In Deuteronomy 6:4, Moses urges the Israelites to teach God's commands to their children every day, from morning until night. Parents' and adults' actions and activities should encourage the next generation to love, respect, and worship God.

In Deuteronomy 1–5, Moses gives the Israelites a memorable history lesson. He recounts the sin and rebellion, which angered the Lord so much that the chosen people wandered in the wilderness for forty years. The journey from Mount Sinai to Kadesh-Barnea should have only taken eleven days, but God purged the disobedient generation so that a new generation might reverence the Lord.

As they enter the Promised Land, God instructs Moses to remind His people to teach their children and grandchildren His commands (Deuteronomy 6:4-6). How? Repeat them, talk about them, tie them, wear them, and write them. Where? At home, on the road, when going to bed, and when getting up (Deuteronomy 7–9). In this, the Lord details a lifestyle of teaching and learning about His Word.

Parents and grandparents teaching God's commands to children throughout the day underscores the necessity of intergenerational spiritual instruction. This passage is a foundational scripture that emphasizes the critical role adults play in shaping the faith of the younger generation. By weaving God's teachings into daily interactions and activities from morning until night, parents and adults foster a deep love and reverence for God within children.

Biblical instruction isn't confined to formal settings; it must be seamlessly integrated into everyday moments, such as meal times, bedtime routines, and even play. Each moment presents an opportunity to instill values that guide children in their spiritual journey. Parents are to talk, repeat, and write as they walk, lie down, and wake up.

Application: As adults, we have the privilege and responsibility to sow seeds of faith in the next generation's hearts and nurture their understanding of God's love and grace. Every message preached, every lesson taught, every biblical account shared, and every moment spent engaging with children about God's love is a step toward fulfilling the command to pass our faith on to future generations. Let us approach this task with joy and dedication, knowing that through our actions, we are playing a crucial role in shaping the spiritual landscape for years to come.

• The church can equip parents with practical tools to nurture their children's faith.
• Parents who meet together share their experiences of integrating faith into their daily activities.
• Practicing prayer in the morning, at meals, when traveling, and at bedtime demonstrates our dependence on God in every aspect of our lives.
• Corporate worship provides a platform to express the love of God that is nurtured at home, through extended family, or from mentors.

Conclusion: When we embrace our role in imparting God's truths to children, we actively participate in God's plan to draw young hearts to Himself. By investing time, effort, and care in sharing the beauty of God's word, we contribute to the growth of a spiritually vibrant and knowledgeable faith community.

As we reflect on the passage in Deuteronomy, let us consider the profound impact of teaching our children about God and His works. Let us embrace this vital role with joy and commitment, knowing that by imparting the truths of Scripture to the next generation, we play a vital part in God's plan to draw young hearts to Himself and glorify His name throughout the earth.

Lesson Summary

In Deuteronomy 6:4, Moses emphasizes the importance of teaching God's commands to children from morning until night. This passage underscores:

• The critical role of adults in shaping the next generation's faith;
• Parents' duty to instill love, respect, and worship of God in their children;
• The significance of integrating spiritual teachings into everyday interactions and activities.

Parents and adults can incorporate God's teachings into their daily routines, such as giving thanks at bedtime and during meals, and praying for a perfect parking space while driving. Such role models foster a deep connection with God in children.

• Every interaction guides children on their spiritual journey.
• Modeling obedience imprints timeless truths from Scripture.

By investing effort and care in sharing God's word with children, adults create a spiritually vibrant community and guide young hearts to God.

• Adults have the privilege and responsibility to nurture children's faith and understanding of God's love.
• By passing on the faith through lessons, stories, and engagement, and utilizing "teachable moments" (Teaching Like Jesus, p. 29), adults play a crucial role in shaping the spiritual landscape for future generations.
• The church can support parents by offering parenting classes to provide guidance and fellowship for those responsible for nurturing their children's faith.
• Corporate worship allows families to express their love for God and reinforces the teachings children receive at home and in the community.

Reflecting on the teachings in Deuteronomy, we see the profound impact of imparting God's truths to children. Dedication to this role helps draw young hearts to God and glorifies His name worldwide.

Lesson Plan

(Download the HBLT Handout)

Objective: By the end of a lesson on Deuteronomy 6:4-8, we will cherish family and the family of God as the foundation for teaching and learning to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength by defining "family" in our present context.

HOOK: Ask, "Who is family to you?" Family extends beyond fathers and mothers to include those who love and care about us, such as foster and adoptive parents. Thank God for the family of God, the Church!

BOOK: Explain Moses' commands to families in Deuteronomy. What is he asking parents to do?

LOOK: What would happen if we obeyed Moses' command in our current context? What would that look like?

TOOK: What is one thing we can do to support families, foster parents, grandparents, and mentors as they apply Deuteronomy 6:7 to their lives?

SONG/VIDEO: "The Blessing" with Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes | Live From Elevation Ballantyne | Elevation Worship https://youtu.be/Zp6aygmvzM4?si=FlxU2q0btmxiRolI

COOK: We've had quite a study on Children in the Pentateuch. Next week, we'll conclude our study with a celebration.

Teacher Nugget: You are family! Thank you for the years, tears, time, and effort you have put into imparting the faith to every generation!

Children's Sermon: Worship Together

Invite children aged 5 to 11 to the front of the church and ask them to sit in a semicircle. The pastor-teacher, with an open Bible and a puppet, sits at the opening of the semicircle and introduces the puppet, naming it to the children. After the puppet welcomes the children, they introduce themselves by saying their names. Next, ask the lesson questions; there are no wrong answers. Conclude this 10-minute children's sermon by giving children a craft project. They may return to their seats or go to a separate area where teens and adults assist in completing the project. Children present or display their crafts at the end of the service.

OBJECTIVE: By the end of a 7- to 10-minute lesson on Deuteronomy 6:4-8, children will appreciate attending church with their family by creating cut-outs that remind them of their church experiences.

MATERIALS: Cut-outs of churches, crosses, and Bibles to give to the children.

HOOK: Who brings you to church? Why is this such a wonderful thing to do?

BOOK: Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and caregivers teach us about God throughout the day and evening when we are with them at home. They also show us how to worship God when we gather together in church. Parents teach us how to read and study the Bible, and they show us how to worship God alongside others.

LOOK: What's the best part of going to church?

TOOK: Church is for everyone, especially children! This is where we sing together, pray together, and worship God together. How would you like to help while you are at church? Could you pray, or sing, or read the Bible?

SONG/VIDEO: "The Blessing" with Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes | Live From Elevation Ballantyne | Elevation Worship https://youtu.be/Zp6aygmvzM4?si=FlxU2q0btmxiRolI

COOK: This week, ask your parents to help you pray out loud. Next Sunday, we will welcome all children who wish to participate in prayer during the service.