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

The question that plagues most parents is this:  How do I accomplish this?

I.  Expose Them to the Word of God

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.  You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.  You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”    Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Be Their Teacher

1. Live it before them.
2. Teach it to them.
3. Talk about it.
4. Honor it.

II.  Exhort Them As They Follow God

“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”                    Ephesians 6:4

Be their guide.  (Guide them to walk with God)

1. Early on, your interests will become their interests.
2. They will tend to gravitate toward what you approve.
3. Explore their weaknesses and their victories with them.
   • What went right?
   • What went wrong?
   • How can I adjust?

Be their coach.

1. Encourage them as they hit rough spots.
2. Cheer them on!
3. Celebrate their wins!

III.  Express the Father’s Love for Them

Learn what makes them feel loved.    “The 5 Love Languages”  Dr. Gary Chapman

1. Words of Affirmation
2. Acts of Service
3. Receiving Gifts
4. Quality Time
5. Physical Touch

Your love relationship with them will color their view of God.

Your words, actions, and attitude can inspire confidence or doubt in God.

Love their soul.

1. You have influence over an eternal soul that is not your own.
2. Make sure that you represent God well.
3. Instruct them truthfully and completely.
4. Teach them the personal discipline necessary to finish this life well.

Avoid provocation.  It is a spirit breaker.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”    Colossians  3:21

“7 Ways Fathers Provoke Their Children”    Mark Driscoll

1. Make More Withdrawals Than Deposits
2. Resort to Physical or Verbal Abuse
3. Be Emotionally Absent
4. Publicly Humiliate and Criticize
5. Be No Fun
6. Don’t Be Generous
7. Never Say “I’m Sorry”

Are you intentionally training your child to walk with God or discouraging them with your own selfish attitude?