Written by Josh Mulvihill, Author and Executive Director of Church and Family Ministry Renewanation
Teaching grandchildren the core truths of Christianity is one of the most important callings a grandparent can embrace. By consistently sharing the Bible’s big story, sound doctrine, and everyday faith practices, grandparents can help build a strong spiritual foundation that shapes a child’s life for eternity.
Why Teaching Core Truths Matters for Grandchildren
Biblical Foundation for Early Discipleship
Grandparents should teach grandchildren of all ages the core truths of the Christian faith with a zeal and consistency that follows the pattern of the Bible.
In 2 Timothy 3:15, we read of Timothy, “From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writing, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.” Psalm 71:17 says, “Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.”
Importance of Shaping a Lifelong Faith
The pattern of Scripture is for children of all ages to be taught the core truths of the Bible so that they will be firmly rooted in Christ and established in their faith (Colossians 2:7). The following topics should be taught to children of all ages.
Teach the Big Picture of the Bible
Understanding the Bible’s Unified Story
The Bible is not a random collection of people or events. It is a unified whole with one main storyline pointing to, revolving around, and fulfilled in Jesus. There are four major parts of the Bible: Creation (Genesis 1-2), Rebellion (Genesis 3), Salvation (Genesis 4 to Revelation 20), and Re-Creation (Revelation 21-22).
As you read through the Old Testament, help grandchildren see how it points to Jesus and his covenant of salvation. Jesus himself did this: “And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, he explained to them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27).
Avoiding Moralism Without the Gospel
The primary aim of the Bible is to glorify God, and this happens in salvation and judgment found on every page of the Bible. Read and reread the stories of the Bible to your grandchildren with this in mind. Familiarize them with the main stories, people, and events of the Bible, but not in a way that detaches them from the overall storyline of Scripture.
We should call our grandchildren to obey Jesus Christ and can use the heroes of the faith as models to imitate, but let our teaching not dissolve into moralistic instruction separated from the gospel of Jesus or the glory of God.
Answering Life’s Biggest Questions
Teaching the big picture of the Bible accomplishes two things. First, it answers the big questions of life that every young person will ask, such as: Where did I come from? What is the purpose of life? Who am I? What went wrong in the world? Why is there pain and suffering? What is the answer to all the problems? What happens after I die?
Second, it trains young people with a biblical view of life so they have the ability to detect and reject the world’s big lies. When you teach creation, it will help to refute evolution and atheism; rebellion contradicts relativism (God determines right and wrong); salvation in Christ counters all other world religions; and re-creation addresses the problem of evil (we have hope).
Teach the Core Doctrines of the Christian Faith
What Is Doctrine and Why It Matters
The Bible’s word for core truths is the word doctrine. Doctrine is simply a word to describe what the Bible teaches. Paul challenges young Timothy to “watch your life and your doctrine closely” (1 Timothy 4:16). Every grandchild needs to understand the core truths of the Christian faith to grow into a man or woman with convictions to follow God.
Foundational Truths About the Word of God
The two most critical doctrines for grandchildren to learn center on the Word of God and the Son of God. It is a mark of successful grandparenting to teach grandchildren the inerrancy, authority, and sufficiency of the Bible. It should be a high priority for all grandparents to train grandchildren to embrace the supremacy, exclusivity, deity, and Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Additional Truths to Teach as They Grow
In addition, we must repeatedly, with greater depth as grandchildren age, teach topics such as the character and existence of God, God’s design for marriage between one man and one woman, biblical manhood and womanhood, Christ-honoring sexuality, stewardship of time, talents, and treasures, and wise choices based on godly character.
A Biblical Model: Learning from Lois (Timothy’s Grandmother)
One grandparent, who is worthy of closer examination, is Lois. Lois was the grandmother of Timothy and played an important role in his spiritual life (2 Timothy 1:5). The apostle Paul suggests that Lois taught Timothy the Scriptures from an early age, which became foundational in his following Christ (2 Timothy 3:14-15). Lois is a godly grandparent worthy of imitation. Grandparents might consider three principles of instruction for teaching grandchildren.
Early Instruction (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15)
Research reveals that upwards of 80% of individuals become Christians before age twelve. The early years are important years because children are most moldable at this stage of life. Therefore, it is critical to teach faith while the grandchildren are young.
Frequent Instruction (2 Timothy 3:14)
Paul tells Timothy to continue in his firm belief in Christ. Firm belief results from a lot of little conversations over a long period of time that are reinforced at different ages and stages of life. Focus on consistent, on-going conversations.
Biblical Instruction (2 Timothy 3:15)
Notice that Timothy is taught the Bible from a young age. There is no substitute for Scripture-based teaching, as it is the means God uses for salvation of the young. So make Scripture your sure foundation.
Practical Ways Grandparents Can Teach Faith Daily
- Read Scripture regularly together
- Share personal faith stories
- Ask intentional spiritual questions
- Pray with and for grandchildren
- Model a Christ-centered life
Recommended Resources for Teaching Grandchildren
Family Worship Tools
Donald Whitney has written a concise and practical book called Family Worship. I like this book because it can be read in under an hour and provides a quick overview of family worship in the Bible, in church history, and covers the three primary components of family worship. If you would like to develop the habit of regular, consistent family devotions, then this is the book to get.
Age-Appropriate Theology Books
The Bible’s Big Story und The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses will help you teach your grandchildren the big picture of the Bible centered on Jesus Christ.
- The Bible’s Big Story can be read in one sitting with grade school-aged children and touches on the main people and themes of the Bible.
- The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses is perfect for teens and would make a great gift or could be read and discussed over a period of time.
Bible Overview Resources for Kids and Teens
There are many good resources to teach children and youth the core truths of the Christian faith. For children, I recommend The Gospel for Children und What Does the Bible Say about That? For teens, I recommend Bitesize Theology und Essential Truths of the Christian Faith. These books will help you teach the basics of faith in an age-appropriate way.
Schlussfolgerung
Remember, it is small, consistent steps that matter with a heart that trusts God with the results.
May God use your influence for an eternal impact on your grandchildren. To Him be all the glory!
