FAMILY

Families were God’s unique idea from the beginning. There is no greater institution, no better group of people to effect positive change in the world than the family. There is no better place to learn the essential principles of life than the family. And nowhere can the truths of God’s Word be more effectively taught and modeled. Conversely, there is no institution, no group of people with more power and ability to destroy a person than the family. Physical and verbal abuse, as well as neglect, can damage the emotional well-being of a child well into adulthood, and often for a lifetime. The failure of parents to teach spiritual truths to their children directly impacts their relationship with God and how they treat others. Family is the environment that shapes a child’s lifetime direction.

WHAT IS FAMILY? HOW DOES THE BIBLE DEFINE IT?

Genesis 2:24 . . . This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.

Ephesians 2:19 . . . You are members of God’s family.

James 1:18 . . . In his goodness he chose to make us his own children.

The Bible talks about both an earthly family, made up of husband and wife and usually children, and the family of God, which is all believers united together by the bond of faith.

1 Chronicles 9:1 . . . All Israel was listed in the genealogical record in The Book of the Kings of Israel.

The Bible lists several genealogies, all recorded by family units, showing the family as central and fundamental to the development of people and of nations.

Proverbs 6:20-23 . . . My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s teaching.

Nowhere can truth be more effectively taught and modeled than in the family.

Joshua 24:15 . . . As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.

The family is one of God’s greatest resources for communicating truth and effecting change in any community. This change is directly related to the family’s spiritual commitment and zeal.

Psalm 127:3 . . . Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.

Children are a wonderful blessing.

WHAT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO MY FAMILY?

Deuteronomy 6:7 . . . Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home.

Proverbs 22:6 . . . Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.

To give them spiritual training and explain the gospel of Jesus to them.

2 Timothy 1:5 . . . I know that you sincerely trust the Lord, for you have the faith of your mother, Eunice, and your grandmother, Lois.

Exodus 10:2 . . . You will be able to tell wonderful stories to your children and grandchildren about the marvelous things I am doing.

To share spiritual experiences with them and remind them of their spiritual heritage.

Titus 2:4-5 . . . These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children . . . to take care of their homes.

Ephesians 6:1-4 . . . Bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord.

To love them and discipline them when necessary. To teach them proper conduct. To be a good role model.

Proverbs 31:27 . . . She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness.

To provide for them.

1 Samuel 3:13 . . . I have warned him continually that judgment is coming for his family, because his sons are blaspheming God and he hasn’t disciplined them.

1 Kings 1:6 . . . Now his father . . . had never disciplined him at any time, even by asking, “What are you doing?”

Proverbs 29:15 . . . To discipline and reprimand a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.

Neglecting to teach your children spiritual truths and neglecting discipline have tragic consequences.

GOD PLANNED FOR HUSBANDS AND WIVES TO JOIN HIM IN THE CREATION OF FAMILIES-THE WONDERFUL PRIVILEGE OF TEAMING UP WITH THE CREATOR TO MAKE A CHILD.

Genesis 4:1 . . . Now Adam slept with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant . . . she gave birth to Cain, and she said, “With the Lord’s help, I have brought forth a man!”

Husbands and wives have the privilege in joining in the continuing work of creation by conceiving children.

CELEBRATION AS A FAMILY IS A WAY TO PRAISE AND THANK GOD.

Deuteronomy 12:7 . . . There you and your families will feast in the presence of the Lord your God, and you will rejoice in all you have accomplished because [he] has blessed you.

Family celebrations are an effective way to bond family members to each other and to God.

ONE OF THE GREATEST PRIVILEGES OF FAMILY LIFE IS TO ASSURE THE CONTINUITY OF THE FAMILY AND ITS IDEALS, ESPECIALLY THE PRESENCE OF GOD WITH THE FAMILY THROUGH ALL GENERATIONS.

Psalm 102:28 . . . Their children’s children will thrive in your presence.

Faith in God is the most important inheritance we can pass along to future generations.

FAMILY LIFE CARRIES THE RESPONSIBILITY TO CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER.

1 Timothy 5:8 . . . Those who won’t care for their own relatives, especially those living in the same household, have denied what we believe. Such people are worse than unbelievers.

As God abundantly cares for us, so we should joyfully care for our family.

SHOULD I TREAT OTHER BELIEVERS LIKE MEMBERS OF MY OWN FAMILY?

1 Peter 3:8 . . . Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward one another, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.

God’s family should have all of the qualities of family life, but extended throughout the family of God. We should love one another, sympathize with one another, and help one another. We should be bonded into a special family relationship.

PROMISE FROM GOD:

Psalm 102:28 . . . The children of your people will live in security. Their children’s children will thrive in your presence.

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