Memory Verse: … “ But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15b (NIV).
Text: Deuteronomy 6:1-12
Spiritual Emphasis: God is the Creator of the family, God desires that it be strong and healthy. However, throughout history, families have experienced conflicts and brokenness. Cain, Adam and Eve’s first son killed his brother; and Abraham and Sarah made a mistake when Hagar became the third person in their life. Sadly, conditions have not improved with the passage of time. But there is hope because of Jesus Christ, and He has given us guidelines for strengthening and uplifting our families.
How to Strengthen and Uplift our Families
- Always Put God First: As children of God, we are all disciples of Christ. A disciple is a leaner, or a student. If we are going to learn from Jesus, we must put God first. To build a healthy and strong family, starts by prioritizing our relationship with God. Your loyalty to Jesus has to come before loyalty to family or self. This is the foundation to a strong and healthy family – Luke 14:25-33; Matthew 10:37; Mark 12:30.
- Build a Grace-based Family: As Joshua recounts the story of the conquest of the Promised Land, he reminds them of what the Lord had done for them. We ought to do with our families what Joshua did with the people of Israel. It’s a good thing to review past blessings and to make a written record of God’s faithfulness. Has God blessed you? Write it down. Think often about it. Tell it to your children, your family, your friends. Pass it along so that succeeding generations can tell the story after you are gone to heaven – Joshua 24:1-27.
Questions/Activities: What does it really mean to put God first ahead of your family, self and all else?
Conclusion. God Himself is the Creator of the family. He desires that the family be strong and healthy. So, when we put God first, the creator and builder of the family, He gives us the grace to build a strong and healthy family that will serve and remain faithful to Him. We are also in a better position to not just talk about the gospel but model it to our families and the society at large.
Shalom! Self-Study: Psalm 32:8; Psalm 6:9; Genesis 2:24; Psalm 68:6; Ephesians 6:4; Ephesians 6:1; Proverbs 31:25; Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 15:17; Romans 12:10; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Ephesians 5:25; Exodus 15:2; Psalm 18:32; Psalm 19:14; Psalm 27:1; Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 28:7; Psalm 5:12; Psalm 91:4; Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 127:3-5; Exodus 20:12.now and accept the Lord as their Savior – Shalom!
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