The Family Empowered to do Exploits, 7/30/17-8/5/17

Text: Luke 19:13-19, 10:17-20, 9:1

Hymn: Take my life and let it be

Introduction:

As a follow up to the parable of the noble man in Luke 19:13-27, when Jesus was departing this earth for heaven, He instructed His disciples to go into the world to propagate the gospel of salvation to mankind. As believers, we are expected to begin the gospel propagation from our homes, and spread it throughout the whole earth. This exploit is what God has empowered us to do.

Lesson Objectives:

1. To know the family that is empowered.
2. To know the convincing traits that can be seen in a family that is empowered.
3. To enumerate ways God empowers families to do His business on earth.
4. To know the dangers of disobedience and rewards of obedience to occupy till Christ comes.

Question 1.) Whose family is empowered?

Acts 16:30-33

This is the family that is called out of the world to project the image and glory of God through Christ Jesus. This family is where the father, mother and children/ward have entered into covenant relationship with God through the finished work of Christ on the Cross of Calvary in genuine repentance, forgiveness of sins and acceptance of Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They are prepared to do what the word of God says and not to follow the worldly system. They are consistent in their belief and ready to serve the Lord until the end.

Question 2. Discuss some of the convincing traits that can be seen in a family that is empowered?

A family that is empowered is that family that has a convincing trait of Godliness in personal relationship with Christ and with one another. It starts with the “key players” (ie. Father and Mother). Living in adherence to God’s standard. God testified that “Abraham would command his children and household to keep the way of the Lord” ( Genesis 18:19). Joshua boasted that “as for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15c). A home where the father (who is saddled with the responsibility of the priest, pastor, coordinator etc.) will like Joshua boast of his determination and commitment to serve God with his household should be able to submit totally to God’s command so as to be able to present his family to God on the last day. The mother submits to her husband in all things according to God’s will and the children/ward do likewise as Timothy.

Question 3. Enumerate ways God empowers families to do his business on earth, considering the following:

1. The Gift of Salvation: The gift of salvation is the only accessible means of being a member of the family of God before we can be empowered to do exploits. Every member of this family must come to the point of experiencing the NEW BIRTH in order to obtain the adoption of a son/daughter in God’s family. Salvation is free, but not negotiable. It is a must for everybody. (John 3:3-7). No matter the position one occupies in the church, it cannot guarantee salvation.
2. The Gift of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the seal of adoption. He seals the forgiven sinner at new birth. He provides different types of gifts to enable the believer function properly in God’s vineyard. He quickens the believer for greater works. He comforts him/her when discouraged etc. He helps to identify one’s talents/gifts and gives grace to function in that group/field. He helps the believer to win souls.
3. Life Opportunities-Wisdom: God has given His children the wisdom to utilize in life opportunities. His wisdom excels all other worldly wisdom. Joseph demonstrated this at the time of his captivity in the land of Egypt when he refused to defile himself with Potipher’s wife, etc. God honored his faith (Genesis 39).
4. Time Management: “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2). An empowered family is always time conscious both on physical and spiritual things. God is also a God of order and He has given believers needed time to manage His resources on earth to propagate the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Procrastination is a thief of time; therefore, believers should utilize every opportunity they have to fulfill God’s purpose on earth.
5. Power to make Wealth: God has given us the power to make wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18) so believers should be the embodiment of God’s glory in riches and honor. Unfortunately, some believers don’t believe in hard work or that they can make great harvest (Genesis 26:12). Isaac sowed in time of famine and got hundred fold increase.
6. Training, Skills, and Talents: Genesis 1:26 says that God created man in His image and after His likeness. He is the giver of knowledge and He empowers His children with skills and talents to do the work of the kingdom and their own businesses on earth.
7. The Home: Every believer’s family is God’s dwelling place. He has empowered them through His word to do His business on earth. It is when members of the family fail to do their duties that the family fails God.
8. The Understanding of the Word of God: The Holy Spirit helps the believer to understand the word of God. The Christian life becomes easier when one understands what God wants him/her to do through His word and is obedient to it. There should be consistent studying of the Bible to have proper understanding (2 Timothy 2:15).
9. Power and Authority in His name among others: “Wherefore God has highly exalted Him.. that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow” (Phillipians 2:9-11). The name of Jesus has power to protect the believer from all darts of the devil.

Question 4: How can an empowered family affect the society?

The proof of godliness in a family is seen by its lifestyle among the people it is living with in the society. Empowered families possess and displays the fruit of the spirit which differentiates it from other families such that all those social ills that pervade the homes are not seen in it. The children/ward are obedient to the word of God and their parents. They love and respect their neighbors while their parents, show Godly leadership to their children.

Question 5a. What are the dangers of disobedience to the masters order?

Like Eli and his children, it is dangerous to live in disobedience to God’s word or below His standard in the family (Genesis 4:12-22). It brings shame and reproach to the family, the church of God and the society. It multiplies evil in the society and at the end, leads them and the people who copied their lifestyle to eternal damnation. Hell fire will be enlarged and there will be loss of reward/crown for them.

Question 5b. What are the rewards of obeying the command?

The original plan of God at creation was to have eternal fellowship with man. Until his fall, man enjoyed this (Genesis 2:7-8, 15-17). When one obeys Gods command he/she enjoys peace on earth, in his/her family, as an individual he/she becomes the salt and the light of the earth, receives joy on earth and the crown of life in heaven.

Daily Living Application

God is a God of justice and fair play. If God had not provided all we need to perform, He would not have empowered us. He is not a difficult taskmaster who “will not provide straw and yet wants us to mold the same number of blocks we molded when the straws were provided”. There is no excuse. May we not go to our Savior empty-handed. Therefore every member of the family should go and do exploits.