A Strong Family 4

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 our families.

      How to Strengthen and Uplift our Families

• Building biblical convictions into our Children’s lives as a guide: Children need to know what they believe. However, convictions are learned by watching your behavior. Conviction is the pruning process God uses to make us more like Him – Gen. 18:19; 2 Tim. 1:5-6; 1 John 1:9; Heb. 11:1; 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 11:6; Heb. 12:1.

• Spending time with your children: Kids love being with their parents, so plan some fun family activities together not just indoors, but especially outdoors. When they’re older, they’ll have fond memories of those times – Exo. 20:12; Prov. 22:6; Ephesians 4:2-3; Colossians 3:20-21.

Questions/Activities: When reading the Bible together as a family, should we study using the apps in our devices or study using the Bible itself?

Conclusion. If you want a healthy family, set the tone, be the example, one who extends grace first and often. It’s a beautiful resemblance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 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.

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 – Shalom!