How are you using your influence in the lives of the children that God has placed in your life? When we decide that we are going to influence another generation to live for God, we are making an impact on a world that we may not even be alive to see.
In the midst of one of the great stories of the Bible, the story of David and Goliath, we have an example of some things that we need to teach the children in our lives so that they can be used in a great way for the Lord. I am glad that Jesse taught his son these truths and pray that we would learn from his example.
What lessons did he teach young David?
I. To have faith in God-I Samuel 17:34-37, 45-46
1. Faith saves:
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2. Faith supplies-We must teach our children that they can depend on God to supply their needs. We will not succeed according to our fortune, friends, fame, feelings, etc. But according to our faith.
Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Psalm 34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
II. To fight for the truth-I Samuel 17:33-36
Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
The fights of life must be met head on. There is no safe area when fighting the Giants that we must face!
Do our kids know what it is that we value highly enough to fight for?
-Our Savior (Our relationship to Him)
-Our Families (Their spiritual condition, etc.)
III. To finish the race -I Samuel 17:49-51
2Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth 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’s determine to use our influence to teach the necessary lessons of faith, fighting and finishing to the children that will one day change the world for the glory of God.