Topical Bible: Diligence: Required by God in Instructing Children

◄ Diligence: Required by God in Instructing Children ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Diligence in instructing children is a theme that runs deeply through the Scriptures, emphasizing the responsibility of parents and guardians to impart godly wisdom and knowledge to the next generation. This duty is not merely a suggestion but a command from God, underscoring the importance of raising children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides clear directives regarding the diligent instruction of children. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 , God commands the Israelites: "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 highlights the continuous and intentional nature of teaching, indicating that it should permeate every aspect of daily life.

Proverbs 22:6 further reinforces this responsibility: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse suggests that the foundation laid in a child's early years has a lasting impact, underscoring the importance of diligent instruction.

Parental Responsibility

The role of parents in the spiritual education of their children is paramount. Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers, "Do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This verse emphasizes the balance between discipline and nurturing, ensuring that children are raised in a loving environment that reflects God's teachings.

The book of Proverbs is replete with wisdom regarding the upbringing of children. Proverbs 13:24 states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently." This proverb highlights the necessity of correction and guidance as expressions of love and care.

Teaching by Example

Diligence in instructing children is not limited to verbal teaching but extends to leading by example. In 2 Timothy 1:5 , Paul commends Timothy's sincere faith, which first lived in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. This passage illustrates the powerful influence of a godly example in the home, demonstrating that children often learn as much from observing the lives of their parents as they do from direct instruction.

The Role of the Community

While parents bear the primary responsibility for instructing their children, the broader faith community also plays a vital role. In the Old Testament, the community of Israel was collectively responsible for passing down God's laws and statutes. Psalm 78:4-7 speaks to this communal duty: "We will not hide them from their children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might, and the wonders He has performed."

Conclusion

Diligence in instructing children is a divine mandate that requires commitment, consistency, and a heart aligned with God's purposes. Through the faithful teaching of His Word and the modeling of a godly life, parents and communities can fulfill their God-given role in shaping the next generation for His glory.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 11:19
And you shall teach them your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Thoughts Upon Christian Education.
... to use the utmost of their Care and Diligence, that their ... necessary a Duty as any
that is required in all ... devote a Child to the service of God, by instructing ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon christian education.htm

How the Bishop is to Treat the Innocent, the Guilty, and the ...
... laity as his children, fostering and cherishing them with affectionate diligence;
as eggs ... appointed over them, as those who will be required by God to give ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii how the bishop is.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... Unto whomsoever much is given, of him much shall be required'?" If you ... men see that
you excel others in piety, compassion, and diligence in God's work, as ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ...
... of offenses which were more heinous, and required to be ... what has been dictated to
him from the word of God. ... As to their diligence in searching up and down for ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 penitence as explained.htm

Matt. xiv. 13
... void of virtue, who spends all his diligence on them ... even skins (for indeed these
too are God's works), but ... down towards the earth, he that is required to seek ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlix matt xiv 13.htm

The Fourth Continental Journey.
... good, which we should miss in travelling by Diligence or extra ... have had many cares;
but I pray to God, and he ... of the road was so bad that it required a forespan ...
/.../chapter xv the fourth continental.htm

Matt. xi. 1
... was now on the point of dying, he uses the more diligence: fearing as ... For this was
not required of them, but not to worship idols, and to know the true God. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxvi matt xi 1.htm

The Object of Theology
... Christ thus particular and restricted, which is required from all ... not to cultivate
it merely with diligence, for the ... which is most pleasing to God,) of teaching ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration i the object of.htm

the Manner of this Oversight
... perish, and their blood be required at my ... more than I avoid; whereas, by present
diligence, I shall ... those that oppose themselves, if God, peradventure, will ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 2 - the manner.htm

1 Timothy v. 8
... No such trouble is required here, where thou sowest for ... but it is firmly retained
with all care and diligence. ... own benevolence and the fear of God appoint thee ...
/.../homily xiv 1 timothy v.htm