Hymn: “Oh, What Fellowship;
CENTRAL THOUGHT
We need God’s help in building and maintaining a Christ-centered home.
TEXT: 1 CHR. 12:32; 2 TIM. 3:1-8; ROM. 13:11-14
INTRODUCTION:
The ideal Christian home is a home that is centered on Christ, where peace and love reigns. The hymm “God give us a Christian home” is a beautiful prayer that acknowledges our need for God’s help in building and maintaining a Christ-centered home. In this study, we will explore the importance of maintaining a Christian home, and as we do that we may be inspired to cultivate Christ-centered homes that bring glory to God and bless those who dwell in them. Amen.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this lesson are to:
- Understand the importance of having a Christian home
- Identify the characteristics of a Christian home
- Explore the biblical foundations for a Christian home
- Encourage believers to seek God’s help in building a Christian home
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1) WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN HOME?
A Christian home can be defined as a household where the values and principles of Christianity are practiced and upheld. It is a place where the family members aim to follow God’s will, live according to His word, love, and serve Him; and have love for one another. The Bible provides guidance on the characteristics of a Christian home and how families can create and maintain a home that honors God.
QUESTION 2) WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A CHRISTIAN HOME?
A Christian home is characterized by a foundation of faith in Jesus Christ and the application of biblical principles in everyday life. Some of the key characteristics of a Chrisitan home include:
- Love:
Love is the cornerstone of a Christian home. In John 13:34-35, the Lord Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He loved them, and He says that the world will know they are His disciples by their love for one another. - Prayer: A Christian home is one that is built on prayer. In Philippians 4:6, Paul instructs the believer to “not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
- Bible Study:
The Bible is the foundation of the Christian faith, and it is important for Christian families to study the Bible together. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul says that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (NIV) - Forgiveness:
Forgiveness is a key characteristic of a Christian home. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. - Service:
Christian families should serve one another and be light to the world. In Mark 10:45, Jesus says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (NIV) - Hospitality:
A Christian home should be a welcoming place for others. In Romans 12:13, Paul says, “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” - Unity:
Unity is important in a Christian home. In Psalms 133:1, it says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (NIV).
QUESTION 3) WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES OF BUILDING A CHRISTIAN HOME?
Building a Christian home is not without its challenges, and the Bible provides insight into some of the difficulties that may arise.
- External pressures and influences: Christians are called to be in the world, but not of the world (John 17:14-16), yet external pressures and influences can be challenging to navigate, especially when it comes to raising children. The world’s values and priorities may conflict with those of a Christian home, making it difficult to maintain a consistent and godly perspective (1 John 2:15-17).
- Personal sin and weakness: No one is perfect, and everyone in the family is subject to temptation and sin (Romans 3:23). Personal sin and weakness can lead to conflicts and difficulties in a Christian home, especially when it comes to communication and relationship (James 1:12-15).
- Spiritual warfare: The Bible teaches that there is a spiritual realm in which a battle is constantly being waged between good and evil (Ephesians 6:12). This spiritual warfare can impact the family dynamic, and it is important to recognize the enemy’s tactics and rely on God’s strength to overcome (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
- Lack of focus on God: One of the greatest challenges in building a Christian home is maintaining a consistent focus on God. distractions and busyness can pull family members away from prayers, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers (Matt. 6:33).
- Parenting challenges: Raising children in a Christian home can be challenging, as children have their own unique personalities and challenges. Parents may struggle with discipline, guidance, and teaching children to love and follow God (Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4)
QUESTION 4) HOW CAN WE SEEK GOD’S HELP IN BUILDING A CHRISTIAN HOME?
The journey of building a Christian home is not always an easy one. As much as we strive to create a peaceful and loving environment, we often face challenges that can be overwhelming. However, we are not alone in this journey. As Christians, we can seek God’s help to build and maintain a home that reflects His love, peace, and grace. – Psalms 127:1-2 “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain”.- Relying on God to help us build a strong and secure home (Psa. 127:1). – Submitting to God and trusting His guidance (Prov. 3:5-6). – Asking for God’s wisdom to build our home (James 1:5).
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
As we seek God’s help in building a Christian home, we can begin by incorporating daily habits that reflect our commitment to Him. These habits can include daily prayer, Bible study, and intentional acts of love and kindness towards our family members. We can also seek out resources and support from other Christians who have experience in building strong and godly homes. By relying on God’s wisdom and guidance, we can build a home grounded in His love, peace, and grace.
MEMORY VERSE:
PSALM 127:1
“Except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
MON: Cornerstone of a Christian home. John 13:34-35
TUE: Christian home is built on prayer. Luke 18:1;
Philippians 4:6-7
WED: Meditate on 2 Timothy 3:16-17
THU: Forgiveness, a characteristic of a Christian home. Matthew 6:14-15
FRI: The Lord is the builder. Psalm 127:1-2
SAT: Submit to God’s guidance in the home. (Proverbs 3:5-6)