Hebrews 12:1-13

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-13

3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-13

4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

Hebrews 12:1-13

6because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."

7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?

Hebrews 12:1-13

8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!

Hebrews 12:1-13

10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:1-13

1212Therefore, strengthen your feeble Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.arms and weak knees. 13 13"Make level "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather may not be disabled, but rather healed.healed.

Hebrews 12:1-13

ParentingParenting – – An Unending ChallengeAn Unending Challenge

Hebrews 12:1-12Hebrews 12:1-12

We have a spiritual responsibility We have a spiritual responsibility to provide our children spiritual to provide our children spiritual

instructioninstruction

Ephesians 6:1-4Ephesians 6:1-4

Colossians 3:21Colossians 3:21

There is no guarantee your faith will There is no guarantee your faith will be automatically imitatedbe automatically imitated

JoshuaJoshua

SamuelSamuel

DavidDavid

HezekiahHezekiah

Three very different approaches to Three very different approaches to developing spirituality in children:developing spirituality in children:

““I want my children to make up their own minds I want my children to make up their own minds about religion when they are grown. I do not about religion when they are grown. I do not wish to impose my spiritual values on them.” wish to impose my spiritual values on them.”

““I want to introduce my children to religion." The I want to introduce my children to religion." The primary concern becomes, "We do not want to primary concern becomes, "We do not want to be too religious; we do not wish to overdo a be too religious; we do not wish to overdo a spiritual emphasis.”spiritual emphasis.”

““The spiritual foundation approach: Spirituality is The spiritual foundation approach: Spirituality is a way of life (not just a religion) that surrounds a way of life (not just a religion) that surrounds the child.” the child.”

I urge you to evaluate your own I urge you to evaluate your own approachapproach

What priority does spiritual development What priority does spiritual development have in your system of values you teach have in your system of values you teach your child?your child?

What is the spiritual environment in What is the spiritual environment in which your children live?which your children live?

Is spirituality seen in your family Is spirituality seen in your family relationships?relationships?

Consider a living nightmareConsider a living nightmare

If such happens in your family, let If such happens in your family, let me suggest what to pray for.me suggest what to pray for.

Constantly help us be a Constantly help us be a congregation that brings the congregation that brings the troubled to Jesus' forgiving healing, troubled to Jesus' forgiving healing, to Jesus' compassion, to Jesus' to Jesus' compassion, to Jesus' hope, to Jesus' helphope, to Jesus' help