Sharing the Gospel while Disciplining your Kids (Part 1)

1. Show them their sin. Our children need to understand that their action was sinful. Their hearts, undoubtedly, already tell them that, "their consciences bearing witness against them." But they need a guide to show them the details and explain it to them. We show our kids their sin when we teach them the following.

First, we must show them what they have done. This means explaining the nature of their sin and the effects it had on not only the one they offended but anyone else standing around. In other words, explain the sin from specific to general, from simple to detailed, from personal to public. Give them both the detailed picture and the big picture.

Second, we must show them when they sinned. If we can point to a specific time or incident that provoked or promoted their sinful behavior we are giving them a world of knowledge and hope, both of which are fighting power against that sin next time. What happened before they sinned? What sparked the sinful behavior? Questions like these lead the very natural follow up questions in number four below.

Third, we must show them why they sinned. They have a sinful heart....just like mom and dad....just like brother and sister....just like Johnny or Susie, their friends at church. We sin because we are sinners, and we are not sinners because we sin. Our children need to know this. The more aware we make them of that sinful nature working 24/7 within their souls, the more fertile ground we are plowing the for gospel seeds to grow strong. The gospel grows best in a soul that has been plowed with a humble mind towards the true nature of its it own heart.

[Source]: Rob Wilkerson III on Miscellanies on the Gospel