A THEOLOGY OF CHILDREN
Deuteronomy 6:6-9; 20-25; 7:6-11
What is your theology of children? We can mostly give an answer about:
• Our theology of God
• Our theology of Salvation
• Our theology of the church
• Our theology of missions
Shouldn’t we have a theology of children? What is “theology”?
“theo” = God “ology” = belief system or studies of beliefs
A theology of children = “A system of beliefs relating to both God and children.”
So how does God relate to children?
• “Child” or “Children” occurs 2031 times in the entire Bible
• The family analogy where Israel is referred to as “children” (i.e.: Children of Israel, or descendants) is found throughout the bible
• The analogy of Israel as God’s children is the most prominent representation of their relationship in the bible
• In the New Testament, those accepting Christ as Savior become “children of God”
• The bible is filled with stories of families; indeed it primarily traces the history of one family (Abraham) and its impact on the world
• The bible is filled with God’s instructions for raising a successful family
Using God’s instructions to Israel as they were about to cross into the Promised Land, let’s try to develop “A Theology of Children”. It is:
I. A Theology of Discipline (Deu. 6:6-9)
Discipline = “Training” in God’s Word – “These words…”
A. Grounded in Truth – “be in your heart”
B. Generational Transference – “teach them diligently to your children”
1. “Diligently” – Hebrew = repeated action, as in sharpening
a. Sit
b. Walk
c. Lie down
d. Rise up
2. Every opportunity
C. Guide our Thoughts & Actions
1. “Sign on the hand”
2. “Frontlets between the eyes”
D. Guard our Home
1. Doorposts & gates of the house
2. Entryway
II. A Theology of Development (Deu. 6:20-25)
A. Spiritual Interpretation
1. God brought them out to bring them in
2. Picture of Spirit-filled life
3. God’s perfect plan did not include the wilderness
B. Life Application
1. Model for them the Spirit-filled life
2. God delivered us from bondage of the world (Egypt) to experience His best (Canaan)
3. Don’t settle for the middle-ground of mediocrity (the wilderness)
4. We need to teach our children that there is more to being a child of God than fire insurance and church attendance based on when it fits our schedule.
***We need to teach the Spirit-filled Life***
III. A Theology of Dependence (Deu. 7:6-11)
A. He Chose Us
1. He chose us
2. We had no claim on Him
B. We Need Him
1. We owe Him everything
2. We must depend on Him
