Responsibility of Parents to Children

Parents are to nurture their children in the ways of the Lord.

INTRO: Children are not an interruption to life they are one of God’s most sacred gifts. In a world that often measures value by productivity, convenience, or personal ambition, Psalm 127:3–5 brings us back to God’s perspective: “Children are a heritage from the Lord,” entrusted to us by His gracious hand. This passage reminds us that every child carries divine worth and purpose, and that parenthood is not merely a responsibility, but a stewardship. As we reflect on these verses, we are invited to honor God by receiving children with gratitude, raising them with wisdom, and viewing the family as part of His design for strength, legacy, and blessing.

CHILDREN ARE A BLESSING FROM GOD

Psalm 127:3–5 NKJV

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

A Heritage From the Lord

In verse 3, children are referred to as a “heritage of the Lord” The word heritiage here refers to an inheritance, or portion, or possession

As a reward, meaning they are a gift from God through the marital bond.

We also see the symbolism of archery, sond were viewed as capable of defending the family during conflicts and participating in legal matters at the city gates

Godly parents are presented as skilled archers, and their children as arrows that must be aimed in the right direction, toward a life that glorifies God.

Parents are crucial in the development of them, any slight deviation in their guidance can lead to missing the target.

The Greek word for sin, translates, “as missing the mark” this highlighting the important of precise parental instruction and direction.

Blessings of a Godly Family

Psalm 128:1–6 NKJV

Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the Lord. The Lord bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life. Yes, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel!

Blessings of a Godly Family (Psalm 128:1–6) is a vivid reminder that a home anchored in the fear of the Lord and daily obedience to His Word becomes a place of lasting fruitfulness and peace. When God is honored in the heart of a husband and wife, His blessing touches every part of family life—work, provision, relationships, and the next generation. This passage shows that God’s design for the family is not merely survival, but spiritual strength, joyful unity, and a legacy that extends beyond the walls of the home, bringing goodness to children’s children and stability to the community.

The wife is described as a fruitful vine, that grows along side the house, and the children come from the wife as a reward from the Lord.

The fruitful vine symbolizes the immeasurable value of a wife or mother to the life in the home.

Parents are encouraged to foster a supportive atmosphere that enable children to flourish, and that translates to enriching the family.

DISCIPLINE AND INSTRUCTION COMMENDED

Godly Discipline

Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

The admonition of Proverbs 22:6 to “train up a child in the way he should go reflects the ideal of dedication. It also means narrowing down or providing focus for a child’s conduct.

This acknowledges the fact that children have a natural tendency to do evil due to the inherent sinful nature of humanity in it’s fallen state. Normally, one does not teach a child to lie or disobey, it is the result of Adam’s sin.

However most children also have an innate desire, to do well and please their parents.

Parents task:

Parents must curb the natural tendencies to do wrong

Parents must cultivate the desire to do good

Our children are treasures from God, endowed with their own unique God given talents and abilities

Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it. AMP

This where the Christian parents need to have that relationship with God, so that they can clearly discern the voice of the Lord, to help direct their children toward God, with their talents and abilities.

Proverbs 29:15 NKJV

The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

This emphasizes the importance of discipline and guidance in nurturing wisdom and moral character

The rod refers to punitive correction, and reproof refers to verbal correction

When applied with care and balance, discipline is a means of cultivating wisdom and preventing the negative consequences of neglect or lack of discipline.

Godly Instruction

Ephesians 6:4 NKJV

And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4 offers important guidance for parents, particularly fathers, on how to raise their children in a way that honors God:

This verse presents two key aspects of godly parenting:

Do not provoke your children: Fathers are cautioned against actions or attitudes that provoke anger or frustration in their children.

This can be through harsh discipline, unfair expectations, neglecting their emotional needs, or being overly critical. Parents should avoid behavior that discourages their children or causes them to lose heart.

Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord: Instead of provoking them, fathers are urged to focus on positive guidance.

This involves teaching children the ways of the Lord, instilling biblical values, and nurturing them with love, patience, and wisdom. It’s about fostering an environment where children grow spiritually, morally, and emotionally, rooted in God’s Word.

This verse emphasizes the importance of balance in parenting showing love and discipline without discouragement, while actively guiding children toward a life that reflects God's truth and love.

PURPOSE OF DIVINE CORRECTION

The Privilege of Divine Correction

Hebrews 12:5–8 NKJV

And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.

In these verses, the author explains that God’s discipline is an essential aspect of the relationship between believers and their Heavenly Father. Here's a breakdown of the passage:

Hebrews 12:5-8 offers a profound perspective on the purpose and privilege of divine correction. In these verses, the author explains that God’s discipline is an essential aspect of the relationship between believers and their Heavenly Father. Here's a breakdown of the passage:

Hebrews 12:5-8 (NIV): "And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, 'My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.' Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

The Purpose of Divine Correction:

To show God's love and acceptance (v. 6):The discipline of the Lord is a mark of His love and acceptance. The verse emphasizes that God disciplines those He loves, just as a father would discipline his own children to guide them toward right behavior. Discipline is a means of showing care and concern for spiritual growth and maturity.

To foster spiritual maturity and holiness (v. 10):God’s discipline is intended to refine and purify His children. It is not arbitrary or punitive but purposeful. It aims to cultivate holiness and righteousness in the believer's life. The goal is not punishment but transformation — shaping believers to reflect His image and live according to His will.

To affirm our status as legitimate children of God (vv. 7-8):The passage emphasizes that divine correction is a sign of legitimacy. Those who are not disciplined are not considered true children of God. This discipline confirms our identity as God’s children and assures us of His active involvement in our lives. It is a privilege to be corrected by God, as it means we are His own.

To produce a harvest of righteousness and peace (v. 11):While discipline may be painful in the moment, its long-term effect is positive. It leads to righteousness and peace. This “harvest” is the fruit of God’s work in our lives, helping us grow spiritually, develop godly character, and live in peace with Him and others.

The Privilege of Divine Correction:

It is a sign of God’s active fatherhood: Divine correction is a privilege because it demonstrates that God treats us as His beloved children. A loving father corrects his children to guide them on the right path. In the same way, God’s correction shows His active, loving presence in our lives.

It brings about spiritual growth: Just as physical discipline from earthly parents shapes behavior, spiritual discipline from God shapes our hearts and minds. It helps us grow closer to God and live in alignment with His will.

It guarantees God’s care for us: God’s discipline is never random or harsh. It is always for our benefit, designed to help us grow and share in His holiness. The privilege of correction shows that God is intimately involved in our lives and cares deeply about our spiritual well-being.

In Hebrews 12:5-8, divine correction is presented as both a purpose and a privilege. It is God’s way of expressing His love and care for His children, guiding them toward spiritual maturity and holiness. Though it may be painful in the moment, the result of divine correction is a deeper, more righteous relationship with God, leading to peace and righteousness in our lives.

This passage challenges believers to embrace God's discipline as a sign of His fatherly love and to trust in His ultimate purpose for our lives.

Proverbs 3:11–12 NKJV

My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

Do Not Despise the Lord’s Discipline (v. 11):

The verse begins with a clear instruction to not despise or reject God's discipline. Discipline from the Lord is often misunderstood or resented, but Proverbs encourages us to approach it with the understanding that it is for our good. Discipline is not a sign of rejection but of God's active involvement in our lives as His children.

Do Not Resent His Rebuke (v. 11):

Along with not despising discipline, this verse advises against resenting God's rebuke. Rebuke is an essential part of discipline—it corrects our behavior and teaches us the right path. Even though it may be uncomfortable, rebuke is necessary for our growth, and we are called to receive it without bitterness or resistance.

The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves (v. 12):

The passage makes it clear that God’s discipline is an expression of His love. Just as a father disciplines the son he delights in, God disciplines those He loves. Divine discipline is never arbitrary or harsh, but is a reflection of God’s desire to see us grow, mature, and live in a way that honors Him.

A Father’s Love and Care:

The comparison to a father’s love and care emphasizes the relationship between God and His people. A good earthly father disciplines his children not to harm them, but to guide and shape them for their benefit. Similarly, God’s discipline is always for our ultimate good, helping us develop character, wisdom, and holiness.

Proverbs 3:11-12 teaches that divine discipline is an important aspect of our relationship with God. It is not a sign of punishment but of love, care, and an opportunity for growth. By accepting God’s correction with a humble and open heart, we honor Him and open ourselves to spiritual maturity and deeper intimacy with our Heavenly Father.

Results of Divine Correction

Hebrews 12:9–11 NKJV

Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

These verses highlight the ultimate purpose and positive outcomes of God's discipline in the lives of His children.

Spiritual Life and Living (v. 9):

The first result of divine correction is the privilege of spiritual life and living. The comparison is made between earthly fathers who discipline their children and the Father of spirits (God). While earthly fathers correct us for a short period of time, God's correction brings life, meaning that it keeps us spiritually alive and aligned with His will. Our submission to God’s discipline allows us to experience the fullness of life that He intends for us.

Sharing in God’s Holiness (v. 10):

God's discipline is aimed at our holiness. The text explains that earthly fathers discipline their children according to their own understanding, but God’s discipline is perfectly designed to help us become more like Him. The end result of God's discipline is not just correction but also the transformation of our character. Through His discipline, we share in His holiness, becoming more reflective of His nature and purpose. Holiness here refers to being set apart for God's purposes and living a life that honors Him.

The Painful Process (v. 11):

The passage acknowledges that discipline is painful in the moment. It’s not something that feels pleasant at the time of its occurrence. The pain and discomfort that come with correction are real, but they serve a greater purpose. God’s discipline can involve trials, hardships, or correction of attitudes and behaviors, which may be difficult to bear. However, this pain is temporary and necessary for growth.

A Harvest of Righteousness and Peace (v. 11):

Ultimately, the result of divine discipline is a harvest of righteousness and peace. The "harvest" refers to the fruit or benefits that come from enduring God’s discipline. Righteousness here signifies a life that is aligned with God's will, characterized by moral integrity and a heart that desires to live rightly before Him. Peace refers to the deep, inner peace that comes from being reconciled with God and living according to His will.

These qualities are not merely a result of the discipline itself, but of being trained by it. Just as athletes or soldiers undergo training to achieve a goal, so too does God’s correction train us for spiritual maturity and peaceful living.

Hebrews 12:9-11 teaches that while divine correction is initially painful, it has invaluable results. God’s discipline brings us to spiritual life, allows us to share in His holiness, and ultimately produces a harvest of righteousness and peace.

By enduring and being trained by God's correction, we grow in character and live a life that honors God. This passage encourages believers to submit to God’s discipline, trusting that it is for our ultimate good and spiritual well-being.