Follow Along with the Message

Parenting: Battlefield or Playing Field?

Pastor Nate Sickler

When Jesus is first place in our lives and everything we do or say is for His praise alone, it will have a positive impact on every relationship and personal encounter we have.

1. Our world is , and the design includes authority which is granted to certain parties in order to create healthy environments...this includes        (Colossians 3:20; Ephesians 6:1-3)

     (Note Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:15, 6:4-9)

a. For children, "" is not a blanket statement commanding blind obedience. Instead, this is instructed within the context of the  and therefore assumes the goodness of the parent and their direction. (Colossians 3:16a; Colossians 1:20) 

2. Notice that the exercise of  is entirely  from Paul's call to families. (Colossians 3:21; Ephesians 6:4)

a. With Jesus as our example, this dramatically changes the  of parents,  in particular. (Philippians 2:6-7)

b. Can ≠  

c. A real  is possible in our children.

3. A posture of  is only possible through being actively present in our children's lives. 

a. Like firing an arrow at a target, parenting has an ; the powerful release of a person into their God-given potential to impact the world. (Psalm 127:3-5a)

b. To be actively present in this way requires the presence of the  in our lives. (Ephesians 3:16-19).

Am I focused OUT?

• How  is your presence with your family?
• What is your  while present?
• Are you allowing the  of the Holy Spirit to impact how you engage your family?

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