Our Focus as Christian Parents

Just recently, my Pastor preached an applicable sermon for us as Christians.  While he spoke, I could not help but to apply his points to my calling as a parent and specifically as a homeschooling parent.  Here I have included the scripture and notes which I took from his sermon.  I hope it will encourage you as a Christian parent.

Seven Descriptions of a Christian

1. Sons - II Timothy 2:1-2 – As sons of God, he calls all of us to be teachers and to pass on the faith.  As Christians parents and homeschooling parents, our first desire above everything else is to pass on our faith in Jesus Christ to our children.  We should be strong in the grace of God and daily live out that grace before our children.

2. Soldiers – II Timothy 2: 3-4 – As soldiers, we should be careful not to become over entangled with the affairs of this life. In our world today, any parent can become so busy with other activities that it can overwhelm us to the point where we unintentionally neglect our first focus as a Christian.  Be careful that our children do not see other activities as more important that developing that intimate sweet relationship with the Lord. 

3. Athlete - II Timothy 2:5 – The word “masteries” is another word for an athlete.  An athlete is one who masters his talent.  We are Christian parents and some of us are homeschoolers.  Because we are set apart and live differently than the world, we need to make sure we master the talent of a Christian parent and do it well.

4. Farmer – II Timothy 2:6 – Husbandman is another word for farmer.  As Christian parents, we should daily plant the seed, God’s Word, in the hearts of our children and those around us.  Our children look to us to plant the seed.  The seed will not grow if it is not planted.

5. Student – II Timothy 2:15 – We are students who should learn how to rightly divide the truth of God’s Word. We should make sure that as students of God’ Word we are able to open the Bible and show our children the truth and how to live by the truth of His word.  Be ever so careful not to allow secularism into our homes, but rather have our children look at everything through the lens of the truth of God’s Word. 

6. Vessel – II Timothy 2:20 – We are vessels who should strive to stay clean and be prepared for the Master’s use. As vessels, Christ lives within our hearts.  It is humbling to think that our children look to us as a reflection of God.  As Christians, we reflect Christ to others. Our vessels need to be pure in order to properly reflect Christ to our children.  

7. Servant – II Timothy 2:24 – As a servant of Christ, we should be obedient to Him.  We should also teach our children this same obedience and how to gently and patiently teach others the grace of Jesus Christ through our obedient service to Him.