Notes
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
Proverbs 22:6
Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it.
1 Timothy 4:7-9
Parents have the opportunity to train their children when they are young so that when they're older, they will hold onto what they've been taught. The Greek word for "first" in Matthew 6:33 and 1 Timothy 4:7-9 is protos , meaning "that which everything else revolves around." How do we train someone up in godliness, to seek God's kingdom first?
For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:17
So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
Romans 5:21-6:4
We need to train them in what forgiveness is and what it is for. We need to define what sin is - missing the bullseye of God's standard. And we need to understand forgiveness - God's gift that heals us, frees us from the penalty of sin, and empowers us to stop sinning.
But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Advocate[a] won't come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you... When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, 'The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.'
John 16:7, 13-15
When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, He helps us understand the Word of God. Like a coach with a playbook, He guides us through the Scriptures, showing us how to live out what we read. He illuminates the Word, giving us discernment and clarity.
You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2 Timothy 3:15-17
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Train them to focus - and focus not just on what is happening right now, but on what is still yet to come. Jesus focused on what would be, not just what was. He looked forward to the joy set before Him, enduring the cross. God calls us to focus on the future, not just our present struggles. When we seek first His kingdom and righteousness, He carries the rest. God will make all things new - a new heaven and a new earth. It's one thing to tell someone about the prize, and another to train them to have endurance so they can reach the prize.
If we train the next generation in forgiveness, in being led by the Spirit, and in keeping their focus on the eternal, they will be prepared to stand firm in their faith, no matter what comes their way.
Group Questions
- What are some practical ways we can prioritize God's kingdom in our daily routines?
- How have you experienced the Holy Spirit acting as a coach or guide in your life? Are there areas where you feel the Spirit is prompting you to change?
- What does spiritual training look like for you right now? What areas do you want to grow in?
- Who do you have in your life - children or otherwise - who you can train up into people who seek God's kingdom above all else?
Prayer
Thank you for the gift of your Word and the guidance of your Spirit. Help us to seek you first in every part of our lives. Train our hearts and minds to focus on what is eternal, and give us the endurance to run the race you've set before us with faith and joy.