Putting Away Childish Things

Putting Away Childish Things

1 Corinthians 13.11

Introduction: The church at Corinth had many problems. One in particular was immaturity. Paul earlier had compared them to babies, 1 Corinthians 3.1. There is a time to act as a child and a time when it is improper. What does it mean to act as a child and is that good or bad? What is proper behavior for a child and how can we as parents to act? In the case of the church at Corinth , Paul was helping them to grow up.

I) Good Traits of Children, Matthew 18.3,4

A) Innocence

1. A child is not born totally depraved or sinful

2. However, they can quickly be taught to do and think bad things. See parents that teach their children to shoplift, lie, sell drugs, etc.

B) Simple faith and trust

1. We often say that a child will trust anyone and they have never met a stranger.

2. See a child thrown in the air by their father and they know they will be caught.

3. Such faith and trust we should have in God and His word, Isaiah 12.2

4. I have heard the statement that there will always be a God as long as there are children.

C) Sympathy

1. Children often show sympathy to stray animals, cry when the family pet dies.

2. People often get upset over animals but not over people. See animal rights groups protecting animals but what about people.

3. Christians are to have sympathy for their fellowman, Romans 12.15; Ephesians 4.32

D) Easily satisfied

1. Buy a computer and they will play with the box.

2. Adults seem to always want more and more things, Phil. 4.11

E) Forgiving

1. They don’t hold grudges, accept discipline and then go on.

2. Adults hold grudges, remember things that happened many years ago. They get historical.

II) Faults To Put Away

A) They will gossip and tattle tale

1. Usually when they get mad or are trying to get even with someone

2. We are to watch our mouths, 1 Timothy 5.13

B) Desire attention

1. Even if means getting into trouble. Have known children to do drastic things so as to get the attention of their parents.

2. Some adults have to be the center of attention. They think it is all about them and what they want. Diotrephes is not just in the church building, 3 John 9

C) Envy and jealousy

1. A child may be happy with their toy until they see some one playing with another toy and then they have to have it.

2. Adults can be just as bad as they envy what others have.

D) Crave amusement

1. Children require play things, we call them toys. As a child grows up they should require fewer play things and start to concentrate more on what is at hand.

a. In worship services a young child may have trouble being quite and listening. The rule is a child’s attention span is equal to their age.

b. As the child grows older they should require less and less because they are doing more and more.

c. a passive child is quickly bored; an active child is engaged.

2. The same goes for adults. We are here to worship God, John 4.24

a. Not passing notes, or talking during the lesson, or playing games

b. We show disrespect for God when we are playing at religion, Acts 17.33

E) Play all the time

1. As long as a child thinks it is fun it is ok but when they think it is work they want to quit.

2. There are times we need to work, we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, Phil. 2.12, John 6.29

F) Not steadfast

1. Children are generally not committed to much, pretty easy going.

2. We are to be steadfast in our service to God, 1 Corinthians 15.58

G) Discourteous

1. They will say things out of order, interrupt conversations

H) Pout

1. A child will pout when it does not get its way and enjoy pouting, 1 Corinthians 13.11

III) Children Need to Be Taught How To Act To Please God

A) Notice the Bible passages that stresses this concept

1. Exodus 10.2 they were to tell their children of the plagues on Egypt

2. Exodus 12.26 they were to teach their children the importance of the Passover. Not just how to observe the Passover but its importance.

3. Deuteronomy 11.16-21 teach their children the words of God

4. Deuteronomy 31.9-13 that their children may learn to fear the Lord.

B) How are we to teach our children more than the facts but the meaning?

1. By talking to them about God’s word at home.

2. By teaching them the proper way to worship God

a. A young child may need a few things to keep them busy but as time goes on they can start holding a song book and Bible.

b. When singing you teach them to open a songbook; when preaching help them to find the passages or fill out the paper.

c. This is not a time for play but for worship.

d. Teach them that being a Christian is important by the way you live.

e. Teach them the importance of worship by being here.

3. Your children are learning now the importance of God and their attitudes are being formed now. As a parent you need to make sure your children are learning the right lessons.

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