The Creature That Became A Teenager
The Creature From Another Planet, part 3 of 5
As our children grow up and become teenagers, their body takes an incredible tumultuous turn toward adulthood and during that process our children can become different… very different! The child who once easily hugged us, rarely allows us to hug them. The child that allowed us so easily into their life, begins to provide abrupt short answers. It is all part of being a teenager. So what do we do as our children become teenagers and have a wholesome desire to leave the nest but an unwise desire to leave it sooner than they are prepared for? In this message we will look at what the Bible says about dealing with teenagers to help them make the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Download the notes.v4. *To tackle the teen-creature challenge, be the person your teen would __TURN TO FIRST__!
Jesus: “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes Me.”
(Matthew 18:5, NIV)
Working Through The Teen Years WITH Your Teen (Three major transitions, three Masterful answers)
I) TEEN BRAINS ARE IN _EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT_.
v4. *Overemotional teens need “___STEADY EDDY___” parents!
1st) Let them be good and mad as long as they__REMAIN GOOD_.
“Be angry and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.”
(Ephesians 4:26, NASB)
2nd) Power down their power-ups with emotional __RESTRAINT_.
“A man of knowledge uses his words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.”
(Proverbs 17:27-28, NIV)
3rd) Don’t be the reason for their frustration, be the __REMEDY_.
“Don’t keep scolding and nagging your children, making them angry and resentful… use loving discipline…”
(Ephesians 6:4, LB)
v4. *God’s model for us: “The Lord is gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and rich in love.” (Psalm 145:8, NIV)
II) TEEN BODIES BATTLE w/_LOVE & SEX CONFUSION_.
*Overwhelmed teens need “___CHRIST-AL CLEAR___” parents!
1st) Teens need to understand sex is a _GOOD GIFT FROM GOD_.
“…Rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you, may you ever be captivated by her love.”
(Prov.5:18-19,NIV)
“As the Scriptures say, ‘A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’” (Ephesians 5:31, NLT)
2nd) Teens need to believe we will _TALK TO THEM ABOUT SEX_.
“Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
(2 Timothy 2:22, NASB)
v4. *God’s model for us: “Neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’”
(John 8:11b, NIV)
III) TEEN BORDERS MUST __EXPAND TO INDEPENDENCE__.
v4. *Overburdened teens need “___BYE-BYE BIRDIE___” parents!
1st) Train your teens to make their own __GODLY CHOICES__.
“…Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…”
(Joshua 24:15b, NIV)
2nd) Allow your teens increased _FREEDOM AS THEY GROW UP_.
“Train a child in the way he should go,and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
(Proverbs 22:6, NIV)
v4. *God’s model for us: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then.” (Galatians 5:1a, NIV)