Sermon Tone Analysis
Overall tone of the sermon
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Extraversion
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Introduction
This sermon not about the narrative, but about the comments of Monoah, how they reflect on parenting
Families are one of the most critical building blocks of society, irrespective of religious understanding
Was challenged by convo during the week - caused to reflect on priorities of families; notice that pre-Fall we have:
Purpose
Covenant
Relationship
Family - thus I believe that HUGELY important
The state of families and parenting at the moment
Different views of parenting - generational
Broken families
Superficial families
I am not perfect as a father, so this message is not from a place of success
When you look at society, how do families in general look?
How was your relationship with your parents, and how it is now?
How does depression etc affect parenting?
Text analysis
No proper kingdom yet - a time of evil -
No proper kingdom yet
Times of judges there to rule
Monoah and wife - name not mentioned, unable to conceive - highlight FLOURISH ministry
Notice the prominence of Monoah and the father’s role
“The angel of the LORD” is the pre-incarnate Christ - ,
Instruction to raise child as Nazirite:
Person who was either chosen or consecrated for life or for a set period of time to complete a vow to God.
The Nazirite (Nazarite) devoted himself to self-imposed discipline in order to perform some special service ().
Walter A. Elwell and Philip Wesley Comfort, Tyndale Bible Dictionary, Tyndale Reference Library (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001), 939.
Walter A. Elwell and Philip Wesley Comfort, Tyndale Bible Dictionary, Tyndale Reference Library (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001), 939.
The key focus on this text for today lies in:
,
What are some of the other accounts in the Scripture which records God giving children to barren women?
Read .
What do you think would have meant to Monoah and his wife that the child they were blessed with was to be set aside for God’s purpose?
The purpose of parenting
1.
To encourage a love for God
Deut 6.4
I have been told that parents need to flirt in their marriage as a model for their children
So, when children look at us, do they see a deep love for God?
Must recognise that we must model and speak about God’s love, but we cannot grow it - only God can do that
Do not be too eager to determine the salvation of your children
2. To build a Christ-like character
Ephesians 4.11-
This text is speaking from a church context, but what is important for the church is important for the family
There is a tension when forming character, because we believe that the Gospel fuels character strength
But developing character, even if we are not sure about their salvation, good character helps avoid a lot of social evils
But understand that true Christian character depends on a heart change only brought about by God
3. To engender a commitment to the commission
Gen 1.28
Matth 28.
I am convinced that is the pre-Fall version of the Great Commission
Purpose is a big buzz word, even for adults
These two verses establish the purpose for everyone
Can we, as adults, see how our lives are contributing to the Great Commission?
John Wesley and saving
Missions and holding the rope while people go down the well - everyone is involved
4. To prepare for independence
Gen
My first night alone - was not ready
Judges 1431-3
How many teens are ready for the world?
Can they:
Do a basic budget?
Know how to change a tire?
Know how to operate a credit card?
Able to wake up and be accountable?
Slow-plow parenting
What are some of the goals you have for parenting?
Explain why these are important to you.
Are there other purposes you see in Scripture?
How should these purposes in parenting affect one’s marriage?
When parenting fails
Unacceptable to marry a Philistine - see reference
Samson killed a lion, then set up a riddle, I assume, with some Philistines for a reward
Judges 14.15-17
His wife influenced him to reveal his secret (this is a trend)
Samson becomes an enemy of the Philistines
Judges 16.15-
Samson ended up blinded and enslaved
Although God used the situation, God did not author the weaknesses apparent in Samson
We can appreciate the narrative on both the Gospel level and as a warning to us as parents
Can you think of other examples in the Bible where people have failed to properly raise their children?
Where are some areas you have failed as a parent?
Redemption for parenting
Society and the church is littered with people who have failed, or perceived themselves to have failed, as parents
Broken marriages are on the rise, also contributing to dysfunctional parenting
Some parents and children have animosity and unforgiveness
This is not even taking into account issues such as depression and the mental side etc
I do not have the time here to address how God heals
God forgives and God is enough
Forgive and receive forgiveness
Kill pride and seek counselling
How does the Gospel provide redemption for parents who failed?
How does the Gospel provide grace for broken marriages?
Are there families you could pray for?
Application
Church
Acknowledge the crisis across the board and understand the responsibility of those with the Gospel to intervene - As I said, marriages and parenting was given pre-Fall, thus I believe that it is UBER significant
To the older generation, be careful at how you criticise the younger generation’s parenting efforts
To the younger generation, kill the pride that stops you from listening to the older generation
Start praying for this issue, and for specific families, until you have a burden of where you can serve
Get involved in our youth programmes - chat to Warren or myself
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