Train and Direct (Proverbs 22:6)

Sermon on 3 May 2026 by Sis Hui Ling

Introduction

Training and directing is not only for parents to do for children, but for all to do for disciples.

Message

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. - Proverbs 22:6

In Genesis, Adam and Eve rebelled against God, and the world went wrong because of sin. God raised up prophets, who were not for foretelling the future, but to speak His Word and to guide people onto the path of righteousness, eventually pointing to Jesus. Jeremiah was a prophet. He spoke about a certain path.

This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’ - Jeremiah 6:16

Israel and Judah worshipped idols and did not keep themselves righteous and holy. Jeremiah brought the Word of God to these people. He mentioned ‘crossroads’. We need to stop at the crossroads and junctions, and look around. We need to ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. What is the ‘old, godly way’? It is ‘old’ to us because God is timeless. His truth will never waver or change. There is a right way, which is not determined by or relative to the times or morals of the prevailing society.

We are not to rush; to be careful to stop and observe. We are to be diligent to seek the correct way though it may be difficult to find as it is the narrow path (Matthew 7:13-14). We are to be discerning - old does not mean bad and novel does not mean good.

Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. - Psalm 119:35

Encourage joy through thanksgiving and testimony sharing.

The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. - Proverbs 4:18

Training and directing can be tough. Sometimes, there is a need to warn and rebuke; this is with the aim of guiding someone back to the correct path (2 Timothy 4:2, 3:16-17, Proverbs 10:17). As trainers, show that it can be done and you show the way to hope.

He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honour to His name. - Psalm 23:3

Set ourselves right, to be able to train and direct. Draw strength and refreshment from God. Reflect the glory and honour of God.

Closing

You are placed where you are to be able to spread God’s love and to carry out the Great Commission. Let us be able to share God’s Word and truth, and point to Jesus.