Why it’s Important to Teach our Children God’s Word a Home

Why is it so important to teach our children about the bible at a young age? Isn’t Sunday school or Wednesday night’s children’s church enough? Eventually they will grow old enough that they can start reading the bible on their own, right? I wish that I could answer yes to these questions, but the truth is the answer is no to all of them. As parents, it is our job to make sure our children are learning, growing and understanding life, especially the bible, because growing closer to God should be at the center of all of our lives.

Throughout the bible we are commanded to teach our children the word of God. In the old testament, when God tells Moses how to do Passover every year in the book of Exodus, God says to Moses, “26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 27 That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped. 28 And the children of Israel went away, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they. Exodus 12:26-28. God was telling Moses that it was their job to teach the children so they would understand why they do the Passover meal and its importance.

As Christians, we do not have to sacrifice any animals to cover up our sins, because Christ fulfilled the law when he sacrificed himself and his blood was shed to wash away our sins. Hebrew 10: 9-14 says ” 9Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for the sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” Jesus removed the need for sacrifice but he increased the amount of importance it is to share the gospel and all of God’s word with our children, even at a young age. We no longer have to shed blood, but we do have make sure our children understand what Christ did for them.

Even Mary and Joseph made sure to take Jesus to every annual feast of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. In the early years of Jesus’ life, his parents were very spiritually dedicated, which contributed to his maturity at such a young age. Women and boys under the age of 13 were not required to attend these traditions though men were expected to, but Mary and Joseph were dedicated. They went above and beyond the requirements of their faith, and it was a testimony to their faithfulness and reliance on God and his will.

2 Timothy 3: 14-15 says ” 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. In this last letter from Paul to Timothy, he is telling Timothy the importance of taking what he has learned from scripture and passing it on to others (as well as children). Having knowledge of God’s word and how it all fits together so perfectly, can help you understand what salvation in Christ is all about.

I learned recently in my personal bible studies how much imagery God uses in the bible, and how everything connects beautifully. It makes me want to learn more and connect it and share it with the world. Studying the history of Passover helped me understand the amazing power of Christ’s sacrifice. Teaching our children scripture, and history of the church, as well as the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ and what that means for us and how it connect with prophesy in the old testament and fulfills Jewish law; will better equip them to understand what it all means, and give them more confidence in sharing their faith with others.

Proverbs 22:6 says ” Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

and Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says ” 6 And these word, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently into thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Understanding scripture creates a closer walk with God, a deeper connection that can only be achieved by reading his word. Our children need more than the watered down version of scripture that they get at Sunday school or Wednesday night’s children’s church. Those are good for the basics, but there is no substance. Our world is filled with influence, so we need to be teaching our children young, and at home, about God’s word and the story of Jesus Christ and how he saved us. The bible isn’t a bunch of small stories, it’s one BIG important story! When you begin to connect that and understand, it’s so beautiful. I wish so much that I had this understanding when I was a child. I pray that I can teach my children this understanding, respect, love and gratitude in God’s word and what he has done because he loved us so much.

May God open your hearts and minds to his word, and provide you the tools you need to help equip you and your children to understand as well. We have an amazing God who loved us so much he sent his son to die for us. That’s so Beautiful and… Just Wow! And it’s our job to tell our children!

Please comment any prayers needed, as well as any other thoughts on the subject, I would love to hear from you!

God Bless you all,

Covering Christian Mom