Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, children hold a special place in the heart of God, and the Scriptures are replete with references to the blessings and promises bestowed upon those who walk in righteousness from a young age. The concept of "good children" is often associated with obedience, wisdom, and a heart inclined towards God, which in turn allows them to partake in the divine promises.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible emphasizes the importance of raising 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 foundational role of godly upbringing in ensuring that children remain aligned with God's will, thereby positioning them to receive His promises.
Obedience and BlessingObedience is a key characteristic of good children, and it is closely linked to the blessings of God.
Ephesians 6:1-3 states, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'" This passage highlights the promise of well-being and longevity as a direct result of honoring and obeying one's parents, reflecting a broader principle of divine reward for obedience.
Wisdom and UnderstandingThe pursuit of wisdom is another hallmark of good children, and it is highly esteemed in Scripture.
Proverbs 1:8-9 advises, "Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck." Wisdom and understanding are portrayed as adornments that bring honor and favor, aligning children with God's promises of guidance and protection.
Faith and TrustGood children are also characterized by their faith and trust in God. Jesus Himself highlighted the importance of childlike faith in
Matthew 18:3 , saying, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This statement underscores the purity and sincerity of a child's faith, which is essential for inheriting the promises of God's kingdom.
Inheritance of the KingdomThe promises of God extend to the inheritance of His kingdom, a theme that resonates throughout the New Testament. In
Mark 10:14 , Jesus declares, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." This affirmation reveals that children who embody the qualities of goodness, faith, and humility are assured a place in God's eternal kingdom.
Role of Parents and CommunityThe role of parents and the faith community is crucial in nurturing good children who can partake of God's promises.
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 passage emphasizes the continuous and intentional impartation of God's Word to children, ensuring they grow in the knowledge and love of the Lord.
ConclusionThe biblical portrayal of good children is one of promise and potential. Through obedience, wisdom, faith, and the guidance of godly parents and communities, children are positioned to receive the manifold promises of God, both in this life and in the life to come.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Acts 2:39For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly
... cleanse and consecrate the soul, making it partake of the ... because I follow the thing
that is good" (Psalm 38 ... their enemies: "The tares are the children of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the best things work for.htm
God's Offspring
... and now to be a man is to partake of the ... children already"just because you have been
God's children all along ... This is the good news which the Bible preaches. ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xvi gods offspring.htm
The Higher Faith.
... to the promises of God, seems to me to partake of the ... of such a faith in my
child"good enough for ... as the disciples would have sent away the little children. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the higher faith.htm
Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... the imprudence, the weakness of the children of God ... easily induced to believe that
anything good can remain ... And when we ourselves first partake of the heavenly ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 30 upon our lords.htm
God the Joy-Bringer
... If, when we sit down to partake of them, we would ... Many good people seem to think
that it is somehow devout ... For instance, you know how children do when they get ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/god the joy-bringer.htm
Approaching Doom
... The instruction these Hebrew children had received in the homes ... of sin and in
reformation and good works, was ... the kings thereof." Others were to partake of the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 35 approaching doom.htm
Hebrews xi. 7
... so God also does not grant us here to partake of "entire ... The devil has stripped us
of all our good things ... Hear how Paul exclaims, "My little children, of whom I ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxiii hebrews xi 7.htm
Strong Faith in a Faithful God
... "Oh! taste and see." Partake of it. ... "The young lions do lack and suffer hunger, but
they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.". ... Come, ye children. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/strong faith in a faithful.htm
The Duty of Constant Communion JW
... the prayers of the faithful never failed to partake of the ... all his works, and
particularly over the children of men ... Then it had been good for you that you had ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 101 the duty of.htm
Fundamental Oneness of the Dispensations.
... enter thereinto, and they to whom the good tidings were ... encouraged with the assurance
that they partake in the ... that comprehended it not and the children of the ...
/.../chapter iii fundamental oneness of.htm
Resources
What does it mean that Jesus loves the little children? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians discipline their children? What does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about disobedient children? | GotQuestions.orgChildren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus