THE IMPORTANCE OF PARENTAL GUIDANCE

Prov. 6:20-24

In His Word the Lord assumes that parents will live godly lives. In order for parents to properly instruct their children, they must be converted and have some knowledge of the Scriptures.

Parents are to instruct their children in the Lord. When a child disobeys his parents, he is in reality disobeying the Lord.

It is the Lord'l will that children obey their parents. This is a command of God that also includes a promise. Ex. 20: 13.

No child can be right with the Lord and live in disobedience to his parents. Eph. 6:1-3; Col. 3:20.

?Here in our text, we have the enforcement of parental instruction.

I. PARENTS ARE TO INSTRUCT THEIR CHILDREN IN THE LORD Eph. 6:4.

A. This command is addressed to fathers because God has designated them to be the head of the family.

1. Mothers are to instruct their children too, but the Lord holds the father primarily responsible because he is the head of the home. Eph. 5:22-25.

2. This is God's order in the home. Col. 3:17-25.

B. The commands of parents to their children are to be reasonable and proper.

1. It is the duty of parents to exhibit Christian character and to set down rules that are reasonable and proper.

2. Parents can'T expect their children to obey their rules if they are living in disobedience to the Lord.

a. A parent that doesn'T read his Bible is saying to his children that God's Word is not very precious.

b. A parent that doesn'T pray is teaching his children that prayer is not important.

c. A parent that isn'T faithful to the worship services is teaching his children that it is not important to put the Lord first.

3. Parents are to train their children in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.

4. They are to teach them the Word of God.

5. If parents don'T instruct their children in the Lord, they can be sure that the devil's crowd will instruct them in the ways of the world.

II. CHILDREN ARE TO HEED THE INSTRUCTION OF THEIR PARENTS Prov. 6:20.

A. God never intended for young people to live independent of their parents Prov. 1:8-9; 4:1.

1. Parents that fear God and love their children will certainly instruct them in the Scriptures.

2. Children are to heed the instructions of their godly parents, and walk in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.

B. Children are to place God's Word on their hearts. Prov. 3:3.

1. The Word of God is to be looked upon as a light. Prov. 6:23.

a. The Word is a lamp to our eyes for discovery.

- It is through the preaching of the Word that the sinner comes to see Christ as the Light of the world.
Mt. 7:13-14; Jn. 12:46; II Cor. 4:3-6.

b. The Word is a light to our feet for direction.
Ps. 119:11; II Tim. 3:15-17.

- God's Word gives us light in this dark world.
Ps. 119:105. 130.

c. The Word of God reveals to us the eternal and glorious truths of God and His plan for our lives.

2. The Word of God is looked up on as a law. Prov. 6:20, 23.

a. By its authority it is a law, and we must submit to it.

b. The instructions of godly parents are to be received as God's commandment and His law.

C. Children are to continue to walk in obedience to God's Word.

1. They must never forsake it. Prov. 6:21

2. The Word of God will be their guide, their guard, and their companion. Prov. 6:22.

III. CHILDREN THAT FAIL TO HEED THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THEIR PARENTS WILL BRING MUCH MISERY UPON THEMSELVES Prov. 5:11-13.

A. The Word of God warns against the dangers of fleshly lusts. Prov. 2:10-11, 16-19; 5:1-8; 7:1-5.

B. The Lord gave His law in order to warn us concerning the sin of uncleanness. Prov. 6:24.

1. Like the appealing nature of the 'ltrange woman,' sin appears so enticing, but the end thereof is misery and death.

2. If we would avoid the snare of the tempter, we must heed the reproofs of the Word. Prov. 27:5-6.

CONCLUSION

1. Parents need to instruct their children in the Scriptures.

2. Children need to heed the instruction of the parents.

3. Those that forsake the Word bring destruction and misery upon themselves.