the Dead: Matthew 28:1-10 Mark 16:1-13; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18

- A Lame Beggar Is Healed in Jesus' Name: Acts 3:1-10

- Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch: Acts 8:26-40

- Dorcas Is Raised from the Dead: Acts 9:36-43

- Peter Is Released from Prison: Acts 12:1-19

- Paul and Silas Sing in Prison; The Jailer's Family Believes: Acts 16:16-34

[Stories]

Appendix G: Suggestions for Teaching Sexual Purity

In many societies today, sexual images and temptations abound. Everything seems to say that this is fun, this is good, this is life-giving and brings freedom. But God's Word tells us something different. All sexual immorality is sin, and Romans 6 says that sin leads to slavery and death.

How can we help our children see the beauty of living according to God's righteous ways? If we just teach our children a list of things they are not supposed to do, they will get the idea that following Jesus means keeping burdensome rules, meant to take away all their fun in life. Instead, we must help them see that walking in God's way brings life and health to us spiritually, emotionally, and physically. We need to help them understand not just the negatives—all the things that are bad and forbidden—but also all of the positives—the blessings that come to those who choose God's wise and loving ways.

Below are suggestions of Scriptures and Bible stories that you will find useful in teaching your children this important subject.

A good place to begin is to show them that sexual intimacy in marriage is God's design and it is good:

- Genesis 1:26-28&31 and Gen. 2:18-25

- Ephesians 5:25-33 explains how intimacy in marriage is a picture of the relationship between Christ and His bride, the Church (all believers).

There are many passages in Proverbs that speak to the importance of keeping the sexual relationship for marriage alone. While these are generally addressed to sons, the truths certainly apply to daughters as well.

- Proverbs 2

- Proverbs 5

- Proverbs 6:20-35

- Proverbs 7

- Psalm 119:9-11 speaks of how God's Word keeps us from sin.

Jesus taught that impurity comes from within:

- Matthew 5:27-30

- Mark 7:14-23

In the letters of Paul, we read his exhortations to his young disciple, Timothy, to keep himself pure. He also speaks of this in other letters:

- 1 Timothy 4:7-8

- 1 Timothy 4:12-16

- 2 Timothy 2:22

- 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

- Galatians 5:16-25

- Ephesians 5:3-6

- Colossians 3:1-10

- 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

- Hebrews 13:4

- Philippians 4:8 speaks about the importance of purity in the mind

There are two powerful examples in the Old Testament—Joseph, a positive example, and David, a negative example:

- Genesis 39-41: (The entire story of Joseph is found in Genesis 37 and 39-50) Even though Joseph suffered for choosing what was right, in the end God honored and exalted him. This was the consequence of choosing to be faithful to God, rather than enjoying the temporary pleasures of sin.

- 2 Samuel 11:1—12:23: King David committed adultery with Bathsheba and then tried to cover his sin.

- Psalm 51: This is David's prayer of repentance after his sin of adultery.

[Chapter 32]

Appendix H: Verses to Encourage Endurance in Hardship

"...fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

Scriptures on suffering and persecution:

- Joshua 1:1-9 (Encouragement to be strong and courageous)

- Matthew 5:10-12 & 10:16-33

- John 15:18-21 & 16:1-4 & 33

- Romans 8:28 & 31-39

- 1 Corinthians 15:58

- Hebrews 11 & 12:1-3

- James 1:2-4 & 5:7-11

- 1 Peter 1:3-9; 2:19-25; 3:13-17; 4:12-19 & 5:6-11

Scriptures about God's help in times of trouble:

- Psalms 3, 5, 13, 18, 20, 23, 27, 40, 46, 54, 56, 61, 62, 68, 70, 91, 121, 125, 130, 140 & 146

- Isaiah 26:3-4; 40:27-31; 41:10; 42:5-9 & 43:1-4

- Jeremiah 29:11-14

- Matthew 11:28-30

- Hebrews 4:14-16

[Chapter 35]

Appendix I: Verses for Parents of Prodigal Children

From the Old Testament prophets:

The verses below were spoken by God's prophets to the nation of Israel. We can pray these verses for our children, knowing that God desires these same things for them as well.

- Isaiah 44:3-5

- Isaiah 54:13

- Jeremiah 24:6-7

- Jeremiah 29:11-13

- Ezekiel 37:23

- Hosea 14

- Joel 2:12-13

From the teachings of Jesus:

- Matthew 18:12-14

- Luke 15:11-24

Encouragement for parents of prodigals:

- Isaiah 55:6-13

- Psalm 20

- Psalm 65:1-5

- Psalm 68:19-20

- Psalm 102:25-28

- Psalm 103

- Psalm 107:1-22

- Psalm 112:1-2

- Psalm 116:1-2

- Psalm 128

- Psalm 130

- Psalm 139:1-18 (Your lost child cannot hide from God!)

- Luke 1:37

- 1 John 5:14-15

- Romans 15:13

- Philippians 4:6-7

[Chapter 40]

If you would like to translate this book...

You will note that these meditations have been written in simple English. It is our hope that speakers of many different languages will find them easy to translate into their own language. It is not necessary to ask permission before translating them. However, if you do translate them, we would like to know about it. Please contact us through our website. It may be possible for us to include your translation on our website (www.learnhisways.com) in the future.

We also ask that you follow a few guidelines in translating. These will help to make things clearly understood and to keep the studies as close as possible to the Scriptures and to the original design of the writer of the study.

1.  Use a version of the Bible that is easy to understand.

Unlike the other books we've done, this one has all the Bible verses that go with a study actually printed in the study. For this reason, we would like to request that you use a version of the Bible in your language that is accurate (not a paraphrase), but at the same time, is easy for young believers to read and understand. Some people who use this book will not have previous knowledge of the Bible or Bible vocabulary. Please do not use a version that was translated many years ago and uses language that people today do not commonly use or understand. Try to find a modern translation.

2.  Copy quotes directly from the Bible in your language.

Any place where there are quotes from Scripture, please quote that verse or phrase from the Bible in your language--don't just translate from the English quote. There are a lot of places where part of a verse or a phrase or word from a verse is used. Please use the language of your Bible in those places. If you see something that is significantly different in the Bible in your language, so that what is written in English, either in questions or commentary, doesn't fit very well, please contact us through our website (see above) so we can discuss any necessary changes.

3.  Use appropriate words for "Bible," "Christian," "God,"and "Christ."

Choose words that are commonly used by followers of Jesus in your language group. For the word "Bible," use words from your language for "Holy Book," "The Word," "God's Word," or "Old or New Testament." In many Muslim countries, "Injil" is a good word to use for "New Testament." For the word "God," you should choose the word that is most commonly used by believers in your country. Some Muslim countries use the word "Allah," other countries have other words that they prefer.

For "Christ," it's best to use the word in your language for "Messiah," or "Anointed One." This is the meaning of the word "Christ." For "Christian," use words from your language for "follower of Jesus the Messiah," "follower of Jesus," or "believer"-- or whatever words are most commonly used and accepted by believers in your country.

4.  Use simple language.

We have tried to use simple sentences in the English to make these meditations easy to understand for anyone, including those who have no knowledge of the Bible and those who have limited education. We want them to be a help to ALL people—not just those who already know a lot. Please keep this in mind in translating. Some languages commonly use very complex and formal language in writing. We would ask that these studies be translated into language that sounds just the way people talk in normal, everyday life.

5.  Have someone check the translation.

To make these studies as accurate as possible in your native language, have a native speaker who is also fluent in English do the first translation from the English. Then, have a native English speaker who is also fluent in your language check the translation. In the final step, the original translator and the English checker should discuss any questions in the translation and come to an agreement on the best wording.

Remember... As you go through the translation process, if there is anything in the studies that is unclear, feel free to contact us through our website. (www.learnhisways.com) God bless you as you translate. We trust the Lord will use these studies to strengthen the Body of Christ in many different language groups around the world.

Verses

Luke 14:26

26"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

Exodus 20:12

12"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Deuteronomy 5:16

16"'Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Exodus 20:12

12"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Genesis 2:24

24Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Matthew 19:5

5and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?

Ephesians 5:31

31"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."

Exodus 20:12

12"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Matthew 15:4

4For God commanded, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.'

Romans 12:10

10Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Exodus 19

19 1On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain, 3while Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: 4'You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel."
7So Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. 8All the people answered together and said, "All that the Lord has spoken we will do." And Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord. 9And the Lord said to Moses, "Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever."
When Moses told the words of the people to the Lord, 10the Lord said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments 11and be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12And you shall set limits for the people all around, saying, 'Take care not to go up into the mountain or touch the edge of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death. 13No hand shall touch him, but he shall be stoned or shot; whether beast or man, he shall not live.' When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain." 14So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people; and they washed their garments. 15And he said to the people, "Be ready for the third day; do not go near a woman."
16On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. 17Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. 18Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. 19And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder. 20The Lord came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.
21And the Lord said to Moses, "Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to the Lord to look and many of them perish. 22Also let the priests who come near to the Lord consecrate themselves, lest the Lord break out against them." 23And Moses said to the Lord, "The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for you yourself warned us, saying, 'Set limits around the mountain and consecrate it.'" 24And the Lord said to him, "Go down, and come up bringing Aaron with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the Lord, lest he break out against them." 25So Moses went down to the people and told them.

[Chapter 23]

Hebrews 4:16

16Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

John 3:16

16"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Matthew 6:9

9Pray then like this:
"Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.

Ephesians 6:4

4Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Acts 16-20

16 1Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. 3Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.
6And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
11So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, 12and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. 13And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us.
16As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. 17She followed Paul and us, crying out, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation." 18And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour.
19But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. 20And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, "These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. 21They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice." 22The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. 23And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 24Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. 27When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." 29And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." 32And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
35But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, "Let those men go." 36And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, "The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace." 37But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out." 38The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. 39So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. 40So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.

17 1Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ." 4And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 5But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. 6And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, 7and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus." 8And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. 9And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
10The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. 13But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. 14Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. 15Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.
16Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, "What does this babbler wish to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities"—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean." 21Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.
22So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: "Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: 'To the unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28for
"'In him we live and move and have our being';
as even some of your own poets have said,
"'For we are indeed his offspring.'
29Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 30The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."
32Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, "We will hear you again about this." 33So Paul went out from their midst. 34But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.

18 1After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
5When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. 6And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." 7And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. 8Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. 9And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people." 11And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
12But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal, 13saying, "This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law." 14But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. 15But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things." 16And he drove them from the tribunal. 17And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this.
18After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow. 19And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21But on taking leave of them he said, "I will return to you if God wills," and he set sail from Ephesus.
22When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. 23After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
24Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. 25He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

19 1And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. 2And he said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" And they said, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." 3And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptism." 4And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus." 5On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7There were about twelve men in all.
8And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 10This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
11And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them. 13Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims." 14Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15But the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?" 16And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. 18Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. 19And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.
21Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome." 22And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
23About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. 24For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. 25These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, "Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27And there is danger not only that this trade of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the world worship."
28When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" 29So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel. 30But when Paul wished to go in among the crowd, the disciples would not let him. 31And even some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not to venture into the theater. 32Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd. 34But when they recognized that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one voice, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"
35And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, "Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that fell from the sky? 36Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. 37For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. 40For we really are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can give to justify this commotion." 41And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

20 1After the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he said farewell and departed for Macedonia. 2When he had gone through those regions and had given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. 3There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, 6but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days.
7On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 8There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 10But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, "Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him." 11And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. 12And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.
13But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land. 14And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. 15And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and the day after that we went to Miletus. 16For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.
17Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18And when they came to him, he said to them:
"You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
36And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.

[Chapter 28]

1 Timothy

1 1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
2To Timothy, my true child in the faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. 5The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.
8Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
12I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
18This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

2 1First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
8I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

3 1The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
8Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
14I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.

4 1Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
6If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
11Command and teach these things. 12Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

5 1Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.
3Honor widows who are truly widows. 4But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. 8But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, 10and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. 11But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry 12and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. 13Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. 14So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. 15For some have already strayed after Satan. 16If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.
17Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages." 19Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 22Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23(No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) 24The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 25So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.

6 1Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. 2Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved.
Teach and urge these things. 3If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. 6But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
11But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
17As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
20O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called "knowledge," 21for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.
Grace be with you.

[Chapter 28]

2 Timothy

1 1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,
2To Timothy, my beloved child:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
8Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
15You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

2 1You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
12if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13if we are faithless, he remains faithful—
for he cannot deny himself.
14Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity."
20Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.
22So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

3 1But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.
10You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

4 1I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
9Do your best to come to me soon. 10For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 12Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 14Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
19Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. 21Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers.
22The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

[Chapter 28]

Hebrews 11

1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
4By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
8By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.
13These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
17By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18of whom it was said, "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named." 19He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. 20By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 21By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. 22By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
23By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. 24By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 27By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. 28By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
29By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. 30By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
32And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

[Chapter 30]