Sunday 01:26:14

I Samuel 2:12-17 I Samuel 2:22-25 Eli was high priest and his sons ministered as priests. But they made people's offerings about themselves instead of God. Eli threatened, but did very little. God spelled out his expectation, gave warning, spelled out the consequences for their disobedience and then carried out his discipline against them and their father, Eli. Eli's (lacking) discipline against his sons - Gave warning, but had no follow through The lack of parental discipline ruined a family - not just the sons. God's discipline against Eli's sons -Set expectations -Gave warning -Stated consequences -Carried out discipline God carried out judgment against Eli's sons for their disrespect, and against Eli for not disciplining his sons. God held Eli accountable for his responsibility to be a parent. Proverbs 3:11, 12 My son, do not despise the Lord ’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Discipline is an act of love. -It shows kids that you care about them. -It develops their ability to relate to other people and to God. Three kinds of Parenting: a. Permissive Parenting – loving, accepting, but not holding standards b. Authoritarian Parenting – heavy on rules, accountability, punishment, but light on love, encouragement, focus on the quality of relationship. c. Authoritative Parenting – brings the strengths of both, provides structure, rules, firmness, accountability, but balanced with encouragement, the relationship, etc. Christian parents are images to God, to relate God’s righteousness, holiness, and children respond to parents who are balanced images of God. 4 Stages of Parenting - Discipline Years (1-5) - Training Years (5-12) - Coaching Years. (12-18) - Friendship Years (18+) You cannot do friendship first. Kids need someone to be in charge of them until they have the wisdom and discipline to be in charge of themselves. Discipline Years Discipline should be - Consistent - Progressive - Private punishment - Done in love The days are long, but years are short. Training and Coaching Years You can't address every little thing with your kids. What to address: - Disobedience - Dishonesty - Disrespect Don't bail. Let 'em fail. We all feel protective of our kids and there will be times that we need to step out and be their advocate, but... Kids need to figure out how to deal with difficult people. They need to learn how to respond to unfair circumstances. They need to figure out that their sins have consequences. The stakes are MUCH lower at 8 than at 18. They will not know how to be an adult if they've had no experience. Teach them to listen to God. Let them pray about and make their own decisions Speak to them about God's calling on their lives and His purpose.