Responsibility to Children
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The concept of responsibility to children is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the role of parents and the community in nurturing, instructing, and guiding the younger generation. The Bible provides numerous passages that outline the duties and responsibilities of adults towards children, highlighting the importance of raising them in accordance with God's principles.

Parental Instruction and Discipline

One of the primary responsibilities of parents is to provide instruction and discipline to their children. Proverbs 22:6 states, "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 early education and moral guidance, suggesting that a strong foundation in childhood will lead to a righteous and steadfast life.

Discipline is also a key aspect of parental responsibility. Proverbs 13:24 notes, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently." This passage emphasizes the necessity of correction and discipline as expressions of love and concern for a child's well-being and future.

Teaching God's Commandments

The Bible places significant emphasis on teaching children about God's commandments and His ways. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs, "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 directive highlights the continuous and pervasive nature of imparting spiritual knowledge and values to children.

Providing for Physical and Emotional Needs

Beyond spiritual instruction, the Bible also addresses the responsibility of parents to provide for the physical and emotional needs of their children. 1 Timothy 5:8 states, "If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." This passage underscores the importance of ensuring that children are cared for and supported in all aspects of life.

Modeling Godly Behavior

Parents and adults are called to model godly behavior, serving as examples for children to emulate. Ephesians 6:4 advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse highlights the importance of a nurturing and supportive environment where children can learn through the example set by their parents.

Community Responsibility

While parents hold primary responsibility, the broader community also plays a role in the upbringing of children. The church and community are called to support families and contribute to the spiritual and moral development of children. In Matthew 19:14 , Jesus says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." This invitation reflects the value and importance placed on children within the community of believers.

Conclusion

The Bible provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the responsibility to children, emphasizing the roles of instruction, discipline, provision, and example. These responsibilities are not only for the benefit of the children but also serve to uphold the values and teachings of the Christian faith across generations.
Topical Bible Verses
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Topicalbible.org

1 Timothy 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Topicalbible.org

Ephesians 6:4
And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Topicalbible.org

Library

The Baptismal Covenant Can be Kept Unbroken. Aim and ...
... Hunnius, a recognized standard theologian of our Church, in speaking of the
responsibility of those who present children for baptism says it is expected of ...
/.../chapter v the baptismal covenant.htm

Responsibilities of the Christian Home.
... And let me say too, that a similar and corresponding responsibility rests upon those
children who enjoy the benefits of a faithful Christian home. ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter vii responsibilities of the.htm

The Martyrdom of John
... blood on the golden platter, and wicked triumph gleaming in her dark eyes, she suggests
grave questions as to parents' responsibility for children's sins, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the martyrdom of john.htm

Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
... the eternal destiny of every man, relieves us of all responsibility for any ... those
things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter eight sovereignty and human.htm

The Christian Training of Children.
... It is a responsibility which we cannot evade, though it bears less heavily on ... and
faults help to bring out the faulty parts of our children's natural characters ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/viii the christian training of.htm

God's Jewels.
... earnestly to you mothers, because as you are the earliest, so are you the most powerful
teachers of your children. It is a tremendous responsibility which God ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lxiii gods jewels.htm

Sovereign Grace and Man's Responsibility
... The second point is MAN'S RESPONSIBILITY. ... and used his words on his behalf, "O Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thy children together as a ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/sovereign grace and mans responsibility.htm

Human Responsibility
... an Antinomian; nor have I been afraid to preach man's solemn responsibility, although
another ... I could die happy"oh, that I could see my children walking in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/human responsibility.htm

A Plea to Mothers.
... By this I mean parents who realize their responsibility and have their children's
best interest at heart; parents who will sacrifice any pleasure of their own ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter xxv a plea to.htm

He Spake to them of the Father
... We must take the son's place of dependence and trust, and must let Him keep the
father's place of care and responsibility. Because we are the children and He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 5 he spake to.htm

Resources
What is existential therapy, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about being a Christian wife? | GotQuestions.org

What is the dispensation of Conscience? | GotQuestions.org

Responsibility: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Responsibility

Responsibility to Children

Responsibility: According to Privilege

Responsibility: Assumed by the Jewish Leaders for the Death of Jesus

Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Aaron

Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Adam

Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Esau

Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Eve

Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Pontius Pilate

Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Sarah

Responsibility: Attempts to Shift: Saul

Responsibility: Personal

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Responsibility to Act
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