Adults 4th quarter 2024
December 1, 2024
GOLDEN TEXT
“Honor your father and your mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.” (Eph 6.2,3)
PRACTICAL TRUTH
Amid challenges and responsibilities, the relationship between parents and children should be one of blessings and protection.
DAILY READING
Monday – Ps 128.3,4 Children are gifts from God to their parents
Friday – Is 44.3,4; Joel 2.28; Acts 2.39 The promise of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the children
Saturday – Eph 6.10-13 The Christian family as a place of protection for children
Suggested Hymns: from the Christian Harp
388 SING, O BELIEVER
CLASSROOM BIBLE READING
Psalms 127:3-5; Ephesians 6:1-4
Psalms 127
3 – Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord; the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4 – As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are children of one’s youth.
5 – Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be put to shame when they speak with their enemies in the gate.
Ephesians 6
1 – Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
2 – Honor your father and your mother, which is the first commandment with a promise,
3 – that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.
4 – And, you fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
LESSON PLAN
1- INTRODUCTION In this Sunday's lesson, we will study God's promises to parents and children. We know that children are gifts from God, although raising them involves challenges and responsibilities. The Lord left precepts in His Word that, if followed by parents and children, will ensure healthy relationships, protection, and happiness.
2- LESSON PRESENTATION
A) Lesson Objectives:
I) To show biblically what the relationship between parents and children should be like;
II) To raise awareness of the care that parents should have for their children.
III) To understand the blessings that God has for parents and children.
B) Motivation: Parents are the first references that children have regarding God. It is their responsibility and commitment to teach their children the precepts of the Lord (Dt 6.6,7). Thus, the family should be a refuge and shelter for its members.
C) Suggested Method: To conclude the lesson, close it, and apply the subject, we suggest that you sit with the students in a circle. “Ask the students to read these principles listed in Ephesians 5:22-33 and 6:1-4: • Principles for husbands – Love your wife (Eph 5:27,28); • Principles for wives – Honor (be submissive) your husband (Eph 5:23,24); • Principles for children – Obey your parents (Eph 6:1,2); • Principles for parents – Do not provoke your children (Eph 6:4)” (BUENO, Telma. Boas Idéias para Professores. Rio de Janeiro: CPAD, 2015, p.77).
3- CONCLUSION OF THE LESSON
A) Application:Today’s lesson is an excellent opportunity for you and your students to reflect on the biblical principles that should guide the relationship between parents and children. Show the importance of family and parents, explaining that Jesus Christ came into the world and was born into a family. God chose godly parents for Jesus who would know how to give Him a good education. Luke talks about Jesus’ development and shows that He had an excellent education that provided Him with this (Luke 2:52). We need parents like Joseph and Mary today; parents who lead their children to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
4- TEACHER’S SUPPORT
A) Ensinador Cristão Magazine. It is worth checking out this magazine that brings reports, articles, interviews and support resources for Adult Bible Lessons. In issue 99, p.40, you will find a special resource for this lesson.
B) Special Aids: At the end of the topic, you will find aids that will support you in preparing your class:
1) In the first aid, you will find a reflection on the work that parents have in raising their children;
2) The text at the end of the second topic expands on the reflection on the responsibility of parents in the religious formation of their children.
INTRODUCTION
In this lesson, we will study about God's promises regarding the relationship between parents and children. We live in a challenging context in raising children. Even more challenging is the relationship between parents and children. However, the Word of God provides us with precious teachings in which parents and children can enjoy a relationship of trust and protection in the family, a place where we can enjoy God's blessings. God's promises can be fulfilled in the relationship between parents and children.
KEYWORD: Parents and Children
I – THE BIBLICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARENTS AND CHILDREN
1- Parents and children. The Bible Reading in Class presents us with the biblical text from Psalm 127, in which children are presented as “a heritage from the Lord” and “a reward” (Ps 127.3). The Psalm also says that they are like “arrows in the hand of the mighty”, that is, they are useful and important to society and, therefore, they were also important to their parents before society (Ps 127.4). Because of these children, parents feel fulfilled and happy (Ps 127.5). In this way, children are seen as a heritage, as a reward for their parents. Therefore, it is the parents’ responsibility to educate them, to give them spiritual formation, and to cultivate their faith, so that the Lord’s heritage may be preserved in these difficult times.2- A commandment with a promise for children. For children, who are the Lord’s heritage for their parents, and as we see in the Bible Reading in Class, there is a divine promise through obedience to a commandment. The apostle Paul teaches that children must obey their parents so that their lives may be well and, consequently, they may live long on earth (Eph 6:1-3). This promise goes back to the fifth commandment of God, spoken by Moses in the desert (Ex 20:12). This commandment has the same meaning as the teaching given by the apostle Paul. Thus, we are faced with a conditional promise addressed to children. Yes, there are blessings for children to the extent that they honor their parents while they are alive.
3- Commandments and blessings for parents. While children must honor their parents, parents must not “provoke their children to anger” (Eph 6:4). It is true that raising children is not easy. There are many challenges, and parents need to develop patience and care to deal with them. However, a partnership in love and discipline applied wisely will foster an environment in which parents and children will grow together in faith in Christ. Therefore, children are blessings to their parents, and they are blessings to their children: “Your wife will be like a fruitful vine by the sides of your house; your children will be like olive plants around your table. So blessed is the man who fears the Lord!” (Ps 128:3,4). Therefore, let us value our family as a gift from God and, at the same time, instruct our children to walk in the way of the fear of the Lord so that they will not stray from it (Prov 9:10; 22:6).
SYNOPSIS I
Children are “a heritage from the Lord” and “a reward” (Ps 127:3), so parents need to care for them with wisdom and fear.
BIBLICAL HELP
“Without ignoring the joys, rewards, and those extra special moments that children provide, it is important to recognize that the daily tasks of parenting can be hard work! Washing piles of laundry; ironing; folding; cleaning; shopping; cooking; transporting; being a judge, coach, encourager, counselor, police officer; remaining diplomatic, kind, forgiving, cheerful, responsible, balanced, and sane (!)—every day, endlessly repetitive realities like all of these (and there are more!) can leave today’s parents feeling trapped and exhausted. Being a parent is not something that “just happens” after you have a child. It is absurd to think that once you have a child, you automatically become a good parent, just as it is absurd to think that owning a piano automatically makes you a good musician. There is an enormous amount of work that goes into raising children, far more than most people will ever know. Among the eloquent words of Scripture is an extraordinary treatise on the role of parents. It is at once profound and practical, full of wise counsel and strong encouragement. God values parents who give their home, their children, the priority it deserves” (Adapted from SWINDOLL, Charles R. Living Proverbs. 13th ed. Rio de Janeiro: 2023, p. 229).
II – PARENTS’ CARE FOR THEIR CHILDREN
1- Cultivating the teaching of the Word of God. We have seen that children have a responsibility towards their parents, according to the biblical texts studied. However, we know that parents also have responsibilities towards their children. In this regard, one of these greatest responsibilities is to cultivate the teaching of the Word of God in the family. This is the basis for the spiritual, moral, emotional and social formation of our children (Dt 6. 4-9; 11.18,19). In addition to this teaching being cultivated at home, it is up to parents to encourage and stimulate their children to go to the local church, encouraging them to participate in worship and Bible study meetings, such as Sunday School and the Word teaching service (Mk 10.13-16). When this happens, the church becomes an extension of the home and the home, an extension of the local church. Let us remember what the psalmist wrote: “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’” (Ps 122.1). Thus, our children will have the right environment to experience God’s promises.2- Priorities in family life. According to the Word of God, in order to care for the church, the worker must take good care of his family (1 Tim 3:2,4,12; Titus 1:5,6). Although the biblical texts that speak about this subject are aimed at candidates for the ministry, it is clear that God expects all Christian parents to have due care and attention for their family. Therefore, if we could establish a hierarchy of priorities in the life of a Christian, we would do so as follows: 1) the spouse; 2) the children; 3) the local church. Thus, when our family is well cared for, consequently, we will have a well-attended church.
3- Discipline and encouragement for children. As we have seen, parents have the responsibility, given by God, to discipline their children. However, as we also mentioned previously, the discipline of parents, applied to their children, must be balanced and based on love. Discipline is necessary through teaching and by the parents’ own example (John 13:15) to generate obedience, honor, and responsibility in children (Col. 3:20; Exod. 20:12; Lam. 3:27). While discipline must occur, praise, affection, and a demonstration of care and affection for children must also occur so that there is due trust and security in family relationships.
SUMMARY II
Parents also have responsibilities toward their children. One of their greatest responsibilities toward their children is to cultivate the teaching of God’s Word in the family.
BIBLE HELP
“The Lord’s command to the Israelites was that they should prioritize education. Parents had the responsibility to tell and teach their children about the Lord’s acts in favor of the people and the history of Israel (Ps 78:5). In this way, children, through the testimony of their parents, would know God and learn to fear Him (Dt 4:9,10). In the book of Joshua we read about the memorial erected with twelve stones taken from the Jordan River (Josh 4:20-24). […] In the New Testament, synagogues were also a center of instruction where Jewish boys learned about the Law. Even though these “schools” existed, education at home was a priority. Jesus, as a Jewish boy, probably participated in teaching in the synagogues, since his parents observed Jewish rituals (Lk 2:21-24,39-42). In his pre-adolescence, Jesus already knew the Torah by heart, even confusing the teachers in the Temple (Luke 2:46,47). In the New Testament we see that education began at home, continued in the synagogue, and was strengthened in the Temple.
[…] Today, Sunday School is the largest and most accessible religious education agency of evangelical churches. It helps in the teaching and understanding of the Holy Scriptures. However, Sunday School cannot be solely responsible for biblical teaching, as it is a partner, a helper (Eph 6:1-4)” (RENOVATO, Elinaldo. A Família Cristã e os Ataques do Inimigo. Rio de Janeiro: CPAD, 2013, p. 94).
III – BLESSINGS, PARENTS AND CHILDREN
1- Blessings for posterity. There are promises in the Bible that bring with them spiritual blessings from God for children. In Isaiah, we see a promise of the outpouring of the Spirit, as well as God’s blessings, on the posterity of Israel (Isaiah 44:3,4). In Joel, “your sons and your daughters will prophesy” (Joel 2:28). In the Acts of the Apostles, the apostle Peter says that “the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:39). In this sense, there is the promise of a life immersed in the Holy Spirit for our children. There are promises of immeasurable spiritual blessings so that our children may enjoy the presence of God. It is a divine promise, through the Spirit, for our children! Therefore, pray for your son or daughter to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit! It is a divine promise for their lives.2- Family: A place where children should be blessed. Our family should be the environment where our children have experiences with God, live out His promises, and establish a life of commitment to the Lord Jesus. In this way, we will greatly help our children if our family cultivates family worship, promoting prayer, praise, and the reading of the Word of God in our home. In our family, our children should have the freedom to express their struggles and difficulties so that they become themes of our intercession in the home (Dt 6.6-9). Our family should be the place where our children are blessed.
3- Parents who protect their children. Parents should ensure an environment in the family where their children feel protected at each stage of their development, that is, whether in childhood, adolescence, or youth. Our children should be protected physically, emotionally, and spiritually (Mt 19.14). Our teenagers must find shelter in our home to express their needs so that we can direct our attention to them (Luke 2:41-49). Our young people must find in us wise, encouraging words that instruct them in the face of their struggles and tribulations. It is time for our family to be a place where our children’s lives are protected from the attacks of the Evil One (Ephesians 6:10-13). When this happens, protection becomes a blessing from God for them.
SUMMARY III
There are promises in the Bible that bring with them spiritual blessings from God for children.
CONCLUSION
The will of the Almighty is that his heavenly blessings be upon our home, upon our family, and upon our relationship with our children. It is true that it is not easy to educate our children, but it is also true that we are not alone in this difficult task. Let us seek in God the wisdom that we lack to know how to discipline in a balanced way and, at the same time, embrace them when they need it most. God is jealous for our family.
REVIEWING THE CONTENT
1- How are children described in Psalm 127?
Children are presented as “a heritage from the Lord” and “a reward” (Ps 127:3).
2- What can foster an environment where parents and children grow together in faith in Christ?
Partnership in love and discipline applied wisely will foster an environment where parents and children grow together in faith in Christ.
Partnership in love and discipline applied wisely will foster an environment where parents and children grow together in faith in Christ.
3- What is one of the main responsibilities of parents towards their children?
One of the greatest responsibilities is to cultivate the teaching of the Word of God in the family.
One of the greatest responsibilities is to cultivate the teaching of the Word of God in the family.
4- If on the one hand discipline must occur, what must occur on the other?
If on the one hand discipline must occur; on the other hand, praise, affection, and demonstration of care and affection for children must occur so that there is due trust and security in the family relationship.
If on the one hand discipline must occur; on the other hand, praise, affection, and demonstration of care and affection for children must occur so that there is due trust and security in the family relationship.
5- In the family, what should parents ensure for their children?
Parents must ensure an environment in the family in which their children feel protected at each stage of their development, that is, whether in childhood, adolescence or youth.
Parents must ensure an environment in the family in which their children feel protected at each stage of their development, that is, whether in childhood, adolescence or youth.
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