In what ways can families teach children to "keep His covenant"? Foundation: Understanding Covenant Keeping • Genesis 18:19—“For I have chosen him so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD…” • “Keep” means guard, obey, and treasure; a covenant is a binding relationship initiated by God. Families begin by clearly explaining these truths so children know what they are being asked to keep. Saturating the Home with Scripture • Deuteronomy 6:6-7—“These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children…” • Read aloud at breakfast or bedtime. • Post verses on mirrors, lunchboxes, phone wallpapers. • Memorize together—short passages for toddlers, longer chapters for teens. • Sing Scripture-based songs; repetition anchors truth. Modeling Covenant Obedience Daily • 1 Corinthians 11:1—“Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.” • Let children see parents choose honesty, sexual purity, and kindness even when inconvenient. • Confess failures quickly; model repentance and forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Shared Worship Rhythms • Hebrews 10:24-25 stresses gathering; attend church together faithfully. • Hold simple family worship: a song, a short passage, a brief discussion. • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper and baptism with explanation so children grasp covenant signs. Milestones and Memorials • Joshua 4:6-7—stone memorials sparked questions from children; create modern equivalents: journals, photo books, framed testimonies. • Mark birthdays or school transitions by recounting God’s past faithfulness and future promises. Discipline That Trains, Not Just Punishes • Proverbs 13:24; Hebrews 12:11—discipline proves love and yields righteousness. • Tie correction to Scripture: “We speak truth because Ephesians 4:25 commands it.” • Always end with assurance of forgiveness and restored fellowship, mirroring God’s covenant mercy. Guarding Hearts from Competing Influences • Proverbs 4:23—“Guard your heart with all diligence…” • Monitor media; refuse entertainment that mocks God’s commands. • Encourage friendships with peers who respect Christ (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Teach critical thinking: “Does this honor our covenant God?” Serving and Witnessing Together • James 1:27—visit orphans and widows; involve the whole family in practical mercy. • Share the gospel door-to-door, at ball fields, or through hospitality so children see covenant obedience reaching outward. • Celebrate every act of service as keeping covenant love in action. Releasing Children to Personal Ownership • 2 Timothy 3:14-15—Timothy knew Scripture from childhood yet still had to “continue” in it. • Invite children to lead family devotions, pray at meals, choose service projects. • As they mature, allow Spirit-led decisions (college, vocation, spouse) while reminding them that covenant blessings follow obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). These patterns weave covenant truth into hearts and habits, equipping the next generation to “keep His covenant” with joyful, lifelong faithfulness. |
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