July 21

Proverbs 22:6

1. Praise the Lord for the wonderful VBS we were able to have this summer! A heartfelt thank you to the church, our incredible volunteers, and especially to Minju, our dedicated children's coordinator. God truly moved through this VBS. As I captured photos and led games, I witnessed firsthand the children's enthusiastic response and participation. They experienced joy and felt God's love in a tangible way. This is the essence of the church – not just sharing the Word, but also extending His love and grace. While we may not have explained the gospel in its entirety, the children who attended VBS experienced what it means to be the church. This is why we must continue God's work, regardless of our resources.

2. Today, there's a prevailing narrative that the church is in decline. Theologians and church leaders alike are grappling with this perceived crisis, searching for answers and strategies for revival. However, we must pause and consider a fundamental question: By what standard do we measure the church's "diminishment?" Does a decrease in attendance automatically signify a decline in the church's vitality? Is a megachurch the only manifestation of God's work of revival? Through this sermon, I invite you to join me in a thoughtful reflection on the true essence of the church and our role as God's people in the world.

Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

3. During our last General Assembly, we delved into the crucial topic of how to nurture and empower the next generation. We prayed together and discussed potential solutions to this complex challenge. While the task of raising up the next generation may seem daunting, we cannot waver. God's word is true, and it is our duty to share it with those who have yet to hear it. This conviction led us to initiate Vacation Bible School (VBS) for children in our surrounding community. This verse, Proverbs 22:6, has long been a guiding principle for children's education, offering timeless wisdom on how to raise up the next generation.

4. This verse, found in Proverbs, speaks of the importance of training up a child. When we hear the word "train" or "training," it can evoke a sense of difficulty and discipline, much like the rigorous training we undergo to strengthen our bodies. However, the Hebrew word used in this verse, "Hanak," offers a richer understanding. "Hanak" means not only "to train up," but also "to dedicate." This dual meaning reveals a deeper dimension to the concept of training. The idea of dedication implies a loving commitment, a sacred act of setting apart. It suggests that training a child is not merely about imposing discipline, but about guiding and nurturing them with a heart of love and devotion.

5. The purpose of training, in any context, is to prepare us for a specific purpose or goal. In the military, for example, the initial training period is designed to transform recruits into capable soldiers. When I enlisted, this training lasted six gruelling weeks. Our days began at 7 am with a mandatory 2-kilometer run. During that first week, the physical exertion felt almost unbearable. However, by the end of the training period, I had developed the stamina to comfortably run 3 kilometres each morning. This transformation highlights the power of consistent training. It challenges us, pushes us beyond our perceived limits, and ultimately equips us to achieve what we once thought impossible.

1 Timothy 4:8 NRSV

for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

6. Training, whether of the body or the mind, inherently involves discipline. This discipline often entails enduring hardships, facing challenges, and even experiencing pain. There's a reason the word "passion" encompasses both suffering and enthusiasm. The saying "no pain, no gain" rings true in this context. We understand intuitively that growth and development rarely come without effort and sacrifice. Similarly, training our bodies and minds requires us to push through discomfort and embrace the challenges that ultimately lead to progress.

Ephesians 6:1–3 NLT

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honour your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

Ephesians 6:4 NLT

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

7. Let's now delve into the concept of "dedicate" as conveyed by the Hebrew word "Hanak." In Hebrew, words often carry multiple meanings, even those that may seem unrelated at first glance. Consider the word "hear" in Deuteronomy 6:4. It encompasses both the act of listening and the act of obeying. While seemingly distinct, these meanings are interconnected. To truly hear implies an agreement with the message, a willingness to act upon what is heard. Similarly, the word "Hanak" carries the dual meaning of "training" and "dedicating." This duality might initially seem contradictory, but upon deeper reflection, a beautiful harmony emerges. To dedicate something or someone signifies a profound act of setting them apart for a sacred purpose. In the context of child-rearing, this dedication involves a loving commitment to guide and nurture a child towards their God-given potential. This dedication fuels the training process. It transforms training from a mere exercise in discipline to a sacred act of love and devotion.

8. Therefore, effective training requires a foundation of dedication. When we dedicate ourselves to a task or a goal, we commit to the process of training that will lead to its fulfilment. Conversely, where there is dedication, there is an inherent willingness to train and develop. Without this dedication and training, true growth and progress become elusive. Dedication fuels our efforts, providing the motivation and perseverance needed to navigate the challenges and setbacks that inevitably arise during the training process.

9. I recently heard a troubling story from Korea. A friend of mine enrolled her child in kindergarten, where the teachers were apparently prohibited from asking children to raise their hands. The reason given was that this simple act could be perceived as a form of discipline, and a parent had complained, even threatening legal action, claiming it might constitute child abuse. This situation raises a perplexing question: Does this make sense? Can children truly learn and thrive in an environment devoid of any discipline?

10. While overly harsh discipline can undoubtedly be harmful, a certain degree of structure and guidance is essential for a child's development. Discipline doesn't have to be punitive; it can be positive and encouraging, setting clear boundaries and expectations that help children learn and grow. Furthermore, overcoming challenges is an integral part of the learning process. Asking children to raise their hands might seem trivial, but it teaches them patience, respect, and the importance of taking turns. Even, these are valuable life skills that lay the foundation for future success. We must find a balance between fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for children while also providing them with the structure and guidance they need to flourish. Removing all forms of discipline, even those as innocuous as raising hands, risks hindering their development and ultimately doing them a disservice.

Ephesians 2:20–22 NLT

Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.

11. The theme for VBS 2024, "Jesus is our Firm Foundation," beautifully captures the essence of our faith. Jesus serves as our steadfast anchor, not only for our spiritual well-being but also for our daily lives. We all need a pattern, a guiding framework for our lives. We wake up, go about our daily routines, and eventually rest. But to truly thrive, we need more than just a routine – we need a solid foundation, a guiding principle. This is where Jesus comes in.

12. As our firm foundation, Jesus offers us a blueprint for life, a set of principles rooted in love, compassion, and righteousness. When we build our lives on this foundation, we gain clarity and purpose. We know what to prioritize, how to navigate challenges, and ultimately, how to live a life that aligns with God's will. But Jesus is not just a foundation for our actions; He's also a foundation for our thoughts. Without a proper spiritual foundation, our thoughts can become scattered and distorted, leading to confusion and instability. We become susceptible to the whims of our emotions and the pressures of the world around us.

13. With Jesus as our firm foundation, we gain a clear perspective on life. We learn to discern right from wrong, to make wise choices, and to prioritize what truly matters. Our thoughts become anchored in truth, and our lives reflect a steadfast faith that can weather any storm.

14. What is the bedrock upon which we build our lives? What foundations have we passed on to our children? It's time to ensure they know the true foundation: Jesus Christ. When we introduce our children to Jesus, we offer them the opportunity to establish their lives on a firm, unshakeable foundation. We equip them with a moral compass, a guidepost to navigate the complexities of life. Jesus becomes their cornerstone, the starting point for building a life and a mindset rooted in faith, love, and righteousness. Teaching our children about Jesus is not just a religious obligation; it's a profound act of love. It's about empowering them with the tools they need to live fulfilling lives, to make wise choices, and to impact the world for good. By directing them towards Jesus, we align their lives with God's ultimate purpose. We prepare them to become active participants in His kingdom, building a future that is brighter and more hopeful for generations to come.

Questions for the Reflection

1. How can we effectively communicate the message of Proverbs 22:6 to children in a way that resonates with their understanding and experiences?

2. What practical steps can we take to create a church environment that fosters intergenerational connections and empowers the next generation to grow in their faith?

3. How can we strike a balance between discipline and grace in our approach to children's education, ensuring that they feel loved and supported while also learning important life skills?

4. In what ways can we partner with parents and families to reinforce the spiritual foundation being laid in the church and create a consistent message for children?

5. How can we measure the success of our children's ministry beyond attendance numbers, focusing on the spiritual growth and transformation of young lives?

6. What are some creative and engaging ways to teach children about Jesus as the firm foundation for their lives, incorporating stories, activities, and visuals that appeal to their age group?

7. How can we address the challenges and concerns raised in the sermon regarding the perceived decline of the church and the need for revival in the next generation?

8. What role does prayer play in the process of raising up the next generation, and how can we encourage a culture of prayer within our children's ministry?

9. How can we equip teachers and volunteers in our children's ministry with the tools and resources they need to effectively share the gospel and disciple young believers?

10. What steps can we take to ensure that our children's ministry is inclusive and welcoming to all children, regardless of their background or abilities?