Last month I wrote two articles outlining ten things I think are incredibly important for Christian parents to teach their children. Now I am going to expand on these ten lessons in a series of articles. Some of the lessons may be combined because they are related to one another. In this article I want to focus on the lessons parents must teach their children about the Bible.
In the two articles I wrote previously, I mentioned three different lessons which Christian parents must teach their children regarding the Bible: the Bible is the inspired Word of God; the Bible is the ultimate authority and standard; and the importance of having a love for the Word of God. These concepts are all undoubtedly related, yet they are each very distinct ideas which all must be taught to children.
Children must first be taught an important foundation regarding the Bible: the Bible was given to the world by God. Next children must be taught that God wrote the Bible, although He used men to physically write the words. At this point I also think it is necessary to point out that the Bible is perfect, free from errors because it was written by God. As children grow up, the more complex idea of the inspiration of the Word of God can be taught. By explaining early on in a child’s life that God wrote the Bible one is laying groundwork for explaining the inspiration of the Scriptures.
The concept that the Bible is the ultimate authority and standard is an easy one, yet I still see even adults struggle with it. If children are taught from an early age that the Bible tells us what is right and wrong, as well as how we are to live for God, I think they will have a deeper understanding of the Bible as the ultimate authority and standard as they grow up. It is important that people know that the Bible is the authority because we need to respect what it says and learn how to be obedient to God.
Teaching children to love the Word of God seems more like an on-going process as they are taught about God and the Bible. While it might be good to say that one should love the Word of God, simply stating this will not produce love for the Bible in a child’s heart. Children will learn to love God’s Word by the way you treat the Bible and the importance you place upon them learning the Bible. If children see that you take time everyday to read the Scriptures, teach them about the Scriptures, or perhaps even have a family Bible study they will see that it is something you love and consider important.
Related Articles:
- 5 Lessons Which Christian Parents Must Teach Their Children
- 5 More Lessons Which Christian Parents Must Teach Their Children
- Bible Stories: The Bible