Kingdom Education Booklet

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING GOD’S HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT TO PARENTS

TAKEN FROM: KINGDOM EDUCATION, 2nd EDITION: GOD’S PLAN FOR EDUCATING FUTURE GENERATIONS

BY DR. GLEN SCHULTZ

PRODUCED BY: KINGDOM EDUCATION MINISTRIES WWW.KINGDOMEDUCATIONMINISTRIES.COM EXCERPTS REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION BY LIFEWAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL RESOURCES ONE LIFEWAY PLAZA, NASHVILLE TN

TO BE EDUCATED

By Carolyn Caines, Supervisor Columbia Heights Christian Academy, Longview, Washington

If I learn my ABCs, can read 600 words per minute, and can write with perfect penmanship, but have not been shown how to communicate with the Designer of all language,

I have not been educated.

If I can deliver an eloquent speech and persuade you with my stunning logic, but have not been instructed in God’s wisdom,

I have not been educated.

If I have read Shakespeare and John Locke and can discuss their writings with keen insight, but have not read the greatest of all books – the Bible – and have no knowledge if its personal importance,

I have not been educated.

If I have memorized addition facts, multiplication tables, and chemical formulas, but have never been disciplined to hide God’s Word in my heart,

I have not been educated.

If I can explain the law of gravity and Einstein’s theory of relativity, but have never been instructed in the unchangeable laws of the One Who orders our universe,

I have not been educated.

If I can classify animals by their family, genus and species, and can write a lengthy scientific paper that wins an award, but have not been introduced to the Maker’s purpose for all creation,

I have not been educated.

If I can recite the Gettysburg Address and the Preamble to the Constitution, but have not been informed of the hand of God in the history of our country,

I have not been educated.

If I can play the piano, the violin, six other instruments, and can write music that moves men to tears, but have not been taught to listen to the Director of the universe and worship Him,

I have not been educated.

If I can run cross-country races, star in basketball and do 100 pushups without stopping, but have never been shown how to bend my spirit to do God’s will,

I have not been educated.

If I can identify a Picasso, describe the style of da Vinci, and even paint a portrait that earns an A+, but have not learned that all harmony and beauty comes from a relationship with God,

I have not been educated.

If I graduate with a perfect 4.0 and am accepted at the best university with a full scholarship, but have not been guided into a career of God’s choosing for me,

I have not been educated.

If I become a good citizen, voting at each election and fighting for what is moral and right, but have not been told of the sinfulness of man and his hopelessness without Christ,

I have not been educated.

However, if one day I see the world as God sees it, and come to know Him, Whom to know is life eternal and glorify God by fulfilling His purpose for me,

then, I have been educated!

Used by permission of Association of Christian Schools International From Christian School Comment, Vol.20, No.9, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 1998

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Biblical Principles for Successfully Completing God’s Homework Assignment to Parents Behold children are a heritage from the Lord: the fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3 In this verse God states that one’s children are a heritage from the Lord. However, many people do not understand the meaning of the phrase “heritage from the Lord.” A paraphrase that brings more meaning to this verse could read, behold, children are God’s homework assignment to parents.

Since children are God’s homework assignment to parents, it is important that we understand how God expects us to complete this assignment. God’s Word provides us with several principles that will enable us to be successful as parents. These principles are found in the book, Kingdom Education: God’s Plan for Educating Future Generations.

Kingdom education is defined as: the lifelong, Bible-based, Christ-centered process of leading a child to Christ, building the child up in Christ, equipping the child to serve Christ, causing the child to know God and glorify Him. The ultimate goal of kingdom education is to develop a mature disciple of Jesus Christ whose life glorifies God. God’s Word provides each Christian with principles needed to put kingdom education into practice.

These principles must be studied, understood, and practiced in every aspect of life regardless of age. However, it is extremely critical that these principles be carefully and diligently applied to our children and youth.

It is common knowledge that the easiest time in life to capture a person’s heart for Christ is during the childhood and teenage years. The home, church, and school must give full attention to these biblical principles for children and youth from birth through maturity. As you study each principle, give careful attention to the biblical application the principle has to everyday life.

Principle #1: The education of children and youth is the primary responsibility of parents Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord (Ps. 127:3, KJV).

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto 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.

And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shall write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates (Deut. 6:7-9 KJV).

And ye shall teach them unto your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, when thou risest up (Deut. 11:19, KJV). We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of the

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Lord, and His strength, and His wonderful works that He has done. For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children (Ps. 78:4-5, KJV).

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6, KJV).

And did not He make one? Yet had He the residue of the Spirit? And wherefore one? That He might seek a godly seed (Mal. 2:15, KJV).

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4, KJV).

These passages make it clear that parents are responsible to God for the education or training of their children. Another way of interpreting Psalm 127:3 is children are God’s homework assignment to parents. Even if parents delegate some areas of their child’s education to others, they are still answerable to God for what and how their children are taught.

Malachi 2 makes it clear that God desires parents to develop godly off spring. This is an awesome task, and it takes maximum eff ort on the part of parents to accomplish. As our society becomes more and more secular, we increasingly encounter the false notion that the education of young people is a shared responsibility. Secularists say parents do have certain responsibilities but so do the local, state, and federal governments. At each level of government, various branches are constantly vying to assume more and more of this responsibility.

Application Christian parents must make sure that they are assuming total responsibility for the education of their children, and to do so, parents must constantly ask themselves certain questions.

1. Who or what is in control of educating my child at home? What training is being done directly by me, the parent? What influence do I allow the media to have on my child at home? Do I know what my child is seeing, hearing or doing while at home?

2. Do I know what my child is being taught in my neighborhood? What are other parents or peers teaching my child when they are together?

3. What is my child being taught in church, Sunday school, and other church related activities?

4. What is my child learning at school? From teachers? From textbooks? From the curriculum? From other students? From the school’s policies and procedures?

Parents soon realize that it is a tremendous task to assume direct responsibility in each of these areas. Therefore, it is important that parents follow additional biblical principles as they endeavor to take responsibility for their child’s education.

Principle #2: The education of children and youth is a 24-hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week process that must take place from birth through maturity.

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shall 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 (Deut. 6:7, KJV).

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You shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sitt est in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up (Deut. 11:19, KJV).

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6 KJV).

A high percentage of Christian parents have heard and even memorized Proverbs 22:6. We want to claim this as a promise that will assure us that our children will eventually walk with the Lord if we give them some training from a biblical perspective early in life. However, most of us fail to comprehend how intense this training needs to be.

The concept communicated by the phrase train up a child is that this is a continuous process that starts at birth. When he is old tells us that this process does not end until the individual reaches maturity.

God gives us instruction in Deuteronomy 6 when He states that parents must teach their children diligently with intense, highly concentrated, consistent eff ort. This eff ort must take place: 1. When our children get up each morning; 2. When they are at home and around the house; 3. When they are away from the house; and 4. When they lie down to go to sleep.

The only time we should not be diligently teaching our children the things of God is when they are asleep.

Application Christian parents need to answer these questions to see if they are following this principle of kingdom education.

1. What am I doing to diligently teach my child the things of God when he awakens each day?

2. How am I diligently teaching my child God’s ways while he is at home?

3. Is my child being taught God’s truth in all of the activities he is involved in away from home?

(Answer as it relates to schooling, recreational activities, and even any work in which the child may be involved.)

4. What am I doing to reinforce God’s Word in my child when he finishes each day and goes to bed?

Principle #3: The education of children and youth must have as its primary goals the salvation and discipleship of the next generation.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matt hew 28:19-20, KJV).

But the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments (Psalm 78:6-7, KJV).

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Philip May, in his book Which Way to Educate? compares today’s educator to the field general who has become so involved in the details and strategies of the immediate batt le that he has lost sight of the overall strategy of the war or has actually forgotten why it is being fought. Christian parents must never forget that the only goal with true meaning for why we educate our children is for them to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

If our children become National Merit scholars and do not know Christ, what have we achieved of lasting value? Christ told His disciples that He wanted them to make other disciples, giving them a new identity in Christ and empowering them into a lifelong relationship with Christ characterized by love, trust, and obedience.

As we assume our responsibilities to diligently teach our children God’s ways and we do this all day long, we must also strive to see them follow Christ in all they do. In fact, we can know that we have been successful in this task when we see our children and our grandchildren teach their children to know God and keep his commandments.

Application Christians must develop a single-minded focus on the purpose behind the education of their children. This purpose is to see their children become mature followers of Christ. As we ask these questions, we can evaluate how well we are doing in practicing this principle.

1. Am I consistently sharing the gospel with my children?

2. Am I a mature disciple of Christ, reflecting a life characterized by love, trust, and obedience to Him? 3. Do all the educational eff orts that I provide my child, both at home and away from home, point him to Christ and help him follow Christ? (This must be applied to all a child does, such as music, movies, recreation, schooling, sports, and so on.)

Principle #4: The education of children and youth must be based on God’s Word as absolute truth.

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my Words shall not pass away (Matt hew 24:35, KJV).

Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is sett led in heaven (Psalm 119:89, KJV).

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the Word of our God shall stand forever (Isaiah 40:8, KJV).

Man constantly searches for truth. Life has no meaning apart from truth. When Pilate was trying to make sense out of the dilemma he faced concerning Jesus, he asked Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:38, KJV). Our society declares truth is determined only by experience. It has been redefined as anything that is “legally accurate”. But God’s Word is eternal and, therefore, is man’s only source of truth. This means that everything man studies must be scrutinized through the lens of Scripture, the only way to find true knowledge that will lead us to wisdom.

When God’s Word is removed from any facet of education, that education becomes mere human indoctrination. Such education always evolves into empty philosophies that spoil and deceive

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because it follows after the traditions of man and the rudiments of the world rather than after Christ. Whatever we teach children and youth must be based on the absolute truth found in God’s Word.

Application As parents evaluate everything that is being taught to their children according to God’s Word, these questions will provide a framework for considering present and future actions.

1. Do we, as parents, know God’s Word and are we growing in this knowledge by daily study and meditation?

2. Is what we are teaching our children at home, both in words and actions, founded on the truth of God’s Word?

3. Do we know what is being taught to our children through the media, entertainment, recreation, church, Sunday school, and school?

4. Is everything that is being taught to our children outside the home grounded in the Word of God? This applies to church, school, and other activities.

Principle #5: The education of children and youth must hold Christ preeminent in all of life.

In whom (Jesus) are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3, KJV).

Woe unto you, lawyers! For ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered (Luke 11:52, KJV).

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:6-10, KJV).

Because of the sacrifice Christ made on the cross on behalf of all men and in humble obedience to His Father, His name has been exalted above all other names. In fact, the Bible states that Jesus not only created everything but everything was created for Him. Christ is to be preeminent in everything–period. The education of our children and youth must be centered on Christ. By doing this, it will lead us to the goal of seeing our children living in a personal, intimate love relationship with Jesus. Christ must be at the center or heart of all we teach our children. In the 1600s John Milton wrote, “the end then of learning is to repair the ruins of our fi rst parents by regaining to know God aright, and out of that knowledge to love Him, to imitate Him, to be like Him.”

Application Have we lost our first love like the church of Ephesus did (Revelation 2:1-7)? The answers to certain questions can help us evaluate whether Christ is preeminent in our lives and in the education of our children and youth.

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1. Do our children know that Christ is our first love by our actions concerning » how we live at home? » our church attendance and involvement? » the stewardship of our lives including our time, talent and treasure? » how and what we tell them to do?

2. Is Christ the preeminent focus of our church as it relates to training our children? This would include worship, Sunday school, and other activities.

3. Is Christ the center of our children’s schooling?

4. Are our family activities such that Christ would be comfortable and welcome?

Principle #6: The education of children and youth must not hinder the spiritual and moral development of the next-generation.

Whoso shall off end one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea (Matthew 18:6, KJV).

Then were there brought unto Him litt le children, that He should put His hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suff er litt le children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven (Matt hew 19:13-14, KJV).

They brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them (Mark 10:13- 16, KJV).

They brought unto Him also infants, that He would touch them: but when His disciples saw it, they rebuked them but Jesus called them unto Him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein (Luke 18:15-17, KJV).

Jesus showed a special love for children throughout His earthly ministry. When the disciples tried to keep children from getting too close to Jesus, He rebuked them very firmly. It was in this context that Jesus made statements about the seriousness of off ending a young person as noted in the passages above.

Sometimes we think of off ending children only in means of physical abuse, but anything that hinders their moral and spiritual development is the epitome of child abuse.

Application The big question we must answer concerning the education of our children and youth is simply: 1. Are our children being taught anything that will draw them away from Jesus?

This test must be applied to anything and everything that we are teaching them or allowing others

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to teach them at home, church, school, or in the community. The question becomes a huge issue when we apply it to who their friends are; what they listen to, see, or read; and what they’re being taught in school.

Principle #7: The education of children and youth, if and when delegated to others by parents, must be done by teachers chosen with utmost care to ensure that they all follow these principles.

Thou shall provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens (Exodus 18:21, KJV).

This child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him: therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:27-28, KJV).

The child ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the Word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; and ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the Ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; that the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. And the Lord called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the Word of the Lord yet revealed unto him. And the Lord called Samuel again the third time.

And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child. Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if He call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth (1 Samuel 3:1-10, KJV).

The task of raising children is awesome. It is becoming more demanding with each passing day.

Every parent will in some way delegate some of the responsibility in the process of properly educating his/her children. This happens when we take them to church, allow them to go on the Internet, or send them to school.

When Moses was trying to educate the children of Israel to know and follow God, Jethro told him he had better delegate some of the task to others if he planned to survive. However, Jethro warned Moses to be extremely careful to check the character of the person to whom he would delegate any portion of this responsibility. In essence, each person had to fear God, love truth and hate covetousness (Exodus 18:21).

Application Consider those you allow to help in educating your children. Make a list of every person, institution, organization, and so forth that is teaching your children about any aspect of life. Then asked these questions.

1. Does this person fear God, love truth, and hate covetousness?

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2. What can you do to ensure that such people are the only ones that you allow to help you educate your children?

While it is true that we cannot control this in every situation, this principle can and must be applied in the major areas of life where our children are receiving training.

Principle #8: The education of children and youth results in the formation of lifestyles or worldviews that will be patterned after the belief systems or worldviews of their teachers.

The disciple is not above his master: but everyone that is perfect shall be as his master (Luke 6:40, KJV).

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you (Philippians 4:9, KJV).

Every person has a worldview or an underlying belief system that drives his or her attitudes and actions in life. A person can hold one of two possible worldviews–a God-centered worldview or a man-centered worldview. The individual’s worldview is primarily determined by that of his teachers.

Everyone who teaches others influences them in three ways: by their content, what they say; by their communication, how they say it; and by their conduct, how they live. No one can teach out of a philosophical vacuum. Their beliefs and values will come out and these will help shape the beliefs and values of those whom they teach.

George Barna claims that only 7-8% of today’s Christians have a biblical understanding of life.

Following this principle would cause us to conclude that today’s Christians have been educated by a majority of people (influences) who did not possess a God-centered worldview.

Application Ask yourself the following questions.

1. Do I have a God-centered worldview? Do I think and act from a biblical perspective of life?

2. What type of worldview is my child receiving and seeing in our home, in our church, in his school?

3. What type of worldview is being presented in the music my children listen to? in the media they see and read? In the textbooks they study?

Principle #9: The education of children and youth must lead to true wisdom by connecting all knowledge to a biblical worldview frame of reference.

Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not… Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (Proverbs 4:5 7KJV).

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding (Proverbs 9:10 KJV).

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The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork (Psalm 19:1, KJV).

The invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse (Romans 1:20).

In whom (Christ) are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3, KJV).

Nancy Piercy in her book Total Truth states “we must begin by being utt erly convinced that there is a biblical perspective on everything–not just on spiritual matt ers… The fear of some ‘god’ is the beginning of every proposed system of knowledge… God is the sole source of the entire created order. No other gods compete with Him; no forces exist on their own; nothing receives its nature or existence from another source. Thus His Word, or laws, or creation ordinances give the world its order and structure.… There is no philosophically or spiritually neutral subject.”

God created the entire universe–including every fact found in every subject one studies. Scripture makes it clear that God reveals His very character and nature to us through our understanding of His created world. The education that we provide our children must not merely give our children knowledge but must lead to true wisdom and understanding by causing children to see the Godintended meaning found in everything they learn.

If any part of our children’s education is presented as if it is spiritually neutral, it results in causing our children to think that God is irrelevant to some aspects of life. This will lead to them dividing their lives into two compartments–the secular and the sacred.

Application Ask yourself these questions.

1. Do I believe that there is some knowledge that is spiritually neutral?

2. Have I developed a biblical frame of reference (worldview) that causes me to interpret the meaning of all knowledge in every aspect of life with its God-intended meaning?

3. Does the education my children receive at home, church, and school require them to submit their minds to God and does it lead them to interpret every aspect of creation and the light of His Word?

Principle #10: The education of children and youth must have a view of the future that includes the eternal perspective.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:1-2, KJV).

And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24, KJV).

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither

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moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matt hew 6:19-21, KJV).

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off , and were persuaded of them, and embrace them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth (Hebrews 11:13, KJV).

I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing (2 Timothy 4:6-8, KJV).

None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might fi nish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24, KJV).

God places a two-fold calling on every child’s life. The first and most important call on a child’s life is an eternal call. It is God’s desire that each child come to know Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. The second call is a temporal call. This involves God’s call for a person to live a life of service to Christ while here on earth.

The education of children and youth must not only prepare them for a life of service here but also to stand before God for eternity. This eternal perspective must be part of the entire educational process. It is very natural to focus only on this temporal life when it comes to education. But if this is the only focus of education, then individual success will be measured in temporal financial achievement. Financial success is the dominant goal of secular education today.

Application Ask yourself these questions.

1. Why do I want my child to have a good education?

2. How does my life reflect an eternal perspective as I live it before my children?

3. How is the eternal perspective seen in the teaching of my children that takes place in my home, the church, and the school?

4. Do I want my children to get a good job and have a comfortable lifestyle more than I want God to use them in any way he sees fi t?

Principle #11: The education of children and youth must have as its primary focus the increase in the knowledge of God And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3 KJV) O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.

(Romans 11:33-36 KJV)

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For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Romans 1:20 KJV) The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. (Psalm 19:1-3 KJV) Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (Ephesians 1:16-19 KJV) For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be fi lled with all the fulness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-19 KJV) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (Ephesians 4:13 KJV) For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be fi lled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Colossians 1:9-10 KJV) That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-13) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; (Philippians 1:9 KJV) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (Philippians 3:8-10 KJV) But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18 KJV) Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:5 KJV) Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land… For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. (Hosea 4:1; 6:6 KJV)

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For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV) All education involves the gaining of knowledge. This is true whether the education takes place in the home, church or school. Unfortunately, not all knowledge is of equal importance or value. It is a well-known fact that the amount of knowledge is exploding at exponential rates all around the world. Because of the internet our children and youth are constantly being bombarded with knowledge that really has no direct impact on their lives. One person has accurately assessed this knowledge overload by explaining that this situation has caused people to lose their ability to discern what is important and what is not.

Schooling emphasizes the importance of students gaining knowledge by stressing the need for them to excel on a wide variety of texts and examinations. SAT and ACT scores, honors and AP course grades and a host of other “academic” eff orts are held in high esteem. But parents, church leaders and educators must understand what God’s Word says about the importance of gaining knowledge. Throughout the book of Proverbs stresses the importance of gaining knowledge.

However, it goes on to say that when getting knowledge, it is important to also obtain wisdom and understanding.

The reason why it is important for students to obtain wisdom and understanding is because God expects His people to use the knowledge they obtain to advance His kingdom. Merely learning facts in order to achieve higher test scores and get accepted in college is not what God wants from His people.

Therefore, it is critical that Christians keep the major focus of education on increasing the students’ knowledge of God. God created man in His image so that man can know Him. Man was created for relationship. J.I. Packer states, Once you become aware that the main business you are here for is to know God, most of life’s problems fall in place of their own accord.

Albert Greene in his book, Reclaiming the Future of Christian Education, brings clarity to Scriptures such as Psalm 19 and Romans 1:20 when he wrote.

We must avoid the impression that academics represents the fullness of what school is all about.

Knowing God in and through the creation is what is important…it brings no honor to the Holy Spirit if we then proceed to treat the ordinary school studies, which are derived totally from the created world, as if they had nothing to do with God. They are laden with meaning because they are all part of God’s way of giving Himself to us, of making Himself known to us.

As one studies the Scriptures above, he/she will understand the priority of making sure the education that parents give their children focuses on the increase in knowledge of God. Jonathan Edwards said it best when he wrote, Of all the knowledge that we can ever obtain, the knowledge of God, and the knowledge of ourselves, are the most important…He who does not know Him, knows nothing else as it truly is.

Application Ask yourself these questions:

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1. What is the most important knowledge you want your children to gain?

2. What is the most important knowledge you believe that the school wants your children to gain?

3. What is the most important knowledge you believe that the church wants your children to gain?

4. On what are you basing your answers to the questions above?

5. What do you want your children to do with the knowledge they gain?

Principle #12: The education of children and youth results in performing work in fulfillment of God’s will for their lives And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. and God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:26-28 KJV) Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:17 KJV) For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

(Hebrews 10:36 KJV) Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21 KJV) For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Colossians 1:9-10 KJV) Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1-2 KJV) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:14 KJV)

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Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matt hew 5:16 KJV) Most Christian parents would say that they want their children to grow up and find God’s will for their lives. However, few parents understand that finding God’s will for one’s life should be the main result of the education one receives. This, again, must be true for the education children and youth receive at home, church and school.

God places two calls on everyone’s life. The first call is a general call to all people to be saved. The second call He places on a life is a specific call to do a work for His glory. Man was created to work because man was created in the image of God; One who is constantly at work in His creation.

Unfortunately, many Christians have lost the concept as work being a vocation. Author, Timothy Keller, explains the need to see work as a vocation in his book, Every Good Endeavor.

We must recover the idea that work is a “vocation” or calling, “a contribution to the good of all and not merely…a means to one’s own advancement.”…Something can be a vocation or calling only if some other party calls you to do it, and you do it for their sake rather than your own. Our daily work can be a calling only if it is reconceived as God’s assignment to serve others.

Every child has been given specific gifts and abilities by God in order for that person to do something with some aspect of God’s creation. Every person’s calling or purpose is to be a steward of some aspect of creation. Consider the words of Kevin Swanson in his book, Upgrade.

Everybody is gifted and has a purpose in God’s world…Each child has a specific calling , framed by his unique talents and abilities…A successful education is achieved when a child is prepared to make maximal use of his God-given talents and abilities in the accomplishment of the child’s calling…The challenge of the first eighteen years of a child’s education is to find that calling…A fulfilled life will be determined by whether he/she has centered in upon his or her life calling.

Application Ask yourself these questions: 1. Do you see work as something to desire or to dread?

2. Do you see work as merely a job to pay bills and acquire more “stuff ” or as a God-given stewardship of some aspect of His creation?

3. Is the education your child is receiving at home, church and school aimed at identifying his/ her God-given abilities and talents?

4. Is the education your child is receiving at home, church and school focused on your child seeking God’s call/will for his/her life or on getting into a good college in order to get a good job and have a comfortable life?

Principle #13: The education of children and youth must be characterized by the pursuit of biblical excellence based on godly character resulting in competent performance

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O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory above the heavens. (Psalm 8:1 KJV) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (1 Timothy 6:11 KJV) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. (Philippians 1:9-10 KJV) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV) Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. (Ecclesiastes 9:10 KJV) For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV) The pursuit of excellence should be a key aspect of the education every child receives at home, church or school. This is because God’s name, alone, is excellent. As you read this principle, take a minute and write down your definition of excellence. Most Christians when asked to do this will defi ne excellence based on one’s performance and/or achievement. Unfortunately, the majority of Christians have adopted a worldly picture of excellence.

The world sees excellence from only a horizontal perspective. It can be summed up by two words – compare and compete. An individual or an organization/team/etc. is excellent if it is better than the other one or beats the other one. In a postmodern, post-truth world, excellence is totally subjective in nature. Achievement and performance become the measure of success.

The Apostle Paul warned Christians in Corinth about the danger of measuring oneself through comparison with other people (see 2 Corinthians 10:12). It is important that Christians pursue biblically-based excellence. Biblical excellence has several characteristics that are in stark contrast to the world’s idea of excellence. True excellence has the following characteristics. » God is the standard for excellence. » Jesus is the model of excellence » Christlikeness is the goal of excellence » Character, not performance, is the primary focus of excellence » God’s glory is the motive for excellence » The Bible, not human opinion, is the source for determining excellence » God’s Spirit is the empowerment to achieve excellence Performance and/or achievement is important to pursuing biblically-based excellence. However, performance/achievement only has eternal significance if it is an extension of striving for godly character in one’s life. A person should strive to do one’s best in every endeavor because he/she represents Jesus Christ. When this is accomplished, a student not only achieves excellence but is a success in God’s eyes.

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Application Ask yourself these questions: 1. Have you been striving for excellence that is characterized by performance and is based on a horizontal perspective characterized by compare and compete?

2. Do you view excellence starting with a vertical perspective and is focused primarily on character resulting in competent performance?

3. What type of excellence is being promoted in the education that your children and youth receive at home, church and school? Is it focused primarily on God receiving glory in everything that is done?

4. Do your child’s teachers, coaches, sponsors, church leaders, etc. lives reveal God’s character in everything they do so that praise for God is increased in your child’s life?

Principle #14: The education of children and youth must equip them to fulfill God’s highest purpose for man to glorify Him and enjoy Him for life and eternity.

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36 KJV) For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:16-17 KJV) And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:26-27 KJV) I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. (Isaiah 42:8 KJV) The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. (Psalms 19:1-3 KJV) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Romans 1:20) Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, (Hebrews 1:3 KJV) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV) Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV) The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins by asking a very important question. What is the chief

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end for man? The answer to the question gives every parent an understanding of God’s highest purpose for every child that is born into this world. In the Catechism, the following answer is given.

Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

When one studies the Scriptures listed above, he/she finds that God created the heavens and the earth as an expression of who He is (See Romans 1:20 and Psalm 19:1-3). He created everything, including man, for Himself (See Romans 11:36 and Colossians 1:16-17). In other words, everything was created for His glory. This means that the education we give our children and youth should prepare them to fulfill God’s highest purpose for their lives – to give Him glory through everything they think, say and do.

All Christian parents want God to bless their children and give them success in life. As one considers Isaiah 42:8, he/she finds that God will only work for His glory. Therefore, education must equip a student to be able to live a life that glorifies God. It is important to understand, in a practical way, what it means to glorify God. Dr. Gary Inrig said it best when he wrote.

One’s glory is one’s reputation…God’s glory is not just His reputation but His revealed character, the display of His attributes. To glorify someone therefore is to increase his reputation by revealing his true nature…to glorify God is to live in such a way that His character is displayed and His praise is increased.

God’s purpose for education is that every young person would be so trained and equipped that his/ her life displays God’s character in such a way that God’s praise is increased.

Application: Ask yourself these questions: 1. Does my life that I live in front of my children display God’s character?

2. Do the lives of my children’s teachers display the character of God in all they say and do?

3. Is the education that I am providing my children equipping them to fulfill God’s highest purpose for their lives?

SUMMARY The education of our children and youth is an awesome responsibility that every Christian parent must be willing to assume. Remember that children are God’s homework assignment to parents.

Psalm 127:5 states that when a parent has successfully completed his homework assignment, “they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.”

Oswald Chambers commented on this verse: Have I been able to reproduce my own kind spiritually? If so, in a time of difficulty I will be brought through magnificently victorious; but woe be to the spiritual man who has never produced his own kind, when the difficulties come there is none to assist, he is isolated and lonely.

Many Christian parents are becoming increasingly concerned about their children’s education with each passing day. The violence that is growing in society, especially in our youth, is causing

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great alarm. Our children and youth are being taught that their identity is determined by their feelings and they no longer know what it means to be human.

Too often, the first and sometimes only question that parents ask is, Where should I send my child to school? Should they go to Christian, home, private, or public schools?

Trying to answer this question often leads to heated debates. Since God’s Word does not address the “where” question directly, any position can be justified and rationalized. At the same time, the next generation continues in a moral tailspin, seemingly out of control. In too many cases, where they are attending school doesn’t seem to make a difference. This is because Christian parents are not following biblical principles when it comes to the education of their children and youth.

The debate must never be about where should Christians send their children to school. The debate needs to be about how does God want Christians to educate their children? It is not about Christian versus public schools. It is about biblical education versus secular education.

Unfortunately, just because a school is labeled a Christian school doesn’t guarantee that is operating according to a biblical philosophy of education.

I hope you have given careful attention to the fourteen biblical principles relating to the education of children and youth. All fourteen principles must be followed fully if we are going to fulfill the definition of kingdom education.

There are an estimated 20-25 million children and youth from church families. This huge number represents a tremendous potential for a powerful spiritual army if they are educated and enter into adult life knowing God and thinking and acting from a biblical worldview. If we earnestly apply these principles to the education of our children, the “where” question will be more accurately answered, and the potential to capture the next generation and their world for Christ can become a reality.

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