CENTRAL THOUGHT
…for with God, nothing shall be impossible.
TEXT: GEN. 24:1, 34-36; 35:1-7; JOHN 15:4-5
INTRODUCTION:
The word ‘empower’ means to give power to someone or give official authority or legal power to act on behalf of another. It could also mean enabled, inspired, influenced, or promoted and trained. An empowered family is that where every member properly takes his/her responsibilities. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “According to His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue”. As believers, we are expected to begin the gospel propagation from our homes.
LESSON OBJECTIVE
- To know what it means for a family to be empowered
- Discuss ways God can empower a family
- Know the hindrances to family empowerment
- Know what it means to succeed
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1) WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR A FAMILY TO BE EMPOWERED
For a family to be empowered, it means that God is involved in building and establishing it. He lays the foundation and makes provisions for its spiritual and physical well-being. Psalm 127:1 says, “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it…”. As the master builder, God made the provision for families’ empowerment and desires that each family (Christian family) will abide in Christ to enable them in fulfilling God’s purpose on Earth.
QUESTION 2) DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING WAYS GOD CAN EMPOWER A FAMILY
Through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7-8; Isa. 11:1-3): “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal…”. The workings of the Holy Spirit empower family members to succeed, as each member carries out his/her assigned responsibilities in the home. The nine gifts of the Holy Spirit and other talents given to believers by God are to affect their generation and live better Christian lives, thereby wroughting success.
Obedience to the word of God (Josh 1:8; Rom. 4:3; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Ps. 119:11). “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you”. The word of God is the greatest weapon of empowerment the family has to succeed in all things. This can be achieved through studying, meditating, and obedience to it. “For wherewithal shall a man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy word” (Ps. 119:9).
Prayers (Gen. 17:17-22; 1 Thess. 5:17). Prayer strengthens the family, makes their vision clearer, and produces faith, hence we are enjoined to pray without ceasing.
Faith (Acts 3:25; Gen. 22:8; Gal. 3:7-9). Faith believes for the impossible to be made possible. Abraham confessed to Isaac that “… God shall provide Himself a Lamb for sacrifice…”. We are children of Abraham by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Love for God and Man (1 Cor. 13:1-7). “And herein do I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man” (Acts 24:16). Love for God and man is manifested in being free of offence towards God and man while producing the fruit of the Spirit in our daily walk/ work in life.
Vision (Gen. 15:1; 46:2; Num. 12:6). Clear vision of God’s purpose in a family produces confidence towards God’s direction for every situation of life. God said to Abraham “… fear not… I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward”.
Righteousness Our righteousness is based on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. We are expected to live righteously in our thoughts and actions because “he that doeth righteousness is righteous even as God is righteous”. 1 John 3:7.
Blessing of giving (Gen. 18:6-7; Mal. 3:10). “… and prove me now herewith… if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it”. God gave us His best and expects us to reciprocate; the family that gives is blessed the more.
Maintaining family altar with God (Gen. 19:27; 22:9; 13:4; 18). Maintaining family altar strengthens the bond of affection towards one another in a family relationship. God is called upon daily, worshipped, and His word is studied at the family altar. Errors are corrected; hope, courage, mercy, favor, and grace are drawn from the altar of God.
QUESTION 3) DISCUSS SOME HINDRANCES TO FAMILY EMPOERMENT AND SUCCESS.
1 Sam. 15:22-23; Hos. 4:6; Prov. 1:10; 10:13; 21:17
The empowerment and success in the family can be hindered when we disobey God’s word. God has commanded total obedience to His word in all ages. He has punished offenders and will still punish every act of disobedience.
This happens when we hold on to the opinions and views of men rather than God’s standard and when we regulate our family life by our personal perspectives, philosophy, and tradition of men even when they are selfish and unreasonable, negating God’s word. Most challenges threatening families and wrecking homes today stem from the different temperaments, orientations, backgrounds, carelessness, misunderstanding, bad behavior of the key players, lack of love and affection among them, in-laws, and power of darkness. Then end result maybe separation, divorce, or even killing one another thereby negatively affecting the lives of the children.
QUESTION 4) WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SUCCEED IN ALL THINGS? 2 PET. 1:3
“According as His divine power has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue”. Success is fulfilling the will of God in all spheres of life.
Every family fights spiritual battles and “…the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ…” (2 Cor. 10:3-6).
In Gen. 1:26-30, God made provision of all the resources needed for man’s use when He created him. He expects us to work and utilize only godly avenue to have a balanced standard in life; following the path of contentment while trusting God for increase.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
God empowers all believers through the Holy Spirit to make full proof of the word of God in their families. It is departure from God’s standard and clear commands that is responsible for break ups of many families while others resolve to endure to cover shame. Genuine believers should avoid widespread attitude of disobedience of God’s standard for the family, neglect of parental responsibilities, eye service, overbearing and hard disposition to subordinates, unfair and ruthless treatment of other members of the family.
MEMORY VERSE: Gen 24:1
“And Abraham was old and well stricken in age; and the Lord blessed Abraham in ALL THINGS”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
MONDAY: YOU MUST BE A MEMBER OF GOD’S FAMILY. (John 1:12; 3:3-7)
TUESDAY: GOD HAS EMPOWERED HIS CHILDREN TO DO EXPLOIT. (Joshua 1:8-9; Acts 1:8)
WEDNESDAY: GOD HAS PROVIDED WHAT IT TAKES TO HAVE A GODLY FAMILY. (Eph. 5:22-33)
THURSDAY: GOD HATES UNFAITHFULNESS. (Luke 19:20-27)
FRIDAY: ETERNAL REWARD AWAITS THE FAITHFUL BELIEVER. (1 Pet. 1:3-12)
SATURDAY: HEROES OF FAITH ARE WAITING FOR US FOR PERFECTION. (Heb. 11:1-40)