As Christian parents we need to know how to study the Bible
and then teach our children to do the same.
If the Bible truly is the Word of God (and I believe it is) then we need to know what it says. We can read the Bible for our personal devotions – to encourage us in our daily walk but the Bible also says we are to renew our minds:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is; His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
Not only is our spirit encouraged, strengthened and renewed when we read the Word of God but so is our mind. If we let it! In order for the Word of God to change our thinking we need to read it, we need to ponder on it, we need to know it, we need to pray about it.
As Christian parents who understand the importance of discipleship we need to teach our children (especially once they become followers of Christ) to study God’s word.
Bible study isn’t something adults do, it isn’t something that Christians do – be it by themselves, in a group, or at church. Bible Study should be an individual thing, a family thing and a body of Christ thing. We all need to study the Word of God, growing in our understanding of the things that are important to God.
Bible study is a way of life for the Christian and we have the privilege of teaching our children how to study and learn from the Bible. As a Christian I am often reminded of this verse from Acts:
Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11
These New Testament times people were keen to hear this new message but they also knew their Scriptures so they studied to make sure things lined up. One thing that concerns Peter and me greatly about the world that our children live in is the blatant rejection of Biblical truth all around them. Our children need to know what the Bible says about everything and anything. They will begin to make these connections as they become familiar with the whole content of the Bible. This means study.
Over to you:
Do you study the Bible yourself?
Do you study the Bible with your children?
Or do you just have devotional readings?
To be honest – we need both!
Keep reading to find out how …
Learn to Study God’s Word
We need to expose God’s Word, the Bible to our children, if we want them to value it enough to hide it in their heart.
Parents must find a way to study the Bible as a family – but it can be tricky when we have kids at different ages and stages; with using these 8 keys it is possible. Download this Parenting Guide that teaches a way to make Family Bible Study something that you can do even while your children are young.
Learn to Study God’s Word
Our children need to know God’s word beyond knowing the stories of the Bible. They need to know how to study it, understand it and apply it to their lives. Read more…
Find a way to Study all together
Family Bible study can be tricky when we have kids at different ages and stages, but with using these 8 keys it is possible. Read more…
Learn the skills to study the Bible
Our children need more than Bible stories – they need to know and study God’s Word for themselves. Read more…
Be Intentional
The heart of every Christian parent is to have their children walk with Jesus. We need to learn how to disciple our children in the faith. Read more…
Living the Christian life is caught and taught.
We show them what it looks like by our example,
and we teach them how with our lessons.
Think About It…
These are the ‘benefits’ of the Scriptures and they are the very things that define the heart of Christian parenting. We want these things for our children. We want them to understand God’s laws, we want them to be conscious of their sin, to understand and experience forgiveness and to be on a straight path (knowing God), we want them to learn how to live a righteous life. Are we teaching them to know God’s word?
Are you teaching more than Bible stories to your kids as they grow older?
Do you feel intimidated or not qualified or equipped to teach your kids about God?
A scripture that I often pondered – and held onto – is James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God you gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
God has equipped you with everything you need to do the job ahead of you. He has sent the Holy Spirit to teach and remind you of all that Jesus taught and commanded. The Holy Spirit is with you to strengthen you and encourage you to obey all that Jesus commanded. God will give you the wisdom you need to disciple your children.
How do you study the Bible as a family? What works for you?
Without imposing specific ages to these 3 aspects I have noticed that at first our kids need knowledge, then they grow in understanding and lastly they learn to apply or live it out – which is wisdom.
I see wisdom as the practical application of knowing Jesus.
When we put into action, when we live out what God is teaching us – we grow in our faith, in our spiritual maturity.
I want this for myself, and for my kids – don’t you?
Read more about teaching the Bible to your kids
https://belindaletchford.com/family-bible-study-multi-ages/
Children can talk about truths a long time before they can read or write about them - so always be ready to talk about Jesus and the Bible.
~ Belinda Letchford
Over to you:
Do you have time in your week where you help your children study the Bible? What works for you? What doesn’t work for you?
and… Have you downloaded the Parenting Guide to having Family Bible Study?
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