Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, children are often seen as a blessing from God and are given significant attention throughout the Scriptures. The Bible provides guidance on the upbringing, discipline, and spiritual nurturing of children, emphasizing their importance in the family and community.
Biblical Significance of ChildrenChildren are considered a heritage from the Lord.
Psalm 127:3 states, "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward." This verse highlights the value and blessing that children represent in a family. They are seen as gifts from God, entrusted to parents for care and guidance.
Parental ResponsibilityThe Bible places a strong emphasis on the responsibility of parents to raise their children in the knowledge and fear of the Lord.
Proverbs 22:6 instructs, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse underscores the importance of instilling godly principles and values in children from a young age.
Ephesians 6:4 further advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This passage highlights the need for a balanced approach to discipline, combining correction with nurturing instruction in the ways of God.
Jesus and ChildrenJesus Christ demonstrated a profound love and respect for children during His earthly ministry. In
Matthew 19:14 , Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." This statement not only affirms the value of children but also indicates their place in the kingdom of God.
Jesus also used children as examples of humility and faith. In
Matthew 18:3-4 , He taught, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Here, children are exemplified as models of the humility and trust required to enter God's kingdom.
Discipline and InstructionThe Bible advocates for the discipline of children as a means of guiding them towards righteousness.
Proverbs 13:24 states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently." This proverb suggests that loving discipline is necessary for the proper development of a child's character.
However, discipline is to be administered with love and care, avoiding harshness or provocation.
Colossians 3:21 warns, "Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged." This balance ensures that discipline is constructive and nurturing rather than damaging.
Spiritual EducationThe spiritual education of children is a recurring theme in the Bible.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage emphasizes the continuous and intentional teaching of God's commandments to children.
Role in the CommunityChildren are also seen as integral members of the faith community. In the Old Testament, they participated in religious festivals and ceremonies, learning the traditions and laws of their people. The New Testament church continued this practice, welcoming children into the community of believers and recognizing their potential to contribute to the faith.
In summary, the Bible presents children as precious gifts from God, deserving of love, guidance, and instruction. Parents and the faith community are called to nurture them in the ways of the Lord, preparing them to live lives that honor God and reflect His kingdom values.
Nave's Topical Index
Galatians 4:1,2Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Precepts of the Apostle Concerning a Widow Indeed are Laid ...
... "Well reported of for good works, if she have brought up children; if she ... in nothing
more than violating what was due to the widow and the rights of minors? ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ii the precepts of.htm
Accusers Challenged
... They are, immediately, the children and heirs of God, though for a time, like minors,
while under age, they may seem to differ but little from servants ( ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlvi accusers challenged.htm
Shakers, or the United Society of Believers.
... "Those children taken into the ... Minors cannot be admitted as covenant members of this
order; yet they may be received under its immediate care and protection. ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/shakers or the united society.htm
Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
... Minors"in the case of girls up to twelve years and one day"might be ... of marriage
"in the name of heaven." The issue of such will be children who "preserve ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 9 mothers daughters and.htm
Hymns of Wales.
... Prydian," sung to this hymn is one of the old Welsh minors that would ... The Last Great
Day shall see, With earth's poor storm-tossed children From tribulation ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter xi hymns of wales.htm
How a Holy Friar, Having Read in the Legend of St Francis of the ...
... he said to them: "Doubt not and fear not, beloved brethren and children; I am ... the
souls which thou shalt find there of thy three Orders - Minors, Sisters, and ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter liv how a holy.htm
"Lo, I Come": Exposition
... the pictures of her first school-books; but we are no longer minors, and we have ...
into a kind of witchcraft; so that by what is called baptism children are said ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/lo i come exposition.htm
Contradiction Between Our Life and Our Christian Conscience.
... that men came from different origins, were base or noble in blood, children of Ham
or ... for the eight-hour day, for regulation of the labor of minors and of women ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter v contradiction between our.htm
Old Revival Hymns.
... last may have been written soon after he laid three of his children in one ... Maxim
was fond of the minor mode, but his minors, like "Hallowell," "New Durham," etc ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter vii old revival hymns.htm
The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign.
... were His brothers' and sisters' in the real sense, or the children of Joseph ... For,
all Jews and proselytes - women, slaves, and minors excepted - had to pay the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v the cleansing of.htm
Resources
Why did Jesus say, “Let the little children come to me”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are indigo children? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about raising children? | GotQuestions.orgChildren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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