The Privilege of Parenting
Article 6
By Mark R. Worden
In the last Archer we began to look at the role of the father by analyzing Ephesians 6:4. In the first part of the verse one can discern that fathers are to be vitally active in child rearing and also to be cautious and sensitive to the child’s response when disciplining. Let’s remember and heed what the first part of Ephesians 6:4 says “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath”
Now let’s consider the last part of the verse that says, “But bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” From this statement we can first deduce that Fathers are to nurture and provide for their children with tender care. The word translated ”but bring them up” is translated as “nourisheth” in Ephesians 5:29 “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.” This brings to light a father’s nurturing role in the home.
Paul’s illustration of his father-like relationship to the Thessalonian believers confirms and elucidates the nurturing role and responsibility of a father.
“As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children. That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory”(I Thess 2:11-12).
A nurturing father will exhort his children, which has the idea of encouraging them and strengthening them to follow a particular line of conduct that will please the Lord. A nurturing father will comfort his children which means to encourage and console the feelings so as to aid our children in continuing in a course of life that pleases the Lord. And finally a nurturing father will charge his children which has the idea of holding them accountable to live lives that our pleasing to the Lord.
Secondly from this phrase, “But bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,” we learn that fathers are to educate or train their children in the things of the Lord. The word translated “nurture” in this verse is translated as instruction in 2 Tim. 3:16, “ All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” We need to teach our children what is right and then admonish them to do it. The word “admonition” has both the idea of exhortation or training by words of encouragement when that is sufficient or by reproof or rebuke when required. By words of encouragement and rebuke a father should help his children to put on wise character and put off foolish character traits. The Book of Proverbs gives wisdom in understanding the way of wisdom and the way of foolishness, which each child needs to be taught. The following is just a beginning example of how the book of proverbs can help you to know what to teach your children.
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The Wise Course of Life
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| 1. Teach the Fear of Lord as the path of wisdom Pr. 1:7 | |
| 2. Teach concerning the child’s relationship with God. How they are to receive and apply God’s word and seek after wisdom, knowledge and understanding. “If – Then” statements teach the principle of sowing and reaping. Pr. 2:1-11 | |
| 3. Teach concerning the child’s need to obey and keep their parents instructions. Pr. 6:20, 13:1 |
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The Foolish Course of Life |
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| 2. Teach concerning the child’s need to be delivered from relationships with evil people and the foolishness of sexual sins. Pr. 2:12-22 |
| 3. Teach the consequences of disobedience. Pr. 15:5 |
