Lesson 1 - The Value of a Great Family
Today’s family is in trouble and has been for many years. Materialistic attitudes, selfishness, neglect and a lack of respect for God and his word has changed the family and our world. Divorce and unscriptural remarriage, homosexual relationships, children conceived and born out of wedlock, single parent homes can, and have lead, to the decay of the family. God established the first family in Genesis 2 when he created a mate for Adam and commanded them to multiply. No man has ever improved on this arrangement.
Sociologists, psychiatrists and marriage counselors all affirm the value of good homes and families to society. The home is the foundation of society. The quality and stability of family life directly affect the religious, moral, educational and governmental facets of our nation. As the home goes, so goes a nation.
We as Christians should understand that it is not homes, but Christian homes and Christian families that exalt a nation. Proverbs 14:34
When a home is not a Christian home, husbands and wives are left vulnerable to temptations, deterioration and corruption. Children can also be defrauded of earth’s greatest heritage. As we shall see from our study God intends for every family to be great.
How then can we use our Christian homes to influence society in the right direction?
1. Christian homes should influence society by the choice of our occupation. Gen. 3:19, II Thes. 3:10 and Eph. 4:28 all show that the Lord intended for us to work all our lives.
2. The Christian home will influence society by showing the difference in Christian education in the home, school and in the church. Christ’s growth was fourfold, Luke 2:52
3. The Christian home will influence society in the types of persons that we choose to associate with. I Cor. 15:33, I Thess. 5:21-22, Rom. 12:1-2
4. The Christian home will influence society by following the standard of truth in the choice of a marriage partner. Matt. 6:33, Col. 3:1-2, John 4:24, II Tim. 3:16-17, I Pet. 4:11, II Pet. 1:3, 21, Matt. 5:3-16
4.1. It is very important for us to stress the importance of Christians uniting in matrimony with Christians. Alien sinners do not seek these things. If they did, they would submit to the righteousness of God by becoming servants of righteousness (Rom 10:1-3; 6:17-18).
4.2. James 5:16 – In order to be righteous, one must comply with the laws governing righteousness (Rom. 6:17-18). The scriptures indicate that husbands are to “love you wives, even as Christ also loved the church…” (Eph. 5:15). In situations where the husband has not obeyed the gospel, he cannot do this. He has no concept of the Biblical view of the church, much less the love of Christ for it.
4.3. But the bible says that if you have a non-Christian spouse, do not put them away except in cases of adultery. I Pet. 3:1-2 teaches that you can be an influence on them to bring them to Christ. But do not allow yourself to be conformed to the world to try to accomplish this.
4.4. It is very important that the nature of relationships be allowed to take its course. Marriage is not to be entered into lightly or in a rushed manner. In order for the relationship to be built on the standards by which God intends, we must come to love the person body and soul. Physical attraction cannot be the bond on which marriage is built. For if it is, the marriage shall surely crumble.
5. The Christian home will impress society by the fact that everything is done to please God.
5.1. II Cor. 5:9-10, Matt. 6:24, Matt. 12:30
6. The Christian home can change the attitudes and actions of society by the fact that those with whom we associate can see a difference in how we conduct our life. We should have a holiness of mind and actions.
6.1. We should have the attitude of facing all our problems and overcome them in Christ. This attitude should be passed on to our children. Philippians 4:13, I Pet. 5:7, Acts 4:13-21
6.2. If Christ is truly the master of our lives the world will see a difference. Matt 5:13-16, Philippians 4:8-9, Philippians 1:27, II Cor. 3:2-3, Gal. 5:22-26
6.3. We should have peace in life. Philippians 4:6-7
7. The Christian home can influence society by rightly influencing the children in that home. Teach children the worth of life; encourage them to be good. The godly life is the way to live. Romans 14:12, Titus 2:11-12, II Cor. 5:10
7.1. Children must be taught so that future generations can have the opportunity to know and obey God’s will. II Tim. 2:2, Psalms 78:6-7, Deut. 6:6-7, Proverbs 22:6
7.2. We must not be reluctant to use the teachings of the Old Testament to help our children understand the importance that God places on the parent/child relationship.
So how do we attain a great family?
A. Place God as the focal point in the home. Matthew 6:33
B. A father in the home is the cornerstone of discipline, the strength of love and the example to emulate.
C. A mother in the home – her job is never done. She is a source of joy, comfort, sweetness and love.
D. Children who love, obey and respect their parents and God.
We should abide by what is laid out for us in Ephesians 5:22 – 6:4