{"id":1179,"date":"2016-11-23T09:10:14","date_gmt":"2016-11-23T14:10:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/?p=1179"},"modified":"2016-11-23T09:13:17","modified_gmt":"2016-11-23T14:13:17","slug":"the-god-fearing-child-august-28th-2016","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/?p=1179","title":{"rendered":"The God Fearing Child, August 28th, 2016"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"o-prayer-school-facebook\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The God Fearing Child<\/h1>\n

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Central Thought: A God fearing child will enjoy the favor of the Lord.<\/h3>\n

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Hymn: \u201cWhen We Walk With the Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

Text: Proverbs 16:6; Psalm 25:12-14, 78-:1-7; Deuteronomy 6:4-9<\/p>\n

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It is clearly stated in the Scriptures that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of god is very fundamental in our relationship with Him.\u00a0 Children are God\u2019s gift to parents.\u00a0 \u201cLo, children are and heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is His reward\u201d, Psalm 127:3.\u00a0 God is the owner of children and parents are merely caretakers who must report back to the owner on how well or otherwise they have handled this responsibility given to them by God.\u00a0 Parents are expected to bring up their children in the way of the LORD.\u00a0 Proverbs 22:6 says, \u201cTrain up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it\u201d.\u00a0 It is therefore a big responsibility that God has placed on parents.<\/p>\n

The god fearing child is a valuable asset to parents, the church and the society at large. This gives some assurance to the society that there is hope for the future.\u00a0 It is God\u2019s desire for parents to nurture, train and teach their children the fear of God.\u00a0 This is God\u2019s mandate for Christian parents and groups that the children will come in contact with.\u00a0 In this study, we shall examine in detail what it takes to be a God fearing child.<\/p>\n

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Lesson Objectives:<\/h3>\n
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  1. To explain what we understand by the expression, \u201cthe God fearing child.\u201d<\/li>\n
  2. To discuss how some people in the Scriptures displayed the fear of god inculcated in them as children.<\/li>\n
  3. To identify from the Scriptures the responsibilities of parents and leaders towards children and the consequences of not carrying out the responsibilities.<\/li>\n
  4. To explain some of the responsibilities of the God fearing child.<\/li>\n
  5. To highlight the benefits that the God fearing child stands to gain.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    1a. What do you understand by, \u201cthe God fearing child\u201d?<\/h5>\n

    The expression, \u201cthe God fearing child\u201d, refers to the child who lives for God and serves Him with reverence and \u2018stands in awe of Him\u2019. The Scripture makes us to know that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, Proverbs 9:10a.\u00a0 It is only when the child understands who God is and develops a reverential fear of Him that he can have true wisdom.<\/p>\n

    Such a child puts God first in all he does, intentionally departs from evil and lives his life in line with the word of God.<\/p>\n

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    1b. How does the fear of God begin in a child? John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17<\/h5>\n

    The fear of God begins in a child when he accepts Jesus Christ as his Lord, Master and Savior. In other words, the first step towards this is that the child must be born again.\u00a0 \u201cVerily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God\u201d, John 3:3.\u00a0 When the child becomes born again, he becomes a new creature, old things pass away and all things become new.\u00a0 Thereafter, the Spirit of God gives him the enablement to have the fear of God.<\/p>\n

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    2. Discuss how the following people in the scriptures displayed the fear of God inculcated in them as children.<\/h5>\n

    -Joseph in Potiphar\u2019s House, Genesis 39:6-9, 37:2<\/span><\/p>\n

    Joseph displayed the fear of God which his parents taught him even in a strange land where people did not have the fear of God and where none of his parents or relations was around to watch his actions. He conducted his business in his master\u2019s house as unto the Lord and God blessed the house of Potiphar for Joseph\u2019s sake to the extent that Potiphar attested to this. He was also very conscious of the fact that, \u201cthe eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth\u201d, 2 Chronicles 16:9a.\u00a0 He decided to resist Potiphar\u2019s wife\u2019s advances to lie with her.\u00a0 Joseph\u2019s response of, \u201c\u2026how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God\u201d, Genesis 39:9b, was indicative of the fact that he feared God greatly.<\/p>\n

    -Moses in Pharaoh\u2019s Palace, Hebrews 11:23-26<\/span><\/p>\n

    The child Moses was picked up from the river by Pharaoh\u2019s daughter who decided to adopt him as her own child. By Divine arrangement, his mother was the paid nurse that brought him up until he came of age after which he was taken to the palace.\u00a0 It appeared Moses\u2019 mother taught him the ways of God and this sank deep into him.\u00a0 He lived with this consciousness even when he was taken to the palace.\u00a0 He decided to identify himself with the people of God.\u00a0 \u201cBy faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh\u2019s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a reason\u201d, Hebrews 11:24-25.<\/p>\n

    -Daniel in Babylon, Daniel 1:3-8<\/span><\/p>\n

    Although Daniel found himself in a foreign land, he did not allow the fear of God he had been brought up with as a child to be thrown overboard even as a war captive. At that time Babylon was a land full of idolatry and worldliness.\u00a0 \u201cBut Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king\u2019s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore, he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself\u201d, Daniel 1:8.\u00a0 Daniel was determined not to fail or disappoint God even at the risk of losing his life.\u00a0 He remained resolute in his conviction to keep fearing and obeying god to the point that when he was confronted with the decree not to pray to God, he chose to obey God and was thrown into a lion\u2019s den from which God delivered him, Daniel 6:4-28.\u00a0 God is always ready to stand by those who fear Him.<\/p>\n

    -Timothy, 2 Timothy 1:1-5<\/span><\/p>\n

    Timothy had a Godly heritage. His grandmother Lois passed on the Christian faith to his mother Eunice, who in turned passed on the faith to Timothy.\u00a0 This was evident in the life of Timothy that the Apostle Paul found him very useful in the ministry.\u00a0 He was made an Elder\/Pastor in the church at Ephesus at a young age. \u00a0This goes to show that when the child is trained in the way he should go, when he is old he will not depart from it.<\/p>\n

    Apart from Timothy, Philip had four daughters\u2019 who feared God, kept themselves pure, and were virgins who exercised the gift of prophecy, Acts 21:8, 9.<\/p>\n

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    3a. From the following scriptures identify our responsibilities as parents and leaders towards children. Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4; Deuteronomy 4:9, 6:7-9; Psalm 78:1-7; 1 Peter 5:2-3; Acts 20:28; 2 Timothy 4:2<\/h5>\n

    Parents are the first to have any contact with their children after birth. They are therefore expected to train the children in the way they should go so that when these children are old, they will not depart from the way of God that they have been taught.\u00a0 Parents must also not provoke the children to wrath but bright them up in the nurture and fear of the Lord.\u00a0 It is the responsibility of parents to assist in the character molding of their children right from their infancy.\u00a0 Parents must endeavor to diligently teach their children the word of God and Godly values and virtues.\u00a0 They must be good examples to their own children.\u00a0 The children must be taught to fear, serve and honor God.\u00a0 As they grow up, parents must make deliberate effort to lead their children to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.\u00a0 This should not be left to chance or to some other person out there.\u00a0 The parents who are determined to raise God fearing children must learn to \u201ccatch them young\u201d; realizing that the first contact the child has with this life starts from the home through the parents.\u00a0 The children should be trained and taught core values that will help them to grow up into responsible men and women in the society such as doing house chores, showing interest, getting involved and being committed to the work of God.\u00a0 Parents must provide adequately for their children to the best of their ability.\u00a0 Also the children must be regularly prayed for by their parents and taught to pray for themselves and others.<\/p>\n

    It is the responsibility of the Christian leaders to shepherd children under their care by feeding them with the sound Word of God, being good examples to the children, in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.<\/p>\n

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    3b. What are the consequences of not carrying out your above responsibilities?<\/h5>\n

    There are many consequences of parents not carrying out their responsibilities towards their children. Such children become a source of sorrow to their parents.\u00a0 They may not have regard for their parents.\u00a0 They have no fear of God in them.\u00a0 They will also be involved in many vices.<\/p>\n

    It is usually said that \u2018nature abhors vacuum\u2019. The child will learn negative values through ungodly associations and influences from the ungodly people he comes across on a daily basis.\u00a0 He may even be lured into occult groups. \u201cBe not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners\u201d, 1 Corinthians 15:33.<\/p>\n

    Such a child may not enjoy God\u2019s blessings, and as such may not prosper in things that pertain to godliness and righteousness. Ultimately, such a child will miss eternity with Christ Jesus and end up in hell.<\/p>\n

    We saw an example of the consequences of neglecting the responsibility of raising God fearing children by the high priest Eli who lost his sons in one day, 1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25, 3:11-13.<\/p>\n

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    4. Explain the following responsibilities of the God fearing child.<\/h5>\n

    The responsibilities of the God fearing child are many and demand a great deal of seriousness and commitment on his part. Some of these responsibilities are discussed below:<\/p>\n

    -Obedience to God at all times:<\/span><\/p>\n

    The God fearing child must exhibit the fear of God in all his actions and in his daily living. This will involve complete obedience to God\u2019s injunctions as stated in the Scriptures.\u00a0 He must live with the consciousness that he ought to obey God rather than men in all situations and all circumstances.<\/p>\n

    -Abstain from all appearance of evil, 1 Thessalonians:<\/span><\/p>\n

    The God fearing child must, \u201cFlee all youthful lust: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart\u201d, 2 Timothy 2:22. He should avoid evil company.\u00a0 The Scripture clearly states, \u201cBe not deceived, evil communications corrupt good manners\u201d, 1 Corinthians 15:33.\u00a0 This means that he must associate with people that will add value to his life and help him to grow in the things of God rather than those who will draw him away from following the ways of God.<\/p>\n

    Obedience to parents, Ephesians 6:1-3. A God fearing child must endeavor to obey his parents.\u00a0 This is a divine instruction that should not be taken lightly. \u00a0\u201cChildren, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right.\u00a0 Honor thy father and thy mother; which is the first commandment with promise\u201d, Ephesians 6:1-2.\u00a0 Obedience to parents brings blessing to the child and also causes joy to the parents.<\/p>\n

    -Respect of parents\/seniors, Ephesians 6:2-3.<\/span><\/p>\n

    He must honor his parents and all other older people who have one form of contact or the other with him. Essentially, the child should be one who greets his seniors and is willing to lend helping hand to older people when it is necessary.\u00a0 For example, a God fearing child should defer to his seniors\/elders by helping them to carry load, standing up for them to sit down in public functions, and greeting them respectfully.<\/p>\n

    -Participation in domestic works:<\/span><\/p>\n

    Many young people today do not want to get involved in the daily chores at home. In many homes because of the issue of house helps many of them cannot do anything.\u00a0 This should not be the case with the God fearing child.\u00a0 He must be willing to learn and participate in domestic works.\u00a0 This is a virtue that is expected to be exhibited by a child who has the fear of God and respect for his parents.\u00a0 This attitude should be extended to his church\/place of worship.\u00a0 God fearing children should participate effectively in keeping the church and its evnirons clean.<\/p>\n

    -Diligence in studies\/career, Proverbs 22:29:<\/span><\/p>\n

    Diligence is a virtue that must not be lacking in the life of a God fearing child. Diligence distinguishes one from the crowd and makes him a sought after person.\u00a0 \u201cSeest thou a man diligent in his business?\u00a0 He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men\u201d, Proverbs 22:29.\u00a0 Diligence moves one from obscurity to the lime light.<\/p>\n

    -Care for parents:<\/span><\/p>\n

    Children are the pride of parents, who they labored to bring up. It is therefore expected of children to care for their parents at all times especially when they become old.\u00a0 Parents are greatly delighted when their children show some care towards them.\u00a0 The God fearing child must be eager to assist the parents in whatever way he can and try to make them happy.<\/p>\n

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    5. What does the God fearing child stand to benefit? Ephesians 6:1-3; Proverbs 16:6, 19:23; Psalm 25:12-14<\/h5>\n

    There are so many benefits the God fearing child stands to enjoy. As the child obeys his parents in the Lord and honors them, it shall be well with him and he will live long on the earth.\u00a0 These benefits cut across every segment of the society; home, school, church or in any place the child finds himself.\u00a0 He stands out among his peers as a good example.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThe fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil\u201d, Proverbs 19:23. In addition, God will teach the child the way to choose and will reveal His secret to him and also show him His covenant, Psalm 25:12-14.\u00a0 The child exhibits wisdom as he practices the good things and Godly virtues that he has learnt from home, church, school and the society.\u00a0 He causes his parents to be glad and brings honor to them.\u00a0 Ultimately, he will make heaven.<\/p>\n

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    Daily Living Application:<\/h3>\n

    The God fearing children will always be a pride to the parents, the church and the society. Raising the God fearing child involves a series of actions that will involve teaching the child about God and Godliness, virtues of hard work, commitment to God\u2019s work, respect for elders and properly constituted authority.\u00a0 Above all, he must have had a personal encounter with Christ and must have accepted Him as Lord and Savior.\u00a0 Every Christian parent must see to this with every sense of responsibility and commitment, bearing in mind that a Christina heritage is the best legacy that can be bequeathed to a child.<\/p>\n

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    Memory Verse:<\/h3>\n

    Proverbs 9:10a \u2013 \u201cThe fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    The God Fearing Child     Central Thought: A God fearing child will enjoy the favor of the Lord.   Hymn: \u201cWhen We Walk With the Lord.\u201d Text: Proverbs 16:6; Psalm 25:12-14, 78-:1-7; Deuteronomy 6:4-9     It is clearly stated in the Scriptures that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1181,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1179","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sundayschool"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/o-prayer-school-facebook.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1179","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1179"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1179\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1182,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1179\/revisions\/1182"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1181"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1179"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1179"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1179"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}