Back to School

Psalm 127 ESV

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed 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.

Introduction:

AG: This week many of us will be sending kids back to school, or going back to work as teachers.

ILL.- The teacher said, "Why don’t you brush your teeth? I can see what you had for breakfast this morning."

Boy, "What did I have?" Teacher, "Eggs." Boy, "You’re wrong! THAT WAS YESTERDAY!"

RS: As we begin the school year with all of its flurry of activity, we need to bre reminded of a few key principles from God’s Word.

1. Do Not Depend On The School For Moral & Spiritual Teaching

- I’m more concerned that there is no prayer at home rather than school!

Deut. 6:5 (Most important passage in Deut. For the Jews)

Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

IL: Old Proverb: Doesn’t matter what you teach them, they will grow up just like you

If you don’t have the first part you will just dispense:

- RELIGION

- RULES

- REGULATIONS

This will produce “REBELLION”!

ILL/ Like a Soap dispenser

- Great … cleans hands … clean outside .. convenient .. etc.

- BUT DON’T BOTHER DRINKING IT!!

- Don’t become a Religious soap dishes.

MANY NON-BELIEVERS:

- Clean cut, modest clothes, charitable, great neighbors, no swear, drink, family, lawful …

· BUT THEY DON’T HAVE THE LIFE OF CHRIST IN THEM.

It’s not what’s out here … But in here!! SO ……….

Deut. 6:6-9

Deuteronomy 6:6–9 ESV

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. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Once you love God will all you have THEN …………

Impress them on your children.

(HOW?) Talk about them when you sit at home (WHEN RELAXED)

when you walk down the road (WHEN BUSY),

when you lie down and when you get up.(EVERYDAY , CONSISTENTLY).

Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads (TESTIMONIES, GUIDE POSTS).

Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates (LET THEM BE KNOWN TO ALL WHO ENTER & THOSE WHO PASS .... WE ARE BELIEVERS)

Students:

If you are ahead of your parents spiritually, lead them by example

If not, follow them!

2. Find your purpose.

Psalm 139: 13-16 … fearfully & wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:13–16 ESV

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your 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.

God has a plan for each of us

We were made for a reason

You have a ministry assigned to only you

Students:

Use these years to find that purpose

Why has God placed you on Earth?

What skills and talents has He given you and how can you use them for His glory

Parents:

Help your students find their purpose

No comparisons (to self, siblings, friends) because we are all unique.

3. Always Do Your Best

- Word says: Ecclesiastes 9:10

Ecclesiastes 9:10 ESV

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

- Not so important TO BE the best as TO DO your best.

Living this way honors God (and is a lot more fun!)

Story: Boy throwing up the ball and missing ... great pitcher not hitter.

· Focus on the strengths and realize we all make mistakes

· That means admitting when you’re wrong mom & dad. ( No one bats a 1000.)

Do it for GOD

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

4. Be Aware of General Content of What is Being Taught.

Parents- School, Church , Home

- What are the school books? teachers? Projects?

- Support Your Kids in Special Projects, School, Church, Sports ..etc.

· The Biblical worldview is being challenged everywhere. Know what they are being taught.

Pr 22:6

Proverbs 22:6 ESV

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

Teachers and coaches are entrusted with your children

At public school, they are to teach what the state law says in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills

While it isn’t directly antagonistic to faith, you can guarantee it isn’t teaching a biblical perspective. Some may be outright hostile!

It is our job as parents to train our children to be godly men and women.

Students: Look to God’s word for truth

If ANY teacher in ANY setting contradicts the Scripture, God’s word is truth!

5. Laugh Often

. Prov.17:22

Proverbs 17:22 ESV

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

The world is going to put stress and pressure on you and your children

Sadly, many homes are not happy places.

Search yourself…

- Are you fun to live with?

- My kids think I’m hilarious.

- - Say yes more often! ....... Lighten Up!!!

Teach them that it is ok to smell the roses

It is ok laugh at ourselves

6. Watch your friendships

- Friends are the most important thing in a kids life ( Esp. teens)

Teen Survey: Most important?

80% - Friendship

60% - Family

1 Cor 15:33

1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

Students:

Choose friends who build your faith and build your character

Check their doctrine!

Do they believe and submit to the word of God?

Are they rebellious?

NO MISSIONARY DATING/HANGING OUT

Parents:

Know their friends

Guide them in making the right choices

Provide the safe place to grow in Christ

CONCLUSION

Children Learn What They Live:

If a child lives with CRITICISM, They learn to CONDEMN.

.............................. HOSTILITY, ..................... FIGHT.

.............................. RIDICULE, ........................ BE SHY.

.............................. SHAME, ............................. FEEL GUILTY.

.............................. TOLERANCE, ................... BE PATIENT.

.............................. ENCOURAGEMENT, ...... BE CONFIDENT.

............................. PRAISE, .............................. APPRECIATE.

............................. FAIRNESS, ......................... JUSTICE.

............................. SECURITY, ........................ HAVE FAITH.

............................. APPROVAL, ...................... LIKE THEMSELVES.

............................. ACCEPTANCE, ................. FRIENDSHIP

Josh. 24:15 ..

Joshua 24:15 ESV

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Parents it’s your call. Unless the Lord builds .... labor in vain