In the biblical context, the concept of "good children" is closely tied to the observance of God's law. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of children adhering to divine commandments as a reflection of their righteousness and obedience to God. This entry explores the biblical foundation for the expectation that children should observe the law of God, drawing from various passages and teachings.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently underscores the importance of teaching children to follow God's commandments. In the Old Testament, the book of Deuteronomy provides a foundational text for this principle. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 states, "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 responsibility of parents to instill the law of God in their children, ensuring that it becomes an integral part of their daily lives.

The book of Proverbs further reinforces this idea, offering wisdom on the benefits of observing God's law. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "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 early instruction in God's ways sets a foundation for lifelong faithfulness and moral integrity.

Obedience and Blessing

The Bible presents a clear connection between obedience to God's law and the blessings that follow. In Ephesians 6:1-3 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.'" Here, Paul reiterates the commandment from Exodus 20:12, emphasizing that honoring one's parents, a key aspect of observing God's law, brings about divine favor and longevity.

The Psalms also speak to the blessings of obedience. Psalm 119:9 poses the question, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word." This verse suggests that adherence to God's word is the path to purity and righteousness, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures.

Role of Parents and Community

The responsibility of teaching children to observe God's law extends beyond the family unit to the broader faith community. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy, a young leader in the early church, to continue in the teachings he received from childhood. 2 Timothy 3:14-15 states, "But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you learned them. From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." This passage highlights the role of the community in nurturing a child's faith and understanding of God's law.

Moral and Spiritual Development

Observing the law of God is not merely about external compliance but involves the moral and spiritual development of children. The Bible encourages internalization of God's commandments, leading to genuine transformation. In Colossians 3:20 , Paul writes, "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord." This obedience is not just a matter of duty but is seen as an act of worship and devotion to God.

The teachings of Jesus further illuminate this principle. 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." Jesus' words affirm the value and potential of children in the spiritual realm, emphasizing their capacity to embrace and live out the principles of God's kingdom.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate for children to observe the law of God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. It underscores the importance of early instruction, the blessings of obedience, and the role of parents and the faith community in guiding children toward a life of righteousness. Through adherence to God's commandments, children are equipped to grow in moral and spiritual maturity, reflecting the character of God in their lives.Proverbs 28:7
Whoever keeps the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shames his father.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Reading the Law with Tears and Joy
... was a solemn assembly of men, women, and children in a ... To observe that law had been
the condition of their ... tone of wholesome enjoyment of material good as a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/reading the law with tears.htm

The Testament of Dan Concerning Anger and Lying.
... And if any man praiseth you as good, be not lifted up nor elated, either to the
feeling or showing of ... 5. Observe, therefore, my children, the commandments ...
/.../the testaments of the twelve patriarchs/vii the testament of dan concerning.htm

The Testament of Reuben Concerning Thoughts.
... Therefore, my children, observe all things whatsoever I command you ... Therefore flee
fornication, my children, and command your ... 1, etc.), but of the good (xii. ...
/.../i the testament of reuben concerning.htm

"Because the Carnal Mind is Enmity against God, for it is not ...
... the sentence of eternal condemnation, that children, who have ... hearts of yours are
to his good pleasure, how ... against God." Wherein you may observe a gradation ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xx because the carnal.htm

Christ's Boyhood
... All therefore which they command you, that observe and do.' And ... as if HE were laying
down the law, and the ... and if you be trying to be good children, doing your ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xix christs boyhood.htm

Light through Darkness
... way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." Joshua ... people together, men,
and women, and children, and thy ... fear the Lord your God, and observe to do ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 38 light through darkness.htm

The Promises of the Law and the Gospel Reconciled.
... this passage is, that God accepts and takes pleasure in his children, in whom ... Therefore,
whenever we hear that he does good to those that observe his law ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 the promises of.htm

The Woman of Samaria
... Good king Hezekiah, good king Josiah, could only stave off ... and some of them even
burnt their children in the ... half-blooded Jews, and did not observe Moses' law ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxvi the woman of.htm

The Good Shepherd.
... and the father of whom all Christians are children by faith ... It is Christ who is the
Good Shepherd. ... This, you observe, is defended by a wide stone wall, crowned ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the good shepherd.htm

How Agreeable all virtues are to God.
... saw that it was becoming to have their children brought up ... with evil that they can
will no good at all. ... being in such sad condition, it cannot observe all the ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter i how agreeable all.htm

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