Christ and the Rhythm of Family

       

The Preeminent Christ -12

 

TITLE:   

The Preeminent Christ -12

 

TITLE: Christ and the Rhythm of Family

TEXT:  Colossians 3:20-21

THESIS: Have you ever noticed that when kids are small, it’s like trying to conduct an orchestra with a bunch of squirrels? Take a trip to the mall, and suddenly, your little ones think the clothing racks are an amusement park. “Look, Mom! I’m hiding in the middle of this shirt! Then you venture into an antique store, and it’s like releasing tiny tornadoes in a museum—it’s a “please don’t touch anything” free-for-all!

 

And don’t even get me started on road trips. You’d think we were auditioning for a reality show with the arguments erupting from the backseat. “He touched me!” “No, I didn’t!” “Mom, can you just drive off the road and let me walk?”

 

And then they hit the teenage years. Ah, sweet rebellion! Now they want to challenge your wisdom like they’re auditioning for a debate club. “Dad, you just don’t understand! TikTok is basically a university degree!” Your rules are suddenly ancient history, and everyone seems to think they’re nominated for a Nobel Prize in genius.

 

Yet, amidst the chaos, there’s a silver lining. Your family can find their groove again—dancing in rhythm with a bit of help from above. Imagine it: a family dance-off infused with the grace of God, a choreography that might involve less arguing and a lot more laughter. So, let’s embrace the messiness, add a dash of humor, and remember that even the most chaotic family can find its rhythm!

 

In the context of family dynamics, nurturing an atmosphere of respect, love, and clear communication among children and parents is essential, as it fosters obedience and strengthens family bonds, ultimately reflecting the character of Christ.

 

TRUTH: Throughout the ancient world, minor children were expected to obey their parents, though Roman law allowed a father to demand obedience even from adult children. However, adult children are only likely to honor father and mother.  Ancient fathers often beat children as a matter of life. Paul advocates for a gentler approach.

 

 

 

 

 

I.                            Children are to obey their parents (20).

 

Explanation: Paul returns to the second relationship in the ancient home, that of parents and children. This relationship category cannot be correct unless the relationship between a husband and a wife is correct. Children (tekna) is a general term for children and is not limited to a specific age group. It refers to any child still living in the home and under parental guidance. Obey (hupakouete) is an imperative in the present tense that demands continuous obedience. This truth is taught repeatedly throughout scripture. It appears as one of the ten commandments (Ex. 20:12; Pr. 1:8; 6:20; Eph. 6:1).

 

Disobedience toward parents marks the ungodly (2Tim. 3:2; Rom. 1:30). The only limit placed on a child’s obedience is when a parent demands something contrary to God’s Word. 

 

Below are some tips to help you fulfill your biblical role in the family and thus support a godly rhythm.  

 

 

Respect your Parents: Children are expected to show respect for their parents and guardians. This includes listening when they speak, valuing their guidance, and acknowledging their authority within the family structure. (Remember, "Because I said so" is a perfectly valid reason!)

 

Follow Instructions: Obedience involves actively following parents’ instructions. This can range from daily routines, like completing chores or homework, to adhering to family rules that ensure safety and harmony within the home. (And yes, that includes not using the dog as a substitute for a vacuum!)

 

Demonstrate Honesty: Children are expected to be honest in their interactions with their parents. This means being truthful about their actions, feelings, and experiences, which helps build trust and accountability. (Besides, it’s way easier to confess than to try to explain how that mysterious stain got on the couch!)

 

Practice Gratitude: Expressing appreciation for the care and sacrifices parents make is essential. Children should learn to recognize and acknowledge their parents’ efforts to provide for them, fostering an attitude of gratitude and reinforcing the idea that obedience is rooted in love and care. (A simple “thanks for not making me wear those embarrassing shoes” goes a long way!)

 

Learn Consequences: Children should understand that every action has consequences. Obeying parents can lead to positive outcomes, while disobedience may result in lessons learned through natural consequences. (Like discovering that ice cream for dinner is not an everyday option!)

 

Engage in Family Life: Children are expected to actively participate in family activities, demonstrating their commitment to their roles in the home. This helps strengthen family bonds and encourages cooperation and teamwork.

 

Show love and kindness: Beyond obedience, children should exhibit love and kindness toward their parents and siblings. These behaviors reflect the Christian principles of love and compassion and are essential for a harmonious family environment. (And trust me, it makes it easier to ask for that new video game next month!)

 

The motive for your obedience is that it is well-pleasing to the Lord, commendable before God Himself. As He is well-pleased with His own Son (Matt. 3:17). Listen and learn; your parents’ wisdom is your guide to success. Remember, love is a two-way street. Therefore, show it through your words and actions.

 

 

II.                        Fathers are not to exasperate their children (21).

 

Explanation: This verse also intersects with the apostle’s teaching in Eph. 6:4: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” They duty is not one sided. Fathers (pateres) should be translated, ‘parents,’ as it is in Hebrews 11:23. Exasperate is from the word erethizo and means to stir up, provoke, or irritate. Another way to phrase Paul’s command is ‘stop nagging your kids.’ Failure to obey could cause children to lose heart. The idea of that term is ‘to be without courage, or spirit.’ We can take the heart out of children when we fail to discipline them properly.

 

John MacArthur wrote, “There are several ways parents can cause their children to lose heart. First, parents can exasperate their children by overprotection. You must allow your children to have some liberty. Don’t have strict rules about everything. Second, showing favoritism. This is usually unintentional and occurs when children are compared to their siblings, set unrealistic goals, or are mistreated. Parents can do this by never rewarding them or never letting them feel they have succeeded. Fourth, by failing to show affection. Parents need to communicate love both verbally and physically. Fifth, by failing to provide for their needs. Children need privacy, a place to play, clean clothes, their own possessions, and meals. Sixth, due to a lack of standards. This is the flip side of overprotection; when parents fail to discipline consistently, children are left on their own.  Seventh, negative criticism. All a child learns from consistent criticism is how to be negative.” Eighth, excessive discipline. This is the parent who abuses their children.

 

Parenting can be a rewarding yet challenging task, and fathers need to foster a positive environment without exacerbating their children. Here are some helpful strategies.

 

Active Listening: Fathers should take the time to listen to their children’s thoughts and feelings. This shows that they value their opinions and emotions, promoting open communication and mutual respect. Remember, sometimes they want to explain why the dog is now wearing a tutu!

 

Clear Expectations: Setting clear, reasonable expectations helps children understand what is expected of them and reduces the likelihood of frustration or confusion. After all, asking them to “clean their room” could mean anything from “pick up the toys” to “launch everything into the black hole of the closet.”

 

Consistent Discipline: Consistency in rules and consequences helps create a sense of security. If fathers enforce laws fairly and consistently, children are more likely to respect those boundaries than to feel resentful.

 

Empathy and Understanding: Taking a moment to understand why a child may be upset or acting out can go a long way. This creates a supportive environment.

 

Spend Quality Time Together: Engaging in activities together strengthens the father-child bond and demonstrates that time spent together is valuable. Plus, it gives you the chance to show them that “dad jokes” are a family tradition!

 

Model Behavior: Fathers should model the behavior they expect from their children. If you believe in honesty, remind them that it’s better to confess to the cookie jar than to try to hide the evidence behind their back!

 

Encourage and Praise: Praising children’s efforts can boost their confidence and motivation. Just remember, there's a fine line between “You did great!” and “You’re the next Picasso!” when they draw a stick figure!

 

Remember, parenting is a journey; guide them with kindness and patience. Discipline your children with love, and you will see them flourish with confidence.

 

TEXT:  Colossians 3:20-21

THESIS: Have you ever noticed that when kids are small, it’s like trying to conduct an orchestra with a bunch of squirrels? Take a trip to the mall, and suddenly, your little ones think the clothing racks are an amusement park. “Look, Mom! I’m hiding in the middle of this shirt! Then you venture into an antique store, and it’s like releasing tiny tornadoes in a museum—it’s a “please don’t touch anything” free-for-all!

 

And don’t even get me started on road trips. You’d think we were auditioning for a reality show with the arguments erupting from the backseat. “He touched me!” “No, I didn’t!” “Mom, can you just drive off the road and let me walk?”

 

And then they hit the teenage years. Ah, sweet rebellion! Now they want to challenge your wisdom like they’re auditioning for a debate club. “Dad, you just don’t understand! TikTok is basically a university degree!” Your rules are suddenly ancient history, and everyone seems to think they’re nominated for a Nobel Prize in genius.

 

Yet, amidst the chaos, there’s a silver lining. Your family can find their groove again—dancing in rhythm with a bit of help from above. Imagine it: a family dance-off infused with the grace of God, a choreography that might involve less arguing and a lot more laughter. So, let’s embrace the messiness, add a dash of humor, and remember that even the most chaotic family can find its rhythm!

 

In the context of family dynamics, nurturing an atmosphere of respect, love, and clear communication among children and parents is essential, as it fosters obedience and strengthens family bonds, ultimately reflecting the character of Christ.

 

TRUTH: Throughout the ancient world, minor children were expected to obey their parents, though Roman law allowed a father to demand obedience even from adult children. However, adult children are only likely to honor father and mother.  Ancient fathers often beat children as a matter of life. Paul advocates for a gentler approach.

 

 

 

 

 

I.                            Children are to obey their parents (20).

 

Explanation: Paul returns to the second relationship in the ancient home, that of parents and children. This relationship category cannot be correct unless the relationship between a husband and a wife is correct. Children (tekna) is a general term for children and is not limited to a specific age group. It refers to any child still living in the home and under parental guidance. Obey (hupakouete) is an imperative in the present tense that demands continuous obedience. This truth is taught repeatedly throughout scripture. It appears as one of the ten commandments (Ex. 20:12; Pr. 1:8; 6:20; Eph. 6:1).

 

Disobedience toward parents marks the ungodly (2Tim. 3:2; Rom. 1:30). The only limit placed on a child’s obedience is when a parent demands something contrary to God’s Word. 

 

Below are some tips to help you fulfill your biblical role in the family and thus support a godly rhythm.  

 

 

Respect your Parents: Children are expected to show respect for their parents and guardians. This includes listening when they speak, valuing their guidance, and acknowledging their authority within the family structure. (Remember, "Because I said so" is a perfectly valid reason!)

 

Follow Instructions: Obedience involves actively following parents’ instructions. This can range from daily routines, like completing chores or homework, to adhering to family rules that ensure safety and harmony within the home. (And yes, that includes not using the dog as a substitute for a vacuum!)

 

Demonstrate Honesty: Children are expected to be honest in their interactions with their parents. This means being truthful about their actions, feelings, and experiences, which helps build trust and accountability. (Besides, it’s way easier to confess than to try to explain how that mysterious stain got on the couch!)

 

Practice Gratitude: Expressing appreciation for the care and sacrifices parents make is essential. Children should learn to recognize and acknowledge their parents’ efforts to provide for them, fostering an attitude of gratitude and reinforcing the idea that obedience is rooted in love and care. (A simple “thanks for not making me wear those embarrassing shoes” goes a long way!)

 

Learn Consequences: Children should understand that every action has consequences. Obeying parents can lead to positive outcomes, while disobedience may result in lessons learned through natural consequences. (Like discovering that ice cream for dinner is not an everyday option!)

 

Engage in Family Life: Children are expected to actively participate in family activities, demonstrating their commitment to their roles in the home. This helps strengthen family bonds and encourages cooperation and teamwork.

 

Show love and kindness: Beyond obedience, children should exhibit love and kindness toward their parents and siblings. These behaviors reflect the Christian principles of love and compassion and are essential for a harmonious family environment. (And trust me, it makes it easier to ask for that new video game next month!)

 

The motive for your obedience is that it is well-pleasing to the Lord, commendable before God Himself. As He is well-pleased with His own Son (Matt. 3:17). Listen and learn; your parents’ wisdom is your guide to success. Remember, love is a two-way street. Therefore, show it through your words and actions.

 

 

II.                        Fathers are not to exasperate their children (21).

 

Explanation: This verse also intersects with the apostle’s teaching in Eph. 6:4: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” They duty is not one sided. Fathers (pateres) should be translated, ‘parents,’ as it is in Hebrews 11:23. Exasperate is from the word erethizo and means to stir up, provoke, or irritate. Another way to phrase Paul’s command is ‘stop nagging your kids.’ Failure to obey could cause children to lose heart. The idea of that term is ‘to be without courage, or spirit.’ We can take the heart out of children when we fail to discipline them properly.

 

John MacArthur wrote, “There are several ways parents can cause their children to lose heart. First, parents can exasperate their children by overprotection. You must allow your children to have some liberty. Don’t have strict rules about everything. Second, showing favoritism. This is usually unintentional and occurs when children are compared to their siblings, set unrealistic goals, or are mistreated. Parents can do this by never rewarding them or never letting them feel they have succeeded. Fourth, by failing to show affection. Parents need to communicate love both verbally and physically. Fifth, by failing to provide for their needs. Children need privacy, a place to play, clean clothes, their own possessions, and meals. Sixth, due to a lack of standards. This is the flip side of overprotection; when parents fail to discipline consistently, children are left on their own.  Seventh, negative criticism. All a child learns from consistent criticism is how to be negative.” Eighth, excessive discipline. This is the parent who abuses their children.

 

Parenting can be a rewarding yet challenging task, and fathers need to foster a positive environment without exacerbating their children. Here are some helpful strategies.

 

Active Listening: Fathers should take the time to listen to their children’s thoughts and feelings. This shows that they value their opinions and emotions, promoting open communication and mutual respect. Remember, sometimes they want to explain why the dog is now wearing a tutu!

 

Clear Expectations: Setting clear, reasonable expectations helps children understand what is expected of them and reduces the likelihood of frustration or confusion. After all, asking them to “clean their room” could mean anything from “pick up the toys” to “launch everything into the black hole of the closet.”

 

Consistent Discipline: Consistency in rules and consequences helps create a sense of security. If fathers enforce laws fairly and consistently, children are more likely to respect those boundaries than to feel resentful.

 

Empathy and Understanding: Taking a moment to understand why a child may be upset or acting out can go a long way. This creates a supportive environment.

 

Spend Quality Time Together: Engaging in activities together strengthens the father-child bond and demonstrates that time spent together is valuable. Plus, it gives you the chance to show them that “dad jokes” are a family tradition!

 

Model Behavior: Fathers should model the behavior they expect from their children. If you believe in honesty, remind them that it’s better to confess to the cookie jar than to try to hide the evidence behind their back!

 

Encourage and Praise: Praising children’s efforts can boost their confidence and motivation. Just remember, there's a fine line between “You did great!” and “You’re the next Picasso!” when they draw a stick figure!

 

Remember, parenting is a journey; guide them with kindness and patience. Discipline your children with love, and you will see them flourish with confidence.

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