10.24.21 Hillside Bible Sermon - Leading in Following

Leading in Following

Sunday's scripture was Ephesians 6:1-4 which instructs Christian children to obey and honor their parents and then, in turn, instructs parents to raise their children in the instruction and discipline of the Lord. Parents have a responsibility to lead their children in following Christ. This is about much more than passing on information - it is about passing on the culture of God's Kingdom. This requires parents to be actively following the Lord and modeling spiritual disciplines as well as instructing and teaching their children. As a parent, what habit can you focus on this week so that you can say to your children, "Imitate me as I imitate Christ"?

The whole church is called to support godly families by prayer, encouragement, teaching, and modeling. In addition to all that we do to teach children in the church, the whole church must live the reality of a relationship with Jesus. It is in this way that young people see what matters, understand how to live it out, and are discipled in the values of the Kingdom. As a church member, how is your walk with the Lord? Can you say to those younger in the faith, "Imitate me as I imitate Christ"? May we live such faithful lives that we have no fear of saying such a thing.