2-7: Teaching Abiding, The Jesus Method

Memoirs of Abiding

Have you ever read a book on parenting? It’s probably safe to say most of us have. These can be helpful as a secondary source to abiding, but they should never be the primary source. Maybe it isn’t a self-help book, rather it is speaking to others and following their advice. When we search outside of the Word to fulfill the desire to be a better parent, we operate out of our own will. This may work for a little bit, but what happens when conflict or stress arises, like a screaming child? Do we hold to this new knowledge, or do we revert to our own defense/coping mechanisms?

If we don’t model abiding, talk to them about abiding, and teach dependence upon God alone... then the tactical part of parenting and training gets lost in the shuffle.

Jesus Model (reflecting God the Father).

• Scripture Review: John 14:8, John 5:19

Jesus is clear it is not about Himself; it is reflecting His Father. Every word, every Action was reflected the Father. Likewise, we are the reflection of Jesus to our kids. So, when our kids wonder what God looks like, feels like, etc., they are looking to us to model it.

John 5:19 - What if we lived this out with our kids? What if we say “truly, truly, I tell you that I can do nothing of myself”, and point it back to God? Then our kids will grow up seeing Jesus, the Father, and the Spirit. They will see God as the head of the household. They may trust their parents, but the know that God is the head.

When Jesus’ disciples caused frustration, sadness, or any other emotion, Jesus modeled his relationship with the Father. This was done through surrendering and showing his dependence on God the Father.

The Jesus Mode (Pointing to God’s Word)

• Scripture Reviewed: Matthew 5:18-21, 27, 33, 38, 43; Matthew 26 and 27; Matthew 13: 10-13; John 17.

What was His main method of teaching? God’s Word. He modeled a lifestyle of total dependence upon the Word and God the Father. Quoting and Alluding (defined in podcast) to Scripture. Jesus also used the parables to discuss the themes of the Old Testament. It allowed God to reveal to those He chooses the truths of what He was saying. The parables demonstrate Kingdom living.

The Word of God needs to fill our conversations with our children. We do this by storing God’s Word in our hearts. What predominates the mind of a believer whose learned the Word of God? They have God’s perspective, God’s truth leading their perspective instead of something else. When we understand God’s word through our reading of His word, and the Spirit bringing it out in the fullness of the Truth, we can speak to our kids and share in a way that they understand.

The Jesus’ Modus Operandi (discipleship, but allowing to walk it out)

• Scripture Review (John 17; Deuteronomy 6:7-9; Matthew 28: 1-14 ).

Jesus taught and enabled the disciples from a holistic approach. He taught them in everything. He walked them through it, used everyday examples, used scriptural examples, and made His own examples through parables. He didn’t tell them to go read and on their own and become holy. Instead His life was an example of making teaching personal. He enabled them to live out what He was teaching, equipped them to make their own choices, but do as He did.

Do our children see us building our personal relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as the disciples saw Jesus live out His relationship?

Make teaching personal.