Ephesians 4:17-32
In Paul's letter to the Ephesians he
addresses what the Christian has become in a new relationship with Christ. His listing gives us the very things that
every parent desires in the life of their children.
Core Principles for Christian Parenting
I. Teach Your Child the Value of the Truth v.25
II. Teach Your Child How to Handle Emotions v.26-27
The attitude of the home is equal to
the environment in which we exist.
Emotions are barometers of our
inner feelings.
Emotional disorders are often created
by improper "learned" responses to normal emotions.
1.
Depression = Anger turned inward
2.
Anxiety = The repression of a truth
about life
Children are Receptors and Reflectors.
You may have the right to be angry
but it does not give you the right to be rude, mean or destructive.
The Danger of
Anger v.31 (The Progression of Anger)
· Bitterness reflects a smoldering resentment.
· Wrath has to do with rage. The word
means to burn.
· Anger is internal smoldering. Wrath
is what we feel on the inside, but anger is what we show on the outside.
· Clamor reflects the outburst that reveals
loss of control. The word literally means loud quarreling.
· Slander is the ongoing defamation of
someone that rises from a bitter heart.
· Malice is the general term for evil that is
the root of all vices. Malevolence is wishing to invoke harm on others.
It turns physical.
III. Teach Your Child the Importance of Responsibility
v.28a
Responsibilities = identity = self-esteem.
Boredom = Not taking responsibility
for personal happiness.
The root of theft is selfishness.
A changed life is not
controlled by selfish ambition and a high sense of entitlement.
It is God’s plan for everyone to work
who is able to do so.
IV. Teach Your
Child to Be Benevolent v.28b
The value of my life is best discerned by how many I benefit, not how many I can control.
The value of my life is best discerned by how many I benefit, not how many I can control.
