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◄ Children Growing Up►

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The Bible provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the growth and development of children, emphasizing the importance of nurturing them in the ways of the Lord. From the earliest books of the Old Testament to the teachings of the New Testament, Scripture offers guidance on the spiritual, moral, and social upbringing of children.

Biblical Foundations

The concept of children growing up is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative. In Genesis, the creation of humanity establishes the family as the primary unit for nurturing and raising children.Genesis 1:28 states, "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.'" This command underscores the importance of family and procreation, setting the stage for the growth and development of children within a familial context.

Parental Responsibility

The Bible places significant responsibility on parents to guide their children in the ways of the Lord.Proverbs 22:6 instructs, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse highlights the enduring impact of early spiritual and moral education. Parents are called to be the primary educators, instilling values and principles that align with biblical teachings.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 further emphasizes this responsibility: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage underscores the importance of integrating God's commandments into daily life, ensuring that children grow up with a strong foundation in faith.

Discipline and Instruction

Discipline is another critical aspect of raising children according to biblical principles.Proverbs 13:24 states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently." While this verse has been the subject of much debate, it reflects the biblical view that loving discipline is essential for a child's growth and character development.

Ephesians 6:4 provides further guidance: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This New Testament instruction balances discipline with nurturing, encouraging parents to raise their children in a manner that reflects God's love and righteousness.

Role of the Community

The Bible also acknowledges the role of the broader faith community in the upbringing of children. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were instructed to gather for festivals and communal worship, providing opportunities for children to learn and participate in the faith community. In the New Testament, Jesus' interactions with children highlight their value within the community of believers. InMark 10:14 , Jesus says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

Spiritual Growth and Maturity

As children grow, the Bible encourages their spiritual development and maturity.1 Corinthians 13:11 reflects on the transition from childhood to adulthood: "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me." This passage highlights the natural progression from childhood to maturity, both physically and spiritually.

The apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth inEphesians 4:14-15 : "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head." This encourages believers to nurture children in a way that fosters their growth into mature followers of Christ.

Conclusion

The Bible provides a rich tapestry of teachings on the growth and development of children, emphasizing the roles of parents, the community, and the children themselves in this process. Through discipline, instruction, and spiritual nurturing, children are to be raised in a manner that honors God and prepares them for a life of faith and service.

Topical Bible Verses

Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Topicalbible.org

Genesis 18:19
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring on Abraham that which he has spoken of him.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Growing up into Christ
... Chapter 8Growing Up Into Christ. The change of heart by which we become
children of God is in the Bible spoken of as birth. Again...

The Christian Training ofChildren.
... distrustful by being embittered, they shutup against us... When we provoke and estrange
ourchildren, both they... can best guard against anygrowing bitterness by...

The Christian Training ofChildren.
... then, in this direction also, lay aside every anxious fear, and train not only the
growing-up young people, but also, as the apostle says, thechildren, in the...

The Story of Moses, the Child who was Found in the River
... is one of the Hebrews'children." You have heard how thechildren of Israel... who had
made slaves of the Israelites, God's people, wasgrowing up our Israelite...

Some of God's Failures.
... world-garden of great beauty and fruitfulness; a man and woman living together in
sweet purity and strong self-mastery; theirchildren growing up in such an...

Fathers andChildren'
... division and estrangement between the old and the young which isgrowing up in our...
for parents as there was a generation back;"that thechildren break loose...

Baptism.
... When our Lord said""Suffer the littlechildren to come unto me and forbid... that the
gloss of Tertullian""Let them come whilst they aregrowing up, let them...

Annie and Vanie's First Real Prayer
... women. Theirchildren weregrowing up around them, who, I hope, will have
like confidence in mother, and faith in God. "Jeigh Arrh....

And when they were Near to the Land, which God had Promised to...
... multitude perished and were consumed in the wilderness, receiving one by one the
due reward of their want of faith: but thechildren,growing up in the course...

Second Day. God's Provision for Holiness.
... In Him I am holy; abiding andgrowing up in Him, I can be holy in all manner... we do
beseech Thee, reveal Thou to Thychildren what it meaneth that Thou hast not...