Teen Years: Age of Opportunity or
Season for Survival?

I am starting a new series based on Paul Tripp’s book Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens. I will be summarizing key thoughts and hopefully encourage you in your role as a parent of one or more teenagers. I highly recommend this book and trust that my brief summaries will make you want to read it for yourself.

Expect the worst?!
The world has just about everyone convinced that living with and parenting a teenager is the worst thing that could happen to a happy home. The popular advice is expect the worst, try to keep loving him, and be thankful if you come through it with your family intact. The cynical goal is survival!

Abundant Life
Can this be true? More importantly is it Biblical? God does not call us to merely survive but to live an abundant, joyful life. Yes, even when we are parents of teenagers. The Gospel is powerful enough even for this season of our lives!
“I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (ESV)

Biological Warfare?
The Apostle Paul tells Timothy that if he is physically holy he will be ready for whatever God call him to do. He further warns him to flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace (2 Timothy 2:22). God tells us that there are physical (biological) temptations that are particularly difficult in youth, but it is a pure heart that is key. Our focus as parents needs to continually be on the hearts of our children, not simply on their outward actions.

in HIS service,

Pastor Mark

P.S. The themes and main ideas come from Paul David Tripp’s book “Age of Opportunity”. I’m summarizing what I read, adding my own thoughts and Scripture too.

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