Day Four

Your Children's Faith - pgs 179-182

Realize
1. According to the following verses, what are some of the evidences of genuine conversion?
* 2 Corinthians 5:17
* Hebrews 3:14
* 1 John 2:3-5
* 1 John 3:14-15
* 1 John 4:13,15

Reflect
2. Before parents can pray wisely about the spiritual condition of their children, they must have assurance of their own salvation. Based on the Scriptures above, what evidence does your life give of genuine conversion?

3. The Bible makes it clear that those who call upon the Lord are saved - and that applies to small children as well (Luke 18:16; Romans 10:13). How can parents encourage their children to place their trust in Christ without pushing them into a "decision" apart from the true conviction of sin and the drawing of the Spirit?

4. If your children are strong in their faith, how should you pray for them? if your children have not become believers or are living in ways that contradict their profession of faith, how should you pray for them?

5. Why is it important for parents to give their children spiritual training right from the start? What does the Bible say about training up our children (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4)?

Respond
6. If your child is living apart from Christ, why is it dangerous to turn a blind eye to his need for salvation, assuming that in time he will return? What do you think God wants you to do for your straying child today? What does He promise (John 6:39; 2 Peter 3:9)?

Prayer of the Day
Father, I want all of my children to become Your true children. I pray that Your Spirit will bring each of my children to a point of genuine conviction and conversion. May the fruit of my conversion and theirs be evident in the way we live. Amen