the mantle of parenthood dr. jobe martin biblical discipleship ministries

THE MANTLE OF PARENTHOOD

Dr. Jobe MartinBiblical Discipleship Ministrieswww.biblicaldiscipleship.org

www.evolutionofacreationist.com

A Brief Personal Testimony

• In this talk I will be taking the position that the Bible is the Word of the one true God.

• I am assuming that you are establishing a Christian family.

• There may be a family from some other faith, or no faith here. If you were giving this talk you would surely teach from your worldview as I will be doing today.

THE MANTLE OF PARENTHOOD

MANTLE (Webster)

• 1. “A kind of cloak to be worn over other garments.• 2. Anything that cloaks, covers, envelops, conceals.• 3. The outer covering of a wall.• 4. The outer casing of a blast furnace.• 5. A covering of clay put over a wax model so as to

form a mold when the wax is melted out.”• 6. Etc.

PARENTHOOD

“The condition of being a parent; relation or authority of a parent.”

– A condition– A relationship– An authority

SOME THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

The God of the Bible is greater than our circumstances (1 John 4:4).

God is sovereign (Nehemiah 9).God can cause all things to work together for good.

God’s grace is always sufficient (1 Cor. 12:9,10).

Homeschooling is 24 hours a day.There is no such thing as a day off.

Your spouse will never help you as much as you deserve and feel that you dearly need.

There can be many tears.There are days that your feelings tell you “this is not

worth it!”There are days when you are completely convinced

that you are into a bottomless pit of absolute incompetence.

Take heart…God’s mercies are new every morning!

1 Corinthians 12:9,10

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in

weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of

Christ may rest upon me.

SHAMGAR—A COMMON ORDINARY MAN!A Short Devotional

The God of the Bible wants to take common, ordinary people like

you and me, with our common, ordinary things and do

uncommon, extraordinary things in His power and for His glory!

Uncommon, Extraordinary, in God’s power =

GODLY PARENTING!

JUDGES 3:3131 And after him was Shamgar the

son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an

ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.

BIBLE STUDY HAS SEVERAL DIFFERENT PARTS:

1. Observation2. Correlation

3. Interpretation4. Application

OBSERVATIONObservation=What do we see.

• There was a man named Shamgar.• Shamgar came after someone.• His Father’s name was Anath.• He killed 600 Philistines.• He did it with an ox goad.• He delivered his country.

CorrelationCorrelation=What Scriptures relate.

In the case of Shamgar there is one other Scripture that correlates and that is

Judges 5:6:6 “In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath,”

This is all we know about Shamgar, but we do learn some things about the days during which Shamgar

lived in Judges 5. •

Correlation• “…the highways were unoccupied, and the

travellers walked through byways.• 8 They chose new gods; • then was war in the gates: • was there a shield or spear seen among forty

thousand in Israel?” Judges 5:6,8

INTERPRETATION

Interpretation=What does it mean.• A Jewish man named Shamgar killed 600

Philistine soldiers.• He was probably a farmer since he knew how

to use an ox goad.• He used an ox goad as a weapon because it

appears that the weapons had been confiscated.

INTERPRETATION

What is an ox goad? An ox goad is a stick or pole 6 to 8 feet long with a

point on one end.How do you make an ox go?

Our Creator, the Lord Jesus, made the ox with a sensitive spot where the hoof hooks onto the ankle. Touch that spot and the ox lifts its leg. When the leg comes down it is ahead of where it was, the other feet want to catch up and the ox is moving.

INTERPRETATION

• Shamgar’s father’s name was Anath.Shamgar’s father’s name was Anath.• Anath was the Philistine God of sex and war.Anath was the Philistine God of sex and war.• Shamgar’s family had probably sold out to the Shamgar’s family had probably sold out to the

pagan Philistine culture.pagan Philistine culture.• At the very least Shamgar’s grand parents had At the very least Shamgar’s grand parents had

named his father with the name of a Philistine named his father with the name of a Philistine demon god.demon god.

• And yet this common ordinary man with his And yet this common ordinary man with his common ordinary tool saved his country!common ordinary tool saved his country!

BIBLE STUDY HAS SEVERAL DIFFERENT PARTS:

1. Observation: what is seen2. Correlation: where else

3. Interpretation: the meaning4. Application: who, me?

APPLICATION

• God wants to take common ordinary people with our common ordinary things and do uncommon, extraordinary things in His unmistakeable power and for His own glory!

• Shamgar shows us the importance of over-coming family limitations.

• He shows us the value of perserverence—he is out there every day putting his life on the line for his God, his family and his country.

APPLICATION• Shamgar shows us what Almighty God can do Shamgar shows us what Almighty God can do

through a single person who is ready and through a single person who is ready and willing to let our Lord do His will in our life, willing to let our Lord do His will in our life, even if it means putting our life in jeopardy for even if it means putting our life in jeopardy for His benefit and glory.His benefit and glory.

• Shamgar displayed a singleness of purpose.Shamgar displayed a singleness of purpose.• Shamgar is an example of unselfish Shamgar is an example of unselfish

servanthood.servanthood.

APPLICATION• Are we ready and willing to put our lives on

the line for our God, our families, and our country?

• What is your oxgoad (weapon)—your life, your zeal, your words, pen, mind, computer, connections, family, church.

• Are you ready and willing to make the prayer of your life, “Lord, yet not my will, but Thy will be done?”

Acts 13:36

• For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his Fathers, and saw corruption.

• (David accomplished all that God had for him to do in his generation.)

John 12:27, 28a

• Jesus said, “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me

from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify Thy

name.”

Concluding Application

• Jesus from eternity past, had a purpose and a plan.• David accomplished all that God had for him in his

generaton.• What is your purpose, your plan, your focus for

the remainder of your life? For your children?• Will you accomplish all that God has for you in

your generation?

John 12:27, 28a

• Jesus said, “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me

from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify Thy

name.”

Missionary/Mission Field?

• I led two lives as a youth.• I left home as a mission field, not a missionary.

(How have you left home? How will your children leave home?)

• Could our God use your time here to help you fullfil His purpose for you in your generation?

• Are you practicing truth (John 3:21) and does your life display Colossians 1:27?

If we call ourselves “Christians” we must be a people who know and do what the Bible says!

Godly man or womanGodly husband or wife

Godly dad or momAnd all of this is to bring eternal glory to our Lord.

WHERE DO WE START?

• The mantle of parenthood must start with a clear understanding of what is true TRUTH. We must know and practice God’s Word, the Bible.– John 17:17– John 8:32– Hebrews 4:12– Psalm 119– John 12:48—It is God’s Word that will judge us at the

last day!

WHERE DO WE START?

Dads and Moms are you actually in the family of God?Are you a true POSSESSOR of the Christian Faith or

just a professor of the Faith.Have you received the Lord Jesus Christ as your

personal Savior?But as many as received him, to them gave he power

to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of

blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12, 13

WHERE DO WE START?

Are we realizing our responsibility as parents to live out so great a salvation?

We are the “Image Bearers” of the King.As true believers and image bearers a

supernatural change has taken place!Can our family see this supernatural change, this

enabling to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in the every day activities of family life?

WHO AM I AS A CHRISTIAN?

• Member of the family and household of God: Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 2:19

• Complete in Christ: Colossians 2:10

• Possessor of every spiritual blessing: Ephesians 1:3

• Born of the Spirit: John 3:6

• Baptized with the Spirit: 1 Cor. 12:13

WHO AM I AS AN IMAGE BEARER?

• Indwelt by the Holy Spirit: Jn. 7:39; Rom. 5:5, 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19; Gal. 4:6; 1 Jn. 3:24

• Sealed by the Spirit: Eph. 4:30; 2 Cor. 1:22

• Given spiritual gifts: 1 Cor. 12-14; Rom. 12

• We are IN CHRIST: Jn. 14:20; Col. 1:27

• A member in Christ’s body: 1 Cor. 12:13

• A branch in the Vine: John 15:5

•Recipientof eternal life: John 3:15 and 16, John 10:28, 1 John 5:11-13

• Seated in heavenly places: Eph. 2:6

• Minister of the N.T.: 2 Cor. 3:6

• Ambassador of Christ: 2 Cor. 5:20

• A living letter: 2 Cor. 3:3

• A minister (servant) of God: 2Cor. 6:4

• God’s inheritance: Eph. 1:18

• Redeemed: Rom. 3:24; Col. 1:14; 1 Pet. 1:18

•Christians are God’s “house” on earth: 1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 5:1

• An heir of God: Rom. 8:17; 1 Pet. 1:4

• Joint heir of Christ: Rom. 8:17; Heb. 9:15

• Have access to God: Rom. 5:2; Eph 2:18; Heb. 4:16, 10:19

• A called and protected people: Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:9

• Delivered from the power of sin: Rom. 6:2; Phil. 3:3; Col. 2:11

• A living stone: Eph. 2:21,22; 1 Pet. 2:5

• A sheep in His flock: John 10:27-29

• A part of Christ’s bride: Eph. 5:25-27

• A priest in God’s Kingdom: 1 Pet. 2:9

• A new creature: 2 Cor. 5:17

• A child of light: Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess.5:4,5

• In the Spirit: Romans 8:9

• Positionally glorified: Romans 8:30

•Delivered from the kingdom of Satan: Colossians 1:13, 2:15

• Foreknown: Acts: 2:23; Rom. 8:29; 1 Pet. 1:2

• Elect: Rom. 8:33; Col. 3:12; Tit. 1:1; 1 Pet. 1:2

• Predestined: Rom. 8:29; Eph. 1:5,11

• Chosen: Matt. 22:14; 1 Pet. 2:4

• Called: Matt. 22:14; 1Thess. 5:24

• Reconciled by God: 2 Cor. 5:18,19; Col. 1:20

• Reconciled to God: Rom. 5:10; 2 Cor.5:20

•Redeemed how I love to proclaim it, redeemed by the blood of the lamb! Rom3:24; Col 1:14

• All condemnation removed: Jn5:24;Rom8:1

• Crucified with Christ: Rom. 6:6; Gal. 6:20

• Dead with Christ: Ro 6:8; Col 3:3; 1 Pt 2:24 • Buried with Christ: Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12

• Raised with Christ: Rom. 6:4; Col. 3:1

• Regenerated: Jn. 13:10; 1 Cor. 6:1; Tit. 3:5

• Born Again: Jn. 3:7; 1 Pet. 1:23

•I am forgiven all my sins!!! Eph. 1:7, 4:32; Colossians 1:14, 2:13, 3:13

• Child of God: Gal 3:26; Jn 1:12; 2Cor 6:18

• A New Creation: 2Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15; Eph 2:10

• Adopted: Rom. 8:15,23; Eph. 1:5

• Acceptable to God: Eph. 1:6; 1 Pet. 2:5

• Made Righteous Ro 3:22; 2Cor 5:21; Phil 3:9

• Perfected forever: Hebrews 10:14

• Justified: Ro 3:24;5:1,9; 8:30; 1Cor 6:11 Tit 3:7

•We have heavenly citizenship: Luke 10:20; Eph. 2:13,19; Phil. 3:20

• Within the “much more” care of God: Romans 5:9,10

• Object of God’s love: Eph. 2:4, 5:2

• Object of God’s power: Eph. 1:19; Phil. 2:13

• Object of His faithfulness: Phil 1:6; Heb 13:5,6

• Object of God’s peace: John 14:27

• Object of God’s consolation: 2Thess 2:16

•Object of God’s intercession: Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25

• Object of God’s grace:• For salvation: Ephesians 2:8,9• For keeping: Rom. 5:2; 1Pet. 1:5• For instruction: Titus 2:12

These 64 identifying distinctives are who we are as the image bearers of the Lord Jesus

Christ.All of this starts at home.

WHERE DO WE START?

• Perhaps a good place to start (today) the first day of the rest of your life is to examine and test yourself to see if you are a true Christian.Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.

2 Corinthians 13:5

HOW DO WE PERSEVERE?

Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

5Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6That ye may with one mind and one

mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Romans 15:4-7

HOW DO WE PERSEVERE?

• We must be aware of the intense spiritual battle which engages us, to destroy us individually, destroy our marriages, steal our children and reek havoc in the church.

Ephesians 6:10-19

2 CORINTHIANS 10:12

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

• God’s word is our standard—we must keep our eyes fixed on things above not on things that are on

the earth. Keep looking ahead. • Keep the eternal perspective!

• 27Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is

passed over from my God? 28Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the

LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his

understanding. 29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Isaiah 40:27-29

HOW DO WE PERSEVERE?

• Depravity is now the accepted lifestyle and has penetrated the church.

• Good is evil and evil is good (Isaiah 5:20).– Immorality is accepted–Adultery is accepted–Homosexual lifestyle is accepted– Lying and cheating are accepted

Biblical Truth is being severely compromised!

The Depravity Factor

• Two of the great dangers we face as parents:– 1. becoming so immunized to apostasy and evil that it

seems normal and no longer alarming– 2. becoming discouraged and deciding that there is no

use in standing up to such overwhelming evil.So don’t lose your perspective—godly parenting is more

than worth the costs, sacrifices, and inconveniences.

ROMANS 15:1-6

1We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2Let every

one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that

reproached thee fell on me. 4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our

learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

ROMANS 15:1-6 (continued):

5Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another

according to Christ Jesus: 6That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even

the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

THE COST

• There is a cost as we persevere in dedicated godly marriage and parenthood.

• I must “…die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31b).– I must die to selfishness.– I must die to pride. (Philippians 2:1-4).A GODLY FAMILY BRINGING GLORY TO OUR GREAT

CREATOR AND SAVIOR, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, IS WORTH ANY COST, IS IT NOT?

• Perhaps our biggest problem:Perhaps our biggest problem:

A GREAT OBSTACLE TO GODLINESS

• Pride in adults• Pride in husbands and wives• Pride in parents• Pride in teenagers• Pride in children• Pride in brothers and sisters

• “I can take care of myself!”• “I am indestructible!”• “I can handle these drugs!”• “I can handle social drinking!”• “I will not be seduced by internet or by women!”

• ROMANS 12:3:ROMANS 12:3: • For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every

man that is among you, not to think man that is among you, not to think of himselfof himself more more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt to every man the according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.measure of faith.

The proud teenager says:The proud teenager says: “I can do all things.”

The humble teenager says:The humble teenager says: “I can do all things through

Christ Who strengthens me.”

A “fool” loves and A “fool” loves and lives the ways of lives the ways of

darkness and darkness and death!death!

WHAT IS A “FOOLISH” YOUTH?““[He] may be a teenager who has attended [He] may be a teenager who has attended

church for years. He is there because his church for years. He is there because his parents make him come. He will daydream parents make him come. He will daydream during most of the lesson, and the part that during most of the lesson, and the part that

he does hear, he has already made up his he does hear, he has already made up his mind to ignore. He is foolish.”mind to ignore. He is foolish.”

Jerry L. Ross, The Teenage Years of Jesus Christ, (ISBN 0-87398-898-1) p. 8

A WORD TO YOUNG LADIES:

• “Young ladies, dress modestly and appropriately. Tight-fitting clothes do not make you look sexy; they make you look cheap. Don’t be a flirt! Keep hands off. Be especially appropriate around married men. No one respects a girl with loose morals. Wicked men may give you attention, then use you, but they won’t marry you. Be an example of the Believer in purity.” (Ross, p. 69-70, italics are from Ross)

• Lesser shades of Lesser shades of darkness do not expose darkness do not expose

the darkness!the darkness!

WHAT ABOUT THE TEACHING ASPECTS OF ALL OF THIS?

Do we have a clear purpose: Glorify God.What is our focus: God, spouse, children: discipleship.

Do we have an agenda, an overarching plan.At what spiritual targets are we aiming our children?

Colossians 1:10

THE PLAN

As a Christian I must know, live, and teach the foundational beliefs, freedoms and restrictions of TRUE BIBLICAL FAITH.

Ezra 7:10“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of

the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.”

THE FAMILY PLAN

Compose a family definition of success using Scripture. A BIBLICAL DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IS A GREAT AID TO ESTABLISHING PRIORITIES.

“As for me and my family, by God’s grace and in His mercy we will walk in a manner worthy of our Lord, to please Him in all respects. We will in His power bear fruit in every good work and we will keep increasing in the knowledge of God.” (paraphrase of Colossians 1:10)

Compose a family doctrinal statement. A FAMILY DOCTRINAL STATEMENT ESTABLISHES LIBERTIES AND LIMITATIONS.

“Others can, we cannot.”

DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

Include Scriptures for which there is no compromise:• Creation: Genesis 1• Entrance of sin, The Fall: Genesis 3• Trinity: Romans 1:20 cp Genesis 1:1• Salvation: Romans Road=3:23; 6:23; 5:8: 10:9-13 etc• Resurrection: 1 Corinthians 15• Eternal Life: Revelation 22

THE PLAN (Doctrinal Statement, Definition of Success) ESTABLISHED UNDER THE MANTLE OF

PARENTHOOD• Certain things are never an option for us:– Certain attitudes– Certain behaviors– Certain clothing styles– Certain types of music– Certain kinds of friends– Certain varieties of entertainment– ETC.

– Ecclesiastes 8:11: Nip it in the bud!!!!

• As a parent do not ever think: “Well, that’s just a little thing. It is not worth risking a dispute over that.”

• A seed is a little thing, but it can grow into a mighty tree!

• Exercise your God-given loving leadership and authority as a parent = Nip it in the bud!

THE PLAN ESTABLISHED UNDER THE MANTLE OF PARENTHOOD

• Certain things are always acceptable options:– Humbling ourselves before our Lord and each other– Exhibiting a loving and forgiving spirit– Practicing generosity and hospitality– Eagerly seeking ministry opportunities– Practicing servanthood at home with each other

THE PLAN ESTABLISHED UNDER THE MANTLE OF PARENTHOOD

• Certain things are always acceptable options:– Establishing acceptable habit patterns– Exhibiting obedience– Learning diligence and attentiveness– Demonstrating wise use of time and money– Becoming well-mannered– Practicing the fruit of the Spirit; Love, Joy, Peace,

Longsuffering (patience), Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, and Temperance (self-control).

Galatians 5:22, 23

Godly parenting is not: Do as I say, not as I do!

ALL PARENTS FAIL FROM TIME TO TIME

• We always go back to Jesus as our example.• Jesus came to serve, to destroy the works of

the devil, and to die for each of us.

MARK 10:45

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to

give his life a ransom for many.

1 JOHN 3:8

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the

works of the devil.

PHILIPPIANS 2:8-11

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

AS IMAGE BEARERS WE ARE TO IMITATE THE LORD JESUS

EPHESIANS 5:1-21Be ye therefore followers (imitators) of God, as

dear children; 2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an

offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

1 PETER 1:16

Be ye holy; for I am holy.

1 PETER 2:21

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.

Godly parenting is 24 hours a day.There is no such thing as a day off.

Your spouse will never help you as much as you deserve and feel that you dearly need.

There can be many tears.There are days that your feelings tell you “this is not

worth it!”There are days when you are completely convinced

that you are into a bottomless pit of absolute incompetence.

Take heart…God’s mercies are new every morning!

It is never too late to start doing what is right:

As an individual before God,

As a spouse,As a parent!

PHILIPPIANS 3:13, 14

13Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

The Holy Bible : King James Version. Oak Harbor, WA : Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Forget yesterday.Press on.

Parenting is part of the high calling of God.

THE PROBABLE FRUIT OF GODLY PARENTING:

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

3 John 4

BY GOD’S GRACE HOPEFULLY JESUS WILL ONE DAY SAY TO US:

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou

into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21

2 TIMOTHY 4:7, 8

7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that

day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Let us by our Lord’s infinite mercy, strength, and grace hit His targets

with our children.Psalm 127

PSALM 127

1Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. 2It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

PSALM 127 (continued)

• 3Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of thy youth. 5Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

• Our children are each a very special assigned gift to us from Almighty God. Let us equip them to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit within the framework of God’s Word, the Bible. May we, by God’s grace and for His glory, prepare our children to be fearless defenders of the Faith, . . . rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

Note to me: Steve Green song

May all who come behind us find us faithful

May the fire of our devotion light their wayMay the footprints that we leave

Lead them to believeAnd the lives we live inspire them to obey

O may all who come behind us find us faithful.