Session 4 | Parenting with Grace & Truth

The teaching by Dr. Bruce Ware focuses on the critical role that parents play in the spiritual formation of their children. Dr. Ware emphasizes the importance of parenting as a divine vocation and stresses that parents must have a well-defined spiritual purpose in raising their children. He identifies three key areas where parents should strive to influence their children: (1) Knowledge of God, (2) Biblical Wisdom, and (3) Affective Development.Knowledge of God: Dr. Ware starts by stating that parents must prioritize teaching their children about God and His attributes. He draws on the Biblical account in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, arguing that knowing God is foundational to the Christian life. Teaching children about God involves both word and deed, implying that parents should model Christian virtues alongside verbal instruction.Biblical Wisdom: The second area concerns imparting Biblical wisdom. Drawing from Proverbs 1:7, Dr. Ware emphasizes that the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." Wisdom is not merely cognitive knowledge but is rooted in a relationship with God. Parents should help children develop the skill of interpreting life through the lens of Biblical wisdom, making choices that align with God's precepts.Affective Development: Finally, Dr. Ware addresses the emotional and affectionate aspects of spiritual growth. He stresses the importance of being captivated by the beauty and glory of God, basing this on the premise that what the heart loves, the will chooses, and the mind justifies. Spiritual formation is not merely intellectual but also involves the affections.Dr. Ware closes with a prayer, acknowledging the formidable task of parenting and expressing gratitude for God's sustaining grace. He calls upon God to continue His work in the lives of both parents and children and prays for a deeper revelation of God's beauty and glory in their hearts.Overall, the teaching is a profound and thoughtful analysis of the theological and practical aspects of Christian parenting. Dr. Ware advocates a holistic approach to spiritual formation, which involves not just the mind but also the heart and will. He emphasizes the need for reliance on God’s grace and Spirit in carrying out the serious task of parenting to the glory of God.