CENTRAL THOUGHT
God’s expectation is for us to raise up godly families.
HYMN: WILL YOUR ANCHOR HOLD IN
TEXT: Eph. 5:21-33, 6:1-4, Col. 3:8-19, Heb. 13:4-6
INTRODUCTION
The Lord God created the heavens and the earth, instituted marriage with the first family of Adam and Eve. God declared that everything He had created was very good (Gen. 1:31). He placed everything in its strategic position (including the first family). But Satan (the enemy of God and man) challenged that family, caused them to sin against God who drove them out of the Garden of Eden. He placed at the garden of Eden Cherubim and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep them away from the tree of life. Ever since, satan has been attacking family and is still in the act: to steal, kill and destroy. This study will therefore address God’s expectation for the family.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are:
1.) To know the times, we are in.
2.) To know God’s expectation from our families.
BIBLE TRUTH
Q1A. ENUMERATE THECHARACTERISTICS OF THE TIMES WE ARE IN. 1 Tim. 4:1-3, 2 Tim. 3:1-8, 1 John 2:15-18 The times we are in, called perilous times or the last days, are characterized by all forms of wickedness, backsliding, preaching/practices of false doctrines and hypocrisy. The scriptures says that “men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient, to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God: having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof….”The present times are also filled with the love of the world. Worldliness has crept into some families that one hardly differentiates the language, manner of life, dressing, conduct, etc. of a believer from that of the unbeliever. Some believers live as if they are going to spend the rest of the lives here on earth; they have forgotten that they are strangers and pilgrims in this world only passing through to another world.
Q1B. WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF THESE CHARACTERISTICS ON THE HOME Romans 1:18-32, Gal. 5:17-21, Psalm 125:5, Prov. 21:17
The spirit of the last days which is the antichrist has adversely affected the believers’ homes and the effects are innumerable. Sin/disobedience, works of the flesh, spiritual poverty, lack of focus on eternity, the love of the world causing deviation, distorted gospel, heretic beliefs and preaching of the doctrines of the devil are on the increase and corrupt practices are manifest undermining the imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to take the prepared saints to heaven. Families go to church, partake in different activities, yet exhibit ungodly character as if they do not have the knowledge of God. Children and youths witness the evil of the practice of cultism and prostitution. We should be careful not to partake of this evil or live in disobedience, for God cannot share His glory with any man.
Q2A. WHAT IS GOD EXPECTING FROM YOUR FAMILY/HOME? Gen. 6:8-9, 8:18-19, 1 Peter 3:1-12
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him and THEY SHALL KEEP THE WAY OF THE LORD to do justice and judgement. God’s expectation from Christian homes is that they should keep the way of the Lord. The Lord commands that the husbands should love their wives and that the wives should be in subjection to their husbands. “… for after this manner in the hold time the holy women ….adorned themselves, bring in subjection unto their own husbands”. The children should also obey their parents as unto the Lord. He also expects us to resist the devil in every facets of life. This is because the devil wages war against the family structure to make sure that God’s purpose is not achieved.
Q2B. PRACTICALLY EXAMINE THE FOLLOWING:
a) Effective and efficient leadership of the home by the parents.
Effective means producing results that was intended and efficient means doing something well. Leadership connotes being in charge or control of something. For parents to have effective and efficient leadership they have to first of all know the intended result and then how to produce it well i.e. such parents know the purpose why God established the family and how to fulfill the purpose. In the first instance, parents should make sure that they are under the control and leadership of the owner of the home (GOD) and Jesus Christ the Savior of the world. Genuine salvation of parents and restoration of the backsliding one is very important. The spirit filled father being the head and leader (Pastor) of the home; commands both the spiritual and physical affairs of the home. The spirit filled mother also helps the entire family to live according to God’s standard. If both are saved and ready to go to heaven, they will be able to bring up the home in the fear and nurture of God.
For effective and efficient leadership, parents should be ready to obey the totality of God’s word no matter the inconveniences, in faith and willingness to say “yes Lord” and to accept the suffering of the cross. Enoch walked with God, Abraham obeyed God and was called a friend of God. Joshua determined to serve God with his household. Philip had four daughters that were virgins and prophesied. Noah escaped destruction by flood with his family despite all challenges they encountered in their time.
There should be effective and efficient study of the word of God and fellowship with the determination to obey by members of the family. The knowledge of God’s word can enhance the fulfillment of God’s purpose in the family. There should be regular family altar. The integrity of the family is dictated by the fear of the Lord. Leadership by example is the most effective leadership style. Parents should be transparent, exhibit the fear of God and submit to God’s authority. The entire family should endeavor to fellowship in the same church with the children.
b) Distinguishing right living by all members of the family.
To distinguish in this sense means to behave in a notable and admirable way. The Christian family being the small church that makes up the larger congregation is supposed to live distinguishable lives being controlled by the word and Spirit of God. When such family is separated unto God, every member will have to live the life that pleases the Lord which is holiness. i.e. desiring and pursuing holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
c.) Commitment by all members of the family in the development of GOD’s kingdom.
Commitment comes through the knowledge of God, acquired through giving attendance to the word of God because faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Acts 6:4 says, “ but we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and the ministry of the word”. Every member of the family should be involved in the different activities in the local church, as God gives enablement, with sincerity of heart as unto God.
d.) Consistent watching, praying, praying and waiting for the promise of Christ coming. Mark 13:32-37
The scripture warns that we should watch and pray for we know not the day that the coming of the Lord shall be.
e.) Maintaining our first love towards God and ourselves as family members. 1 Peter 3:8-12
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous”. There should be unity among family members, genuine love, compassion, transparency, peace and no evil speaking against anybody.
Forbearance and forgiveness among members. Love should be without dissimulation and this will cover a multitude of sins.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
God’s expectation is for us to raise up Godly families. It takes total commitment from the entire household (Dad, Mom and children) in carrying out our covenant responsibilities to have this. His grace is sufficient for each family. God’s standard has not changed for any generation, any race or any people, “For there is no respect of persons with God” Romans 2:11. God cannot compromise His standard no matter the age or the race. Many families have chosen the way of error and falsehood but it takes determination in times like these for the chosen families to live the way of truth and never to look back. God expects the strong in faith in the family to uphold the weak ones in prayer. Also, God expects erring families to repent as He is not interested in the death of any sinner. The song writer says “O give us home built, firm upon the Savior, where Christ is head and counselor and guide, where every child is taught His love and favor, and gives his heart to Christ the crucified”.
MEMORY VERSE
1 Peter 4:7
“But the end of all things is at hand, therefore, be serious and watchful in your prayers”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Monday: Characteristics of the times.
1 Tim. 4:1-3, 2 Tim. 3:1-8
Tuesday: God’s expectation for our homes/families.
Gen. 6:8-9, 18:18-19
Wednesday: God’s expectation for our families.
1 Peter 3:1-12
Thursday: There’s need for consistent watching, praying.
Mark 13:32-37
Friday: Maintain your first love to God and family members.
1 Peter 3:8-12
Saturday: Let agape love flow in the family. 1 Cor. 13:1-8