Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Theology of Children

Here is a little study I did on a basic Scriptural perspective of how we are to view children. Our Bible Study was truly moved as we reflected on what miracles children really are.

I. God wants us to be interested in children.

A. There are more than 8,000 references to children and family related terms in the Bible.

B. There are many stories of children (Samuel, Samson, Ishmael, Isaac, widow’s son, Timothy, Daniel).


II. Children Are Miraculous Gifts From the Lord

A. Miraculous pottery (Eccles 11:5; Job 10:8-12; 31:15; Psa 139:13-16; Isa 29:16; 41:25; 45:9; 64:8; Zech 12:1).

B. God’s good design for filling the earth (Gen 1:28; 9:1)

C. Many children is a sign of God’s blessing (Ps 127:3-5; 128:3-4; Gen 15:5; 16:10; 17:16; 22:17; 24:60; 25:21; 26:4; 28:3; 30:6, 11, 17, 18, 22; 49:25; Exod 23:25-26; Deut 7:13-14; 28:11; 30:9; Ruth 4:11; 1 Sam 1:10-11, 19-20; Job 5:25; Lk 1:13).

D. Having children is seen as desirable (Gen 18:12; 25:21; 30:1; Prov 30:15-16).

E. Parenthood is seen as joyful (Job 29:5; Ps 113:9; Gen 30:13; Jer 20:15; John 16:21; Hosea 9:16; Luke 1:14, 58).

F. It is desirable to have one’s name and family continued on earth (Ruth 4:10; 2 Sam 14:7; 2 Sam 18:18; Jer 11:19).

G. It is good to have children to support parents in their old age (Ruth 4:15; Gen 47:11-12; 1 Timothy 5)

H. They are precious gifts (Gen 4:25; 17:16; 30:6, 20; 33:5)

I. God enables conception (Ruth 4:13; Gen 29:31; 30:22; Ps 71:6; Isa 66;9)