Parenting 101 Part 7 - Parental Controls - 9.14.25

Joshua Boyd

Theme: Parenting as God parents us – learning to imitate our heavenly Father.

Pop Quiz Reflection Questions:

1. When the enemy attacks, what is your first action?
2. When was the last time you said out loud, “I resist you, devil”?

Key Scriptures

• Malachi 2:15 – God’s design for marriage includes raising godly children. Spiritually, all believers are called to multiply the kingdom and make disciples.
• Matthew 16:19 – Jesus gives us the keys of the kingdom. What we bind/loose on earth is bound/loosed in heaven.
• James 4:7 – “Resist the devil, and he will flee.” Our responsibility is to actively resist, not passively wait.
• 1 Peter 5:8–9 – Stay alert and resist the enemy; perseverance is required.
• Luke 9:1 / Luke 10:19 – Jesus gives authority to His followers to heal, cast out, and trample the enemy.
• Mark 13:34–37 – Be watchful; authority is given to us as doorkeepers.

Main Teaching Points

• Parental Controls Analogy:
  • Just like devices have parental controls with passwords and boundaries, God has given His children spiritual boundaries and authority.
  • We decide what to allow or not allow into our lives, homes, and minds.
• Keys of the Kingdom:
  • Keys represent authority, access, and responsibility.
  • What we unlock/lock spiritually affects what is allowed in our lives.
• Breaking the Chain:
  • Sinful or destructive actions usually begin with thoughts.
  • We must interrupt the “chain of events” early by resisting wrong thoughts and influences.
• Active Resistance:
  • Resisting is not passive; it’s decisive action (like a parent stepping in when a bully pushes their child).
  • Saying “No” out loud can break the power of intrusive thoughts of fear, worry, or temptation.
• Authority & Responsibility:
  • God has already given believers the authority to resist; He is not waiting to act—we are.
  • We are called to watch, stand firm, and use the authority entrusted to us.
• Practical Application:
  • Resist immediately when thoughts of fear, worry, or sickness arise.
  • Speak God’s Word and confess His promises over your life and household.
  • Guard your mind, household, and children like a spiritual watchman.
  • Encourage one another—stand with others in faith instead of just sympathizing.

Takeaway

God, as our Father, gives us spiritual “parental controls.” He has entrusted us with the authority to resist the enemy, guard what enters our lives, and raise godly children and disciples. Our role is active, not passive: stay alert, resist, and stand firm.

Simple slogan: Just say no—to the devil, to fear, to doubt. Guard the door and use your keys.