Genesis 3:1–7 (NLT) 
The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”  

“Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” 

“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman.  “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful, and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

 

Original Sin represents not just an act of disobedience but the deeper issue of self-exaltation, where humanity falsely believes we possess the wisdom to rule our own lives apart from God.

 

John 14:6–7 (NLT) 
Jesus told [Thomas and the disciples], “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”

 

1. A parent’s primary responsibility is to point their children toward Christ – His way and truth – so that they will receive His life.

Proverbs 9:10 (NLT) 
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

 

Ephesians 6:1–4 (NLT) 
Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

 

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) 
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.

 

2. A parent’s job is to continually seek the Holy Spirit for the specific path for their child and to discipline the attitudes and behaviors that would steal it from them.

Hebrews 12:7–13 (NLT) 
As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us so that we might share in his holiness.  No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward, there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.  Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

 

Discipline: The imposition of painful consequences or other disadvantages upon someone for their disobedience as a part of a process of improving someone’s character or actions.

 

Proverbs 13:24 (NLT) 
Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

 

Discipline parameters to consider:

• Does the “punishment fit the crime?” In other words, does the child connect the punishment with the offense in a way that helps them remember that connection in the future?

• Is this punishment tailored for the specific child? 

• Is the timing of the discipline appropriate for the age and memory span of the child?

• Is the context of the discipline respectful to the child?

• Am I, as the parent, in the right frame of mind to administer discipline?

 

Tips for applying discipline:

1. State clearly what actions and/or attitudes are being corrected.

2. State what the punishment is for those actions and/or attitudes.

3. Apply the discipline.

4. Reinforce your love and acceptance of the child while reminding them what the appropriate action and/or attitude should have been.

 

3. Righteous discipline keeps us and our children on the path of Life.