It’s really not a matter of whether God “expects” us to have children, since God is supreme and omniscient and has the knowledge of who will and won't have children. The question is really one of whether or not having children is a requirement for Christians and whether or not we can have a fulfilled, obedient life in Christ without children.
In the Old Testament times , a large family was a sign of God's favor and blessing. ( (Genesis 33:5; Deuteronomy 7:13–14; Joshua 24:3).There were Godly men and women who for years had been infertile, such as Elkanah and Hannah (parents of the prophet Samuel), Abraham and Sarah (parents of Isaac), and Zechariah and Elizabeth (parents of John the Baptist).
In the New Testament, children are still a blessing and Jesus welcomed children and taught His disciples that children exemplify many of the values of the kingdom of God.
Spiritual fruitfulness and multiplication is what The New Testament focuses more on spiritual fruitfulness and multiplication than on the physical blessings. Believers in Jesus become children of God (John 1:12). In this passage God wants to expand his family. We are to make disciples (Matthew 28:19), not just genetic offspring.
Infertility is not a sign of God’s displeasure. Couples without children are in no way less in great worth, or less important to the kingdom of God than those with children. In (see 1 Corinthians 7:32,fact is one might contend that couples without children can devote the time and energy needed than those with children to the kingdoms work. Every one of God's children are important members of His family and a fundamental part of the body of Christ. God’s will for each and every one of us is different. For some God’s will includes having children, whether naturally or through adoption. For others, His will does not involve having children. Just as God's will for each of us to have a gift, ( see 1 Corinthians 12:8-11. Prayerfully we should seek Gods will in all things.
Thanks for your comment, Jenny. A lot of good thoughts there.
It’s really not a matter of whether God “expects” us to have children, since God is supreme and omniscient and has the knowledge of who will and won't have children. The question is really one of whether or not having children is a requirement for Christians and whether or not we can have a fulfilled, obedient life in Christ without children.
In the Old Testament times , a large family was a sign of God's favor and blessing. ( (Genesis 33:5; Deuteronomy 7:13–14; Joshua 24:3).There were Godly men and women who for years had been infertile, such as Elkanah and Hannah (parents of the prophet Samuel), Abraham and Sarah (parents of Isaac), and Zechariah and Elizabeth (parents of John the Baptist).
In the New Testament, children are still a blessing and Jesus welcomed children and taught His disciples that children exemplify many of the values of the kingdom of God.
Spiritual fruitfulness and multiplication is what The New Testament focuses more on spiritual fruitfulness and multiplication than on the physical blessings. Believers in Jesus become children of God (John 1:12). In this passage God wants to expand his family. We are to make disciples (Matthew 28:19), not just genetic offspring.
Infertility is not a sign of God’s displeasure. Couples without children are in no way less in great worth, or less important to the kingdom of God than those with children. In (see 1 Corinthians 7:32,fact is one might contend that couples without children can devote the time and energy needed than those with children to the kingdoms work. Every one of God's children are important members of His family and a fundamental part of the body of Christ. God’s will for each and every one of us is different. For some God’s will includes having children, whether naturally or through adoption. For others, His will does not involve having children. Just as God's will for each of us to have a gift, ( see 1 Corinthians 12:8-11. Prayerfully we should seek Gods will in all things.