Children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), and with that gift comes a divine responsibility. As parents and guardians, we are not only called to provide for their physical needs but also to secure their spiritual foundation<\/strong>. The enemy Satan is not selective by age. He seeks to destroy, starting as early as possible.<\/p>\n In Mark 9:17\u201329<\/strong>, we encounter a boy possessed by an unclean spirit that had afflicted him since childhood.<\/p>\n This incident reveals a profound spiritual reality: children can be spiritually oppressed<\/strong>, and it\u2019s the duty of parents to stand in the gap.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s explore what this means and what practical steps a godly parent can take.<\/p>\n Mark 9:21 (ESV)<\/strong> Jesus, knowing all things (John 16:30), asks this to emphasize how early the boy\u2019s suffering began<\/strong>. This is a warning to all of us spiritual battles do not wait for adulthood. The enemy begins early because he knows the foundation is everything.<\/p>\n Proverbs 20:11 (ESV)<\/strong> If a child can be known by his actions, it means the battle for character and righteousness begins early and so can demonic influence.<\/p>\n John 10:10 (ESV)<\/strong> The demon in Mark 9 tried to throw the boy into fire and water to destroy him (Mark 9:22). This is symbolic of Satan’s mission: destroy destinies before they even begin.<\/p>\n Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)<\/strong> reminds us: As a parent, you\u2019re not just dealing with behavior you\u2019re in a spiritual battle for your child\u2019s soul<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)<\/strong> If we don\u2019t teach our children the ways of God, the world and worse, the devil will gladly step in to fill that gap.<\/p>\n This training involves:<\/p>\n Discipline is not abuse; it is correction for righteousness.<\/p>\n Proverbs 23:13\u201314 (ESV)<\/strong> Discipline done prayerfully and in love teaches children about boundaries<\/strong>, obedience<\/strong>, and consequences <\/strong>all vital in the spiritual life.<\/p>\n Deuteronomy 6:6\u20137 (ESV)<\/strong> Teach your child to:<\/p>\n Memorize Scripture<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Sing hymns and worship songs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Pray<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Read the Bible (or listen to stories from it at their level)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Even if they don\u2019t understand fully now, the Word will dwell in their hearts and guide them in the future.<\/p>\n Job 1:5 (ESV)<\/strong> Job regularly prayed for his children. Parents are priests in their homes <\/strong>we must cover our children with prayer daily, pleading the blood of Jesus over them.<\/p>\n Psalm 101:3 (ESV)<\/strong> Monitor:<\/p>\n The shows and videos they watch<\/p>\n<\/li>\n The music they listen to<\/p>\n<\/li>\n The games they play<\/p>\n<\/li>\n The clothes they wear<\/p>\n<\/li>\n The friends they keep<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Not everything that entertains is spiritually safe. Teach your child discernment and model it through your own lifestyle.<\/p>\n 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)<\/strong> If you don\u2019t lay the spiritual foundation for your child, the devil will gladly lay his. The boy in Mark 9 was afflicted from childhood. How many children today are carrying invisible battles because no one ever prayed for them, corrected them, or led them to Jesus?<\/p>\n Every godly parent has the privilege and the command of standing as watchmen<\/strong> over their children\u2019s souls.<\/p>\n Discipline with love<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Teach the truth<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Pray without ceasing<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Guard their minds and hearts<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n When we do this, our children will be like trees planted by streams of living water (Psalm 1:3), and they will not be easily shaken when trials come.<\/p>\n Isaiah 54:13 (ESV)<\/strong> And the Lord will bless you.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n
\n1. Spiritual Warfare Can Begin in Childhood<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\u201cAnd Jesus asked his father, \u2018How long has this been happening to him?\u2019 And he said, \u2018From childhood.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
\u201cEven a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n2. The Devil Targets Children to Destroy Futures<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\u201cThe thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
\u201cFor we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n3. The Parent\u2019s Responsibility: Laying a Strong Spiritual Foundation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\u201cTrain up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nA. Discipline in Love<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\u201cDo not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nB. Teaching the Word of God<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\u201cAnd these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
C. Consistent Intercessory Prayer<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\u201cJob would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings\u2026 Thus Job did continually.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nD. Guarding Their Eyes, Ears, and Surroundings<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\u201cI will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
\n4. The Enemy Will Strike If You Don\u2019t Build the Hedge<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\u201cBe sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nFinal Word: Build Their Future Today<\/h2>\n
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\u201cAll your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n