Message Outline

12 Ways to Raise Godly Kids

Pastor Larry Stockstill
Sunday, Jul 8, 2018

Matthew 18:1-6 ESV: 1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."

Raising young children (0-4)

1. Start SOON.

By age four, their character formation is complete.

2. Win every BATTLE.

You must break their will without bruising their spirit.

3. Learn to LISTEN.

Your children need at least 15 minutes a day of quality time where you are focused totally on them and listening to their heart.

4. Keep your EYES on them.

Pools, pals, phones, and predators-Children must be watched!

Raising elementary children (5-10)

5. Put them FIRST. 


There are about 10 expensive items you have to prepare for:

  • Birth
  • Food and clothing
  • School
  • Sports
  • Music lessons and instruments
  • Braces
  • Car
  • College
  • Wedding
  • House down payment

6. Teach them the WORD.

  • Read them a Bible story daily.
  • Get them in Sunday school to reinforce your teaching.
  • Help them go on mission trips and church camps.

7. Make MEMORIES.

  • Take them on an annual vacation.
  • Make Christmas special.
  • Go fishing and camping with them.
  • Have a weekly fun family night.

Raising adolescents (11-18)

8. Build their CONFIDENCE.

  • Speak positive words over them.
  • Get them tested for learning problems.
  • Be personally involved in their lives.
  • Give them feedback on work.
  • Teach them a trade and life skills.

9. Teach them FINANCES.

  • Teach them to tithe and save.
  • Show them that reward comes only by hard work.
  • Start their retirement early.
  • Go to college only to learn a marketable skill, and do it with no college debt.

10. Reward RESPONSIBILITY.

Showing responsibility-not nagging, pouting, or manipulating-brings privileges.

11. Find their SPOUSE.

  • What is their background?
  • How about their family?
  • Are they a stable individual?
  • Do they have a good work ethic?

12. Show them HONOR.

  • Honor their spouse.
  • Encourage their new business or new job.
  • Don’t try to control them.

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