HADTRT15b Why People must Be Restrained - Parents
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This is the second message in the series – Why People need to be Restrained? Today, the focus is on Parents. Now, what do parents have to do with restraining people? Or more accurately, restraining children and teenagers? They have a lot to do with it. The role of the parents is central in helping to develop a sound moral character. But I’m getting ahead of myself. First, I want you to be clear about what I mean by restraining people. To be restrained means to be Muted, to be Confined, to be Controlled, to be Boxed in, to Set limitations, to be Led and to be Directed. Most importantly, the key is restraining people from a lifestyle of doing or practicing evil, rebellion and sin. Why? Because all people are sinful by nature. Let me repeat that - all humanity is born with a sin nature, separated from God, and headed for death, hell, and the grave, never to be reconnected back to God. But God has established a solution for this depraved nature of man. That solution is the in Jesus Christ, by his death on the cross, burial, resurrection, and ascension back to heaven. That unparalleled act presents to all humanity a hope of reconciliation with God, a gift of salvation, and escape the certainty of hell and complete separation from God. So why is restraining important? Because it gives us an opportunity to resist our proclivity, our tendency to rebel and sin and gives us a chance to be saved. 
So parents play a significant role at the beginning of our lives through our teenage years. I know that it’s hard to accept the truth that babies are born with a sin nature, with a selfish nature. They look so cute, so sweet. Right? Have you seen how a baby or toddler behaves when they don’t get their way? They cry, wail, bawl, throw a tantrum. Why is that? They want what they want when they want it. Hungry or not they don’t like being restrained from what they want.
All are born with a sin nature, and there is no one who is born good, no one who is born righteous. No not one.
And thank God that babies are little, otherwise they might knock over the parents to get whatever they want. Babies need the restraining hand of parents.
So parents are the first restraining authority ordained by God. Let me repeat that, Parents are the first restraining authority ordained by God. Parents have the responsibility to train a child to know right from wrong, to restrain their rebellious, sin prone nature. Without the restraining hand of parents, the future of society would be chaos everywhere. Thank God for Parents
Do you remember times when our parents warned us about certain people that we were hanging out with? certain groups that we’re hanging out with? Why do parents do this? Because they already have experience but you are the child; you’re a teenager who thinks that you know better than your parents; and you say, “Oh there’s nothing wrong with this group “ “they are nice people” But deep down inside of your heart you know at least something is wrong. Teenagers listen to this. Do you have any friends who bully people, who undermine others, who cheat on exams, who steal items in department stores and you are silent about it? Why? You don’t want to be a snitch? Did you want to be a part of the group? Did you want to be recognized by others? But you know it is wrong and your parents taught you better, taught you right from wrong! In addition, many of the people in those groups you followed have a tragic end – death, prison, or a troubled life. These are some of the results of the sin nature of human beings. Of course there are exceptions. But it is only by the grace of God that some of us survived. Some people may not believe this but the devil and his fallen angels influence people who rebel and do wrong. Yes, satan is a real personality in the spirit realm. Satan tries to destroy your future early in life. So you and I need to listen to our parents. Their instructions are a restraint against wrongdoing, against evil and against wickedness. This is a God ordained function for parents.
Now the first 7 chapters of the Book of Proverbs in the Bible are an excellent guidelines by which parents can lead their children and restrain their desires to do selfish acts.
Hear what Proverbs 1: 8-10 says: “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; 9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent”
That is clear and direct. So, Listen to your parents, Honor your parents. I am an adult and I still listen to my parents because you can’t buy wisdom. God ordained parents for this.
The restraining hand of parents empowers children and teens to be willing to stand up and say no to wrong things - done by their friends, by their classmates and colleagues; If parents fail to clearly instruct by word and deed good moral standards, then children will fulfill the scriptures which says “bad company corrupts good character”
Also God provides a blessing for honoring parents. In the Book of Ephesians the first three verses of chapter 6 say: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
Hear the promise? “It may be well with you and live a long life”
One of the reasons why so many young people are dying early in society today is because of dishonoring this promise by God. In fact, many of us adults realize the value of parental restraint in our lives when we are in our thirties!!!
Now, there are people who object to my proposal, my presentation of the necessity of parental authority and restraint. They would cite an encroachment on freedom and self-expression of children and teenagers. In other words, children have rights and we should emphasize how they feel about rules. We see this in the open attacks on parental authority from many quarters including the government institutions like the education and child welfare departments; certain social groups and Hollywood. In my view, God gave parents the responsibility for teaching their children the morals standards for life, not the government, not the schools and universities. Morality is not based on what’s popular, on poling data, or what the celebrities and high-profile people do in our society. Feelings are important but do not determine character. We express feelings but we live by principles of truth and discerning between right and wrong. Parental restraint keeps you from sin, protect your life and gives you a solid foundation for life relationships. Sure many rebel, many ignore the restraint, but most to their detriment. God ordained parental authority – to lay the foundation for overcoming our sin nature, a reconciliation back to God through Christ. Parental restraint is a good thing ordained by God. It is the foundation on which the future salvation of children is built. In summary I can conclude that restraint is the guidepost through which God’s calling will be fulfilled in the life of every child. Parents please continue to restrain your children in the obedience and love of God. Indeed, parental restraint is a good thing ordained by God
I want to thank all of you for reading this blog. Please share this information with others, your family, and friends. We hope that the principles we share will help to advance your thinking, especially in the lives of our young people. We would like to hear from you.
And remember that you always need to Hear and Do the Right Thing. Knowledge is powerful, but the wisdom of God is the principal thing.
Until next time..
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