Talk to Your children

Introduction. Deuteronomy 6:6-15 instructed the Israelites to teach their children the Law of Moses. Although this was specifically given to the children of Israel under Mosaic Law, it teaches us some important principles for us under the Law of Christ about the importance of taking the time to talk to our children.

I. Keeping God’s word in the heart means talking to our family about it (vss. 6-7a). I fear that sometimes we either don’t talk to our children at all, or we talk to them about everything else except spiritual things. Notice, they were command to “...talk of them...”

A.      “...When you sit in your house” (vs. 7b). Home is generally when the defenses are down. We are relaxed. Sitting down, might be at the dinner table. Perhaps when relaxing. We are not just religious on “church days.” Our children will see the genuineness of our faith if it is important to us when we are alone with no one else watching and it still means something to us. 

B.      “...When you walk by the way” (vs. 7c). This may not be relaxing time—this is likely travel time. You’re driving them to school.  You have to take them to practice. You’re running to the store. Do you find times to talk about faith at these times? Do you help them sort out how to deal with spiritual problems? Do you reflect in your attitude toward others that God’s law matters?

C.      “...When you lie down” (vs. 7d). It’s been “one of those days!” You are just glad it is over. Everything is just getting on your “last nerve!” You want those kids in bed, fast asleep so you can try to recuperate from the craziness of the day. Do you talk to them at these times?

D.     “...And when you rise up” (vs. 7e). It’s a new day. A busy schedule is ahead of you. You have places to go, and responsibilities to meet, but will you show your children that God has first place in your life? Do you begin the day with Him in your memory?

II. God is to surround us in every aspect of our life (vss. 8-9), or else...

A.      You will forget the Lord—your children will forget the Lord (vss. 10-12).

B.      You will not fear the Lord and serve Him—your children will not fear the Lord and serve Him (vs. 13).

C.      You will serve other things—your children will serve other things (vs. 14).

D.     You will provoke the anger of the Lord—your children will provoke the anger of the Lord (vs. 15).

III. There is blessing that comes to us and to our children in doing this. These words are repeated later in Deuteronomy (11:18-20) with this promise (vs. 21). We may not be promised physical blessing in this, but we are promised spiritual blessings that will result.

IV. These Principles Run Throughout Scripture.

A.     It was assumed that the Israelites would talk to their children about matters of faith and service to God.

1.      The Israelites were to prepare how to answer when their children asked them about Passover (Exod. 12:25-27). They were to explain its significance.

2.      Opportunities to answer were deliberately provided (Josh. 4:4-7). Note: a monument was set up in memorial of the Jordan crossing in anticipation of their children’s questions.

a.       Do we have any memorials setup? (1 Cor. 11:23-25). This sounds almost like the words of Joshua or Deuteronomy. All that is missing is “so that when your children ask, what does this unleavened bread mean?—why do we drink this juice?” Notice verse 26. To whom do we “proclaim the Lord’s death until He come”? This may not just be talking about our children, but it certainly includes our children!

B.     They were to teach the Law to their children (Deut. 4:6-10). Especially as it pertained to their accountability to God.

1.      This assumes that parents (as well as other adults) will talk to children.

2.      I am growing concerned that our generation doesn’t teach children to talk to adults. As a preacher it is interesting how different children can be. Some children can carry on a complete conversation with an adult, others seem surprised when an adult speaks to them.

3.      Jesus talked to children—we should as well (Matt. 19:13-15).

4.      As parents we can teach respect. As parents we can teach children to interact with adults. This is an important tool that will help them in life and in matters of faith.

C.      Parents have the right to command obedience to God’s Law (Deut. 32:44-47; cf. Gen. 18:19). Note: We cannot command faith, but in requiring obedience to God’s will we set the stage for the development of personal faith. We show its importance. We show that we are also accountable to God.

D.     What We Tell Our Children, They Will Tell Others (Joel 1:1-7). Joel describes consequences that came upon the Israelites because of their unfaithfulness—but how do we know these things? Certainly, because God’s word reveals it—but the very principle described in verse three is how God has preserved His word—they told their children, and we are “another generation.” How will faith endure? When we talk to our children.

V. Parents Have the Potential to Produce Faith in Children (2 Tim. 1:1-5). Note: “genuine faith” dwelt “first” in Timothy’s grandmother and mother. Isn’t that a beautiful description—faith dwells in us! How do you suppose it went from dwelling in a mother and grandmother to dwelling in Timothy? They talked to him (cf. Deut. 4:9—“teach them to your children, and your grandchildren”).

A.      Fathers have a special role in this (Eph. 6:4). This doesn’t mean fathers only (sometimes fathers are not Christians)—but there is a special influence a godly father can have. Note: “training and admonition of the Lord”

1.      “Training” (paideia) can refer to chastening (i.e. punishment for the violation of instruction) as well as the instruction that should motivate the behavior. “chastening” (ASV), “discipline” (NASB). When parents punish misbehavior in order to instruct proper behavior it is the “discipline of the Lord.”

2.      “Admonition” (nouthesia). The first part of this word comes from the Greek word nous, meaning “mind.” It is the setting down the “mind” of the one to whom this admonition belongs. Parents are to teach children what we can know of the mind of God through His word. But we should note, this communication is not to be done without consideration...

B.      Fathers are not to provoke children to wrath—which doesn’t mean don’t ever do anything they don’t like—rather it is communication that avoids discouragement (Col. 3:21).

Conclusion. Christian Parents Must Tell Their Children About the Promises of God (Acts 2:37-41). God has made a promise “to your children”—will you not tell them about it?