Parenting Patterns and Principles (Ephesians 6:4)

Happy Fathers’ Day! Our key verse for this weekend presents a striking contrast between two ways to approach parenting: you can bring your kids up in an intentionally Christian context or neglect that nurture, which will lead to frustration in life for them. “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4).

This is one of those biblical teachings that is so bold, it is nearly brazen. A reader could ask, “Is it really that simple? Are those the two options: authentically pass on your godly values or end up exasperating them? That seems too stark and strong!” Maybe so. We need to take a careful look at this verse and see what is says and means.
     
I’ll be using a big white board on stage this weekend to explain four basic parenting patterns and I’ll urge you to follow four basic parenting principles. In a way, parenting according to the Scriptures is pretty simple, but it certainly isn’t easy. Let’s connect this weekend and worship and learn together. Even if you aren’t a dad, this lesson will be applicable to you, considering we are all God’s children. He’s the perfect Father and he sets an example for us.