PARENTING AND FAMILY PLANNING
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Proverbs 22:6
Supporting Texts: Psalm 127:3-5, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Ephesians 6:4, 1 Timothy 5:8
INTRODUCTION:
Parenting is a divine assignment given by God. Children are a heritage from the Lord, and parents have the responsibility to raise them in the fear of God. Likewise, family planning is essential for responsible parenting, ensuring that children are nurtured in a stable and godly environment. In this sermon, we will explore biblical principles on parenting and family planning.
1. CHILDREN ARE GOD’S HERITAGE
- a) Children are a blessing from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5)
- God entrusts children to parents to nurture and guide them.
- b) Parents are stewards of their children (1 Samuel 1:27-28)
- Like Hannah, we must dedicate our children to God.
- c) Parenting requires wisdom and responsibility (Proverbs 29:15)
- Discipline and instruction shape a child’s character.
- d) A godly home produces godly children (2 Timothy 1:5)
- The faith of parents influences the next generation.
- e) Biblical Example: Abraham
- God chose Abraham because he would command his children to follow God (Genesis 18:19).
2. RAISING GODLY CHILDREN
- a) Teach them God’s word diligently (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
- Parents should consistently instruct their children in righteousness.
- b) Discipline with love and wisdom (Proverbs 13:24)
- Correction should build character, not break the spirit.
- c) Model a godly lifestyle (1 Corinthians 11:1)
- Children learn more from what they see than what they hear.
- d) Pray for and with your children (Job 1:5)
- Interceding for children secures their future.
- e) Biblical Example: Timothy
- Timothy was influenced by the faith of his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5).
3. THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS
- a) Provide for the family’s needs (1 Timothy 5:8)
- Parents must work to ensure the well-being of their household.
- b) Create a loving and secure home (Colossians 3:21)
- Children thrive in an environment of love and affirmation.
- c) Balance discipline with encouragement (Ephesians 6:4)
- Avoid provoking children to anger, but train them in the Lord.
- d) Prepare children for their future (Proverbs 22:6)
- Parenting should include teaching life skills and responsibility.
- e) Biblical Example: Joseph
- Joseph’s upbringing prepared him to handle leadership and challenges (Genesis 37-50).
4. FAMILY PLANNING AND RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD
- a) God expects wisdom in parenting (Proverbs 24:3)
- Planning ensures children receive proper care and attention.
- b) Be fruitful, but also responsible (Genesis 1:28)
- God’s command to be fruitful includes managing resources wisely.
- c) Seek God's guidance in family planning (James 1:5)
- Decisions should be made with wisdom and prayer.
- d) Family size should align with ability to provide (Luke 14:28)
- Financial and emotional readiness should be considered.
- e) Biblical Example: Jacob and His Household
- Jacob's large family required careful management and provision (Genesis 30:1-24).
5. RAISING A FAMILY IN THE FEAR OF GOD
- a) Make God the foundation of your home (Joshua 24:15)
- Families should commit to serving God together.
- b) Guard your home from ungodly influences (Proverbs 4:23)
- Protect children from negative spiritual and moral influences.
- c) Encourage unity and love among siblings (Psalm 133:1)
- A peaceful home fosters godly relationships.
- d) Prepare children to be responsible citizens (Titus 2:7-8)
- Teach honesty, diligence, and integrity.
- e) Biblical Example: Noah’s Family
- Noah’s faithfulness led to the salvation of his household (Genesis 7:1).
CONCLUSION:
Parenting is a divine responsibility that requires wisdom, love, and discipline. God expects parents to raise their children in His ways while also planning responsibly for their future. By relying on biblical principles, prayer, and godly wisdom, families can thrive and glorify God.
PRAYER POINTS:
- Lord, give us wisdom to raise godly children.
- Every ungodly influence over our children, be broken in Jesus' name.
- Father, establish peace and love in our homes.
- We receive grace to be responsible parents.
- Lord, help us to train our children in Your ways.
- Every attack against Christian parenting, be nullified.
- Let our children be mighty in the land.
- Father, guide us in making wise family planning decisions.
- We declare that our homes shall be filled with Your presence.
- Lord, help us to be examples of righteousness to our children.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
- Your children shall be a blessing and not a burden!
- The Lord will give you wisdom to nurture a godly home!
- Your family shall be a testimony of divine order and peace!
- No weapon formed against your children shall prosper!
- Your children shall walk in the fear of the Lord!
- The Lord shall provide for all your family needs!
- Your home shall be a place of love, joy, and righteousness!
- God will give you wisdom in family planning and parenting!
- Your household shall be preserved from evil influences!
- Your children shall be mighty and fulfil their divine purpose!
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