The Parent's Heart: The Goal of Parenting

What are Your Children

What are some goals our world has for parenting?

Ownership Parenting

Security Blanket – I want to feel something from my children

Tool – I want to accomplish something through my children

Display – I want others to think highly of me because of my children

Obstacle – I want my children out of my way

Discple-Making Parenting

Image-bearers

Genesis 1:27 “27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

Expected

Genesis 1:28 “28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.””

Genesis 9:7 “7 As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it.””

With limited exceptions, having children is not only good but commanded by God

Part of God’s redemptive purpose

Genesis 3:15 “15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.””

Genesis 15:4 “4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.””

Illustration of God’s character towards us

Galatians 4:6–7 “6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.”

Illustration of God’s nature within himself

John 10:30 “30 I and the Father are one.””

Disciple-making opportunity

Matthew 28:18–20 “18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.””

Luke 14:26 “26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.”

How do your goals affect your parenting?

Discipline

Extracurriculars

Schooling

Chores

Sibling relationships

Family time