Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, July 20, 2003, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.
WE HAVE FORGOTTEN GOD IN RELATION
TO OUR CHILDREN
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-10
Text: Deuteronomy 4:10
Deuteronomy 4:10 Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.
Introduction: God bless America, land that I love! Stand beside her, and guide her, through the night with a light from above! The song we sing is actually a prayer for God to bless the country in which we live. However, the truth is that a very small number of people in positions of influence in our nation actually have that desire. Many of those men who write our laws hate God and have turned their backs on Him. Many of those men who sit in judgment, apply, and interpret laws have no desire to please God or honor Him. Sadly, even many of those who attend our churches and wear the Lord’s name as Christians don’t seem to have a deep desire to please God and be blessed by Him.
July is the month of our birthday as a nation. At this time we should admit that we HAVE been truly blessed by God. However, we should also sadly admit that in many ways we have FORGOTTEN God, which brings to mind the fearful verse:
Psalms 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
Let’s not forget God!
I believe many of us have forgotten God! One of the areas in which we have forgotten Him is in relation to our children.
I. WE HAVE FORGOTTEN GOD IN THE SURVIVAL OF OUR CHILDREN
Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
“hands that shed innocent blood”
I’m talking about abortion!
A. The laws are a disgrace
B. The little babies are dying
- Luke 1:41,44 in the womb – “babe”
- Luke 2:12,16 in the manger – “babe”
C. The ladies of our land are deceived
D. The lunatics are doctors
E. The land is defiled
F. The Lord is disgusted!
- That is what an abomination IS!
II. WE HAVE FORGOTTEN GOD IN THE STEWARDSHIP OF OUR CHILDREN
Psalms 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
We have forgotten that:
A. Children are precious to God
B. Children are purposed by God
- Psalms 127:3
- God knows their future
- Jeremiah was ordained a prophet in the womb
C. Children are placed by God in our care
- What a pleasure!
- What a privilege!
- But what a responsibility!
III. WE HAVE FORGOTTEN GOD IN THE SPANKING OF OUR CHILDREN
Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
We have forgotten:
A. The profit of spanking – Hebrews 12:10-11
B. The promise of spanking – Proverbs 22:6
C. The proof of spanking – Proverbs 13:24
D. The penalty for NOT spanking – Proverbs 29:15
IV. WE HAVE FORGOTTEN GOD IN THE SCHOOLING OF OUR CHILDREN
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
We have forgotten: