How can parents ensure their children are "acquainted with the Holy Scriptures"? The Call to Ground Our Children in Scripture “and from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15) Paul reminds Timothy that Scripture was woven into his earliest memories. That same pattern can shape our own homes. Start in Infancy Deuteronomy 6:6-7 calls parents to teach the Word “diligently to your children… when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road.” • Read a short Bible passage aloud during feedings, diaper changes, or bedtime. • Sing Scripture-based lullabies. • Display sturdy, age-appropriate Bible picture books within reach of little hands. Live the Word Before Them Children notice authenticity. 1 Thessalonians 2:10 shows Paul’s life matching his message. • Let them catch you reading your Bible. • Speak naturally about what God taught you that day. • Admit failures and confess sin quickly, modeling repentance. Teach in the Ordinary Moments Deuteronomy 6:7 continues: “when you walk… lie down… rise.” • Point to God’s creativity while gardening (Genesis 1). • Tie chores to stewardship of God’s gifts (Colossians 3:23-24). • Use drives to school for brief memory-verse review. Create a Home Saturated with Scripture “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” (Colossians 3:16) • Post verses on mirrors, the fridge, and device lock screens. • Keep a family Bible open on the table to encourage spontaneous reading. • Play audio Scripture or dramatized passages during playtime. Prioritize Family Worship “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD.” (Psalm 78:4) • Set aside a consistent, unhurried time—five minutes with toddlers, expanding as they grow. • Include singing, reading, brief explanation, and response. • Rotate leadership roles so children read or summarize. Involve the Local Church “Let us not neglect meeting together.” (Hebrews 10:25) • Commit to weekly corporate worship; children learn by participating. • Encourage friendships with godly peers and mentors (Titus 2:3-5). • Reinforce Sunday lessons at home for continuity. Encourage Memorization and Meditation “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:9) • Use repetition games, songs, and hand motions for younger kids. • Challenge older children with topical verse packs (salvation, courage, purity). • Celebrate milestones—ice cream outings, handwritten certificates. Model Prayerful Dependence “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) • Begin mealtimes, road trips, and school mornings with short prayers tied to Scripture just read. • Involve children in praying Scripture back to God (e.g., Psalm 23 for protection). • Share answered prayers to build faith. Guard Against Competing Voices “Walk with the wise and you will become wise.” (Proverbs 13:20) • Monitor media, books, and friendships, weighing them against biblical truth. • Teach discernment: “What does God’s Word say about this?” • Offer wholesome alternatives—Christian biographies, family documentaries, skill-building hobbies. Keep the Goal in Sight: Salvation Through Faith in Christ 2 Timothy 3:15 centers on Scripture’s purpose: making children “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” • Clarify the gospel repeatedly—Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Invite questions; respond with patience and Scripture. • Rejoice when a child expresses personal faith, yet continue discipling them toward mature obedience. By weaving God’s Word into everyday life, parents follow the pattern set for Timothy, giving their children the priceless gift of being thoroughly acquainted with the Holy Scriptures. |
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