“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Eph. 6:4.
Note.—“Religion is love, and a religious home is one in which love reigns. There must be love in action, love that flows out in all the home intercourse, showing itself in a thousand little expressions of thoughtfulness, kindness, unselfishness, and gentle courtesy.”—“Week-Day Religion” by J. R. Miller, D. D., page 83.
5. How faithfully should parents teach their children the Word of God?
“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shall 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.” Deut. 6:6, 7.
6. What is the value of proper early instruction?
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Prov. 22:6.
Note.—No man ever said that he began the service of God too young. No parent ever regretted bringing up his children to love, fear, honor, and obey God.
7. How early were the Scriptures taught to Timothy?
“And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3:15.
Note.—Timothy's father was a Greek, and his mother a Jewess. From a child he had been taught the Scriptures. The faith of his mother and of his grandmother in the Word of God had early been implanted in him through their faithful instruction. 2 Tim. 1:5. The piety which he saw in his home life had a molding influence upon his own life. This, with his knowledge of the Scriptures, qualified him to bear responsibilities and to render faithful service later in the cause of Christ. His home instructors had cooperated with God in preparing him for a life of usefulness. Thus it should be in every home.