What steps can parents take to avoid the fate described in Job 5:4? The Sobering Warning of Job 5:4 “His sons are far from safety; they are crushed in the gate, and there is no deliverer.” (Job 5:4) This verse pictures children left exposed to danger and injustice because their parents lived in disregard of God. To keep our sons and daughters from such a fate, Scripture lays out clear, practical steps. Step One: Live Reverently Before God Yourself • Your personal obedience creates shelter for your family. • “He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.” (Proverbs 14:26) • Choose daily holiness; your walk sets their course. Step Two: Saturate Your Home With the Word • Read it aloud, post it on walls, sing it, discuss it at meals. • Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “These words…shall be on your heart. And you shall teach them diligently to your children.” • Keep Bibles open, not dusty. Step Three: Practice Consistent, Loving Discipline • “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” (Proverbs 13:24) • Correct promptly, explain biblically, restore lovingly. • Discipline shows them there is a deliverer who cares. Step Four: Shepherd Their Hearts in Prayer and Intercession • Bring every concern to the throne of grace (Philippians 4:6). • Samuel said, “Far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you.” (1 Samuel 12:23) • Pray over them while they sleep; it softens soil for truth. Step Five: Guard Their Gates—Influence, Companions, Media • “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33) • Install filters, set curfews, know their friends, preview content. • Teach them to reject what defiles (Psalm 101:3). Step Six: Engage the Community of Faith • Worship together, serve together, find godly mentors. • Hebrews 10:24-25: “Let us consider how to spur one another on…not neglecting to meet together.” • A strong church family reinforces truth at home. Step Seven: Model Repentance and Forgiveness • When you sin, confess quickly—children learn grace by watching you. • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.” (1 John 1:9) • Let mercy flow freely; bitterness crushes at the gate. Step Eight: Bless Them With Words of Life • Speak identity, destiny, and Scripture over them. • “The LORD bless you and keep you.” (Numbers 6:24-26) • Your tongue can build a fortress or leave them exposed (Proverbs 18:21). Step Nine: Prepare Them for Spiritual Battle • Teach them to wear God’s armor (Ephesians 6:10-18). • Train them to resist the roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8-9). • Spiritual awareness keeps them “near to safety,” not “far from safety.” Step Ten: Trust God’s Covenant Promises • “But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children.” (Psalm 103:17) • Isaiah 59:21 guarantees His Spirit and Word will remain on our offspring. • Rest in His faithfulness while you obey His commands. The Lord has spoken plainly and His Word is utterly reliable. Follow these steps and you position your children under the mighty hand that delivers, rather than leaving them defenseless at the gate. |
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