The core of parenting is discipling and catechizing children, which involves teaching them the ways of God, the Gospel, and sound doctrine, and demonstrating a delighted heart in the Lord to make family devotionals a precious and sweet experience. By doing so, parents can contribute to the robustness and richness of the church and help raise their children to be believers who will shine God's light in a dark world.

As parents, it is crucial to take an active role in instructing and disciplining our children, rather than leaving them to figure things out on their own or relying on others to teach them. By prioritizing discipline and instruction, and by being intentional about teaching our children in both formal and informal settings, we can help them develop into mature, wise, and faithful adults who are equipped to navigate the challenges of life.

In a world where modern parenting philosophies and mental health trends often eclipse the authority of God's Word, Christians must return to a biblical worldview and reject secular narratives that undermine the integrity of Scripture and the flourishing of their children. By embracing God's sufficiency and the gospel, parents can raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, trusting in His power to transform and redeem, rather than relying on the world's solutions that often lead to bondage and confusion.

Disciplining older kids requires a nuanced approach that balances authority with respect and dignity, recognizing that they are developing into young adults who need guidance and instruction rather than simply obedience. Parents should prioritize building a strong relationship with their older kids, leveraging moments of vulnerability and sacrifice to model the gospel and impart wisdom, while also setting clear expectations and consequences that prepare them for independence.

This sermon provides practical guidance on biblical spanking, emphasizing the importance of discipline as a form of love and obedience to God's word, and offers insights on how to implement spanking in a way that is restorative, not punitive. The speaker shares personal experiences and biblical principles to help parents navigate the complexities of discipline, including when to start and stop spanking, how to distinguish between childishness and rebellion, and how to balance discipline with love and respect.

Establishing authority through discipline is crucial in parenting, as it helps children develop a fear of the Lord and understand the consequences of their actions, ultimately leading them to love the standard of God's word. By submitting to God's word and being consistent in discipline, parents can drive folly far from their children, teach them wisdom, and help them develop a healthy respect for authority, preparing them for a life of obedience to God.

In order to prioritize their relationships correctly, Christians must understand and follow the biblical order of God, spouse, children, and then others, recognizing that their roles as husbands, wives, fathers, and mothers are distinct yet complementary. By prioritizing their relationships in this order and seeking to understand and live out their roles biblically, couples can create a strong foundation for their families and point their children to the love of Christ.

The standard of living a life of obedience to God's ways is not just about following rules, but about loving and embracing God's commands and values, and it requires a deep understanding of the gospel and a willingness to live out its teachings in daily life. By instilling this standard in their children through consistent teaching, open communication, and intentional discipleship, parents can help their kids develop a strong foundation for their faith and a lifelong commitment to following God's ways.

The goal of parenting is not just to get children to obey outwardly, but to raise kids who love the standard inwardly, obeying from the heart and not just out of fear or habit. To achieve this, parents must prioritize teaching their children to love God's standard, rather than just their own rules or expectations, and model this love themselves through their own actions and relationships.

Sunday Sermon By Bryan Purtle