Title: Raising Children in the Lord: A Biblical Mandate for Parents

Introduction

The spiritual reality of our day is apparent: Satan has found great success in deceiving parents into believing that the government, public schools, and secular culture are responsible for raising their children. This deception is both subtle and devastating, as it shifts the God-given responsibility of discipleship from parents to a system that, at best, ignores biblical truth and, at worst, indoctrinates children with anti-God ideologies.

Scripture is unambiguous: parents are the primary educators of their children, and they are commanded to raise them in the knowledge of God (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Ephesians 6:4). Failure to do so leads to generational spiritual decline, as history and present reality confirm. The formative years of a child's life—ages 0-5—are critical for establishing a foundation of faith. If parents do not seize this opportunity, the world will gladly fill the void with its agenda.

Biblical Mandate for Parental Responsibility

1. Old Testament Foundations

   • Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (Shema) – "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children..." (ESV).

   • Proverbs 22:6 – "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." The Hebrew Word for "train" (חָנַךְ, chanak) implies dedication, initiation, and discipline.

   • Psalm 78:5-7 – "He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children... that they should set their hope in God."

2. New Testament Confirmation

   • Ephesians 6:4 – "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

   • Colossians 3:21 – "Fathers, do not exasperate your children so they will not lose heart."

   • 2 Timothy 3:15 – "...from childhood, you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which can make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."

     
     

The Dangers of Government-Controlled Education

The secular education system is not neutral. From the moment a child enters daycare or preschool, they are being shaped by a worldview. The modern education system aggressively promotes evolutionary theory, moral relativism, and unbiblical social ideologies. The following are key areas where secular education contradicts biblical truth:

1. Denial of Creation —evolution is taught as an act, directly contradicting Genesis 1:1. The Hebrew term בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים (B'reishit bara Elohim) declares divine creation, not random chance.

2. Moral Corruption – Secularism teaches that truth is subjective, while Scripture declares moral absolutes (Isaiah 5:20, Romans 1:18-32).

3. Rejection of God's Authority – Public education minimizes faith, indoctrinating children to believe that religion is irrelevant to real life (Psalm 14:1).

4. Redefinition of Family and Gender – Biblical principles on marriage and identity are undermined (Genesis 1:27, Matthew 19:4-6).

   
   

The Critical Window: Ages 0-5

A child's worldview is primarily established before age five. If parents are not intentional about instilling Biblical truth in their children, the world will take over.

• Luke 6:40 – "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher." Who is teaching your child?

• Proverbs 1:7 – "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

• Isaiah 54:13 – "The Lord shall teach all your children, and great shall be the peace of your children."

  
  

Practical Steps for Parents

1. Homeschooling and Biblical Education – Consider homeschooling or private Christian schooling to ensure a Christ-centered education.

2. Daily Discipleship at Home – Deuteronomy 6:7 emphasizes teaching the Word in daily life.

3. Guard Media and Influences – Be mindful of books, shows, and digital content that shape your child's beliefs.

4. Engage in Active Church Participation – Involve children in Bible study, worship, and Christian fellowship.

5. Teach Apologetics Early – Equip children with answers to cultural lies (1 Peter 3:15).

   
   

Conclusion

Parents, the time is now! You are not called to outsource your child's spiritual development to the state or the culture. Satan's greatest deception is convincing parents that someone else should raise their children. God has given you the mandate to teach, train, and disciple them in righteousness.

If you relinquish this responsibility, the world will gladly take over. But if you embrace it, you will raise a generation that stands firm in the truth of God's Word.

Resources for Further Study:

• Books: Shepherding a Child's Heart (Tedd Tripp), The Battle for the American Mind (Pete Hegseth), Already Gone (Ken Ham)

• Websites: Answers in Genesis, Focus on the Family, The Founders' Bible

• Sermons & Teachings: Paul Washer – "Biblical Parenting," Voddie Baucham – "Who Owns the Children?"

  
  

The future of faith in this nation depends on parents who are willing to reclaim their God-given roles. Will you answer the call?