The Christian Family 1

Memory Verse: ” But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” – Joshua 24:15b (NIV).

Bible Text: Deuteronomy 6:1-12

Spiritual Emphasis: God created the family; He desires that it be strong and healthy. The family was always meant to be the core social unit in the world and everyone is meant to be part of one. All other structures build upon family. It is the chief building block of any society or civilization. The Ten Commandments never say, “Honor your king and your queen” or “Honor your prime minister and your president.” But it says, “Honor your father and mother.” The first structure of authority and organization is not government, but family. The others simply build upon it.

Characteristics of a Christian Family

• Godly Parents: The most powerful elements in the family are godly father and mother who love the Lord and are devoted to HIM – 1 Peter 5:2-4; Eph. 6:4, Prov. 22:6.
• Consistent Parents: Since children are influenced more by what their parents do than what they say, your actions must always match your words – Phi. 4:6-7; Matt. 6:33-34, Titus 2:1-8.
• Good Listeners: Children want to be heard, but when parents are uninterested or too busy to listen, kids feel unimportant – Prov. 1:8-9, Ps. 78:1-7; James 1:19-20.
• Discipline without Rejection: Parents should never discipline their children in anger. First, let God settle your emotions, then explain the consequence for the misbehavior, and finally, discipline in a way which doesn’t send a message of rejection to the child – Heb. 12:6-11, Prov. 13:24, Prov. 29:1;15-17.

Question:

• Why are many families today in deep trouble?

Conclusion

Throughout the ages, God’s plan and desire has always been for parents to raise up their children to know and love Him and walk in His ways. In Deuteronomy 6:6, which was our main text for today, God told the Israelites to keep His commands in their hearts and to teach them diligently unto their children, talking of them throughout the day in every circumstance of life. The question to every family, are we teaching our children and walking in line with God’s plan?

Shalom!

Self-studies: Exo. 20:12; Prov. 22:6; 1 Tim. 5:8; Gen. 2:24; Ps. 127:3-5; prov. 15:20; Eph. 6: 1-2; Col. 3:20; Prov. 1:7-9; John 1:12; Gal. 6:10; 1 Cor. 12:26; Rom. 8:15; 1 John 1:9.