#1276. Raising children in faith (28/5/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) as we continue our Ready and Willing series, reflecting on the life of Philip.

Today, from the life of Philip, we reflect on how, like him, we can seek to raise a family with Jesus at the centre. 

You can listen to this devotional below

Luke notes that Philip had faithful Christian children. They were so spiritually engaged that they are described as prophesying—suggesting this was a recognised and ongoing part of their lives.

We’ll look more at prophecy in the next devotional. But today, let’s focus on the powerful example Philip gives us of raising children in the faith, or influencing young people toward Jesus.

i. We cannot make anyone a Christian

First, we must remember that no one—not even our own children—becomes a Christian by human effort. Salvation is the work of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus said, we must be “born again” (John 3:3–8). Therefore, our first and ongoing responsibility is to pray for our children, or for the young people God has placed in our lives and in our church.

ii. We can influence children for Christ

Though we can’t convert anyone, we can be used by God to influence them towards Christ. Our lives, words, and actions matter deeply in the spiritual formation of children and young people.

Paul gives specific instruction to parents:

Though these verses address fathers, they apply equally to mothers, guardians, and mentors. The warning is clear: we can embitter, discourage, or exasperate our children. A poor attitude or inconsistent example can make faith seem unattractive or burdensome.

But the call is equally clear: ‘train and instruct in the Lord.’  This means thoughtfully and prayerfully guiding young people with spiritual teaching, appropriate rewards and consequences, and consistent love. Let’s not fall into the modern error of believing that children thrive without guidance or discipline. They don’t. They need structure, love, and spiritual direction.

We will reap what we sow - but in saying this, I repeat, God has given us ‘means of grace’ - tools to nurture the spiritual life - but even the best parents cannot guarantee a child will follow Jesus; we must remember: salvation is in God’s hands. We are called to plant and water, but God alone gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6–7).

I trust we can see that Philip was such an example. While we don’t know every detail of his parenting, we do know that he was a man of good character and authentic faith. He was willing to serve humbly by waiting on tables. When persecution came, he remained faithful and continued to share the gospel. He was humble enough to submit to the leadership of others. All of these traits no doubt shaped the atmosphere of his home and revealed to his daughters the beauty and worth of following Jesus.

In response, today, let’s ask ourselves:

• How are we influencing the young people in our lives?

• Are we setting an example that makes following Jesus look joyful and real?

• If we’re parents, are we living out Ephesians 6:4—not perfectly, but prayerfully?

Whether we’re parents, aunts, uncles, or church members, may we take seriously our call to nurture the next generation in faith.

Let’s pray together. 

“Father, I thank you that you are the perfect Father. Please give me wisdom in my relationships with young people. Help me to lead with love, grounded in your Word and not swayed by worldly trends. Use me to help raise a generation that knows, loves, and follows Jesus. Amen.”

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

For your diary: Our next weekend away will be 19th-21st June 2026!!

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our Ready and Willing? series by looking at a number of aspects of Philip’s life under the theme: There is a great inheritance and a legacy for those who remain ready and willing. 

Please read Acts 21:7-9 and discuss:

1. Main Message – What do you think are the main ideas that God wants us to learn from this passage?

2. Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

3. Example of growth - What can we glean from the fact that Philip was called ‘the evangelist’?

4. Family portrait - What do we learn about Philip’s daughters, and how can we seek to be a great influence to the next generation, particularly if we are parents? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• Mission inspiration from the text - Is there anything else in this text that inspires or instructs us in our mission—how we approach people, how we listen to the Spirit, or how we respond with obedience?

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation? Take time to name them and pray for them.

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the “people of peace” mentioned—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.