MAN IN GOD'S CREATION

Lesson Twenty-three
THE SPIRITUAL ASPECT OF MAN (3)

Burden to Impart:

In this lesson we see that although God has given children such a good mind and intelligence, their understanding and wisdom will develop gradually, as aoes their body. During this time of development they can make growing up a pleasant and enjoyable experience by being cooperative and obedient to their parents. In this way it will be well with the children and they will be blessed by the Lord.

Memory Verse: "Honor your father and mother,...that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth" (Ephesians 6:2-3).

Facts to Teach:

  1. This is the last lesson in this series about man in God's creation. We have learned about man's creation by God, about man's sin and separation from God, and Gods way. for man's salvation through believing in the Lord Jesus. We have also learned about how special man is in creation, being far superior to the animals. We have learned about our body, soul (mind, feelings, and will), and spirit. We have also learned how to take care of the three parts of our being.
  2. Although God created us with a high intelligence and ability to reason, all of this must develop gradually over the years. Just as it takes about 18 years for our body to grow up physically, it takes many years for the development of our ability to think soberly and to reason properly. We learn many things by trial and error. We learn many things by our mistakes also. However, the most important things we learn are taught to us by our parents.
  3. God chose our parents and God had us born into our particular family (Psa. 139:13) to be cared for and raised. God has entrusted our parents with our care, guidance, and discipline. Many times they pray to God for us; to ask for wisdom to know how to guide us and deal with us. God helps them and gives them wisdom and understanding (James 1:5).
  4. Oftentimes, however, our parents have a difficult timeto guide us because of our disobedience. We have learned almost every good thing from our parents thus far.
    1. To brush our teeth. How would our teeth look by now ff we never brushed them? We did not like to brush our teeth at first. Many times our parents needed to remind us and tell us to brush our teeth. How foolish to grumble or argue or say we brushed them when we did not! Our parents were simply trying to help us learn something so necessary for our health.
    2. Taking a bath.
    3. Changing our clothes.
    4. Washing our hands.
    5. What to eat (food) and what not to eat (dirt).
  5. By now we should have learned that our parents want to help us to do what is fight; and not only what is right, but what is best. We should learn to trust in our parents' decisions instead of arguing or talking back. In this way we shall learn to make the best decisions ourselves. We should learn to obey our parents' commands, and even more, to respect and honor their wishes and desires. Then we will be able to grow and develop without much needless discipline or unpleasantness. Then our family relationship can be sweet and enjoyable.