SERMON “I wish my parents would…”
TEXT: Genesis 1:22; 2:24); Malachi
What do our children wish for? A very large church did a study of that recently among children and teens and discovered that kids have some basic wishes of parents that go way deeper than wanting surface stuff like toys and candy. Every caring parent hungers for help—especially help from God. What I’d like to do today is look at what seem to be the deepest needs expressed by children and share Biblical guidelines for meeting those needs. Let God focus you on your child or grandchild’s deepest wishes.
I WISH MY PARENTS WOULD JUST _______________ ____________ “…tell each other they love each other.” “…show their love for each other.” “…stop fighting.” “…get along with each other and stay together.”
In the Bible there is a close correlation between the stability of the marriage and the health and well being of the children.
“Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:22).
God said: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh”
(Genesis 2:24).
“You were united to your wife by the Lord. In God’s wise plan, when you married, the two of you became one person in his sight. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. Therefore, guard your passions! Keep faith with the wife of your youth.” (Malachi 2:15 LB)
I WISH MY PARENTS WOULD TAKE ME ________________________ AS A PERSON
How much attention are you paying to your youngster?
I WISH MY PARENTS WOULD GIVE ME SOME ____________________ (FREEDOMS)
“I wish my parents…” “…wouldn’t be over-protective.” “Would trust me more and give me more freedom.” “…let me go places.” “…stop treating me like I’m 13!!! I’m 23!”
Parents instinctively want to protect their children forever. There is a natural tug of war going on to see how much freedom can be achieved.
Wise parents give their children freedom—progressively with ______________________
Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers don’t exasperate your children.”
Colossians 3:21 “Fathers don’t embitter your children.”
I WISH MY PARENTS KNEW HOW BAD I NEED THEIR _____________
Teens surveyed:
“I am an attractive person” - disagree
“I do poorly in sports and games” - agree
“I am a satisfied to be just what I am?” - strongly disagree
“I am not happy with myself” - agree
“I am not loved by family” – undecided
Wise parents give frequent affirmation to their children.
We affirm children v___________________ with encouragement.
“I’m so proud of your report card.” “You looked them straight in the eye when you talked—that’s good.” “You stood there and waited without interrupting—way to go!”
We affirm children p______________________ by the touch. (Genesis 48:14).
One of the greatest affirmations a parent can give a child – There will always be a place for you in our home. That’s what Jesus told his disciples (John 14:1-2)
