Train Up A Child In The Way He Should Go - Proverbs 22:6

Introduction

1. Many books have been written on this vital subject.
2. Human theories pale in comparison with God's wisdom, (Ps. 119:96; 1 Cor. 1:25).
3. We will search in vain for a guide more accurate and thorough than the Scriptures for raising our children, (2 Pet. 1:3).

1. Two types of discipline (Both are necessary)

   1. Instructive - Deut. 6:4-7; Pr. 19:27; 20:11,13
   2. Corrective - Pr. 22:15; 13:24; 23:13,14; 29:15,17

2. Two methods of training (One right, one wrong)

   1. The goal of child rearing is to produce responsible adults.
   2. Enabling - giving them the means to continue a wrong behavior.
      1. By doing for them what they should do for themselves.
      2. By giving them everything they want.
      3. By bailing them out when they get into trouble.
   3. Empowering - giving them the means to do right. How?

3. Seven ways to empower

   1. Listen - Pr. 18:13, 2
   2. Praise - Pr. 12:18; 15:23
   3. Teach them responsibility - Pr. 22:18; 20:13
   4. LOVE - Pr. 10:12; 1 Pet. 4:8; Col. 3:14"Rules without relationships lead to rebellion" Josh McDowell
   5. Let them enjoy life - Col. 3:21; Pr. 17:22; 15:13
   6. Let them succeed - Pr. 20:11; 31:31
   7. Let them fail - (Jesus let Peter - Lk. 22:34, 60-62; Jn. 21:15-22)