Scripture Reading: Proverbs 22:6
Introduction
A. Every good parent spends time thinking about their children’s future and about what they can do to make that future bright.
B. Joseph wanted his family to remember there was something better to come (Genesis 50:22–26). What should ours remember?
Discussion
I. Different parents have different dreams for their children.
A. Eunice hoped to see her son become a faithful child of God (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14–15; Acts 16:1–3).
B. Felix (Acts 24) probably hoped that his son would become a powerful statesman.
C. Jochubed surely hoped that her son would not forget who he was (Exodus 2:9–10; cf. 1 Samuel 1:22; 2:19).
II. How can we help to instill faith in the next generation?
A. We must train them in God’s word (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14–15).
B. We need to assure them of God’s love (Romans 8:35–39).
C. We need to demonstrate genuine Christianity (2 Timothy 1:5).
D. We need to let them ask questions (Exodus 13:14; Deuteronomy 6:7).
Conclusion
A. We can’t live their lives for them, but we can give them a sense of vision and direction.
B. The direction in which we guide their earliest steps could make all the difference!