The Christian Family 3

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 or 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

• Reading the Bible together: Nothing is more important than getting God’s Word into the family and the Lord has given that responsibility to parents, not the preacher. Begin when your children are young by reading an easily understood version and explaining it as you go – Gen.18:19; Deut. 6:6-9; 2 Tim.3:14-17; Psalm 1:1-3; Nehemiah 8:1-3.
• Attending church together: It is important for parents to set an example by attending church with their children early in life. As they grow, they will learn to appreciate worshipping God and learning His Word – Heb. 10:23-25; Psalm 122:1.
• Encouraging children to have private devotions: Children need to develop the habit of reading God’s Word for themselves. If they have trouble understanding a passage, instruct them to ask you for help so they aren’t left with unresolved questions – 3 John 1:4; Psalm 127:3; Jeremiah 1:5.
• Teaching children how to handle money: Start by instructing them how to save money, give money, and spend money. The biblical example of a tithe of ten percent is a good place to begin training them to give to the Lord – Luke 16:10-13; Gen.14:18-20; Malachi 3:10-11; Heb. 13:5-6.

Question: What do you think are the benefits when we read the Word of God (Bible) together as a family?

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.