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Characteristics of Dysfunctional Family: Examining the Biblical Family of Isaac

This article explores the dysfunctional aspects of the family of Isaac and highlights the negative consequences of favoritism, lying, deceit, hatred, and disdain for honorable things. It emphasizes the importance of applying biblical principles in parenting to prevent dysfunction in families.

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Characteristics of Dysfunctional Family: Examining the Biblical Family of Isaac

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  1. Characteristics Of A Dysfunctional Family Examining The Biblical Family Of Isaac

  2. Favoritism Gen 25:28 • This may have been the “root cause” • Isaac & Rebekah apparently did this based on their sons’ abilities, aptitudes • For parents to show favoritism only invites future trouble, even “dysfunctionalism” • It often begets itself in future generations cp. Gen 37:3-4

  3. Lying or Deceit Gen 27:1-40 • When one tries to have his way at any cost • Jacob was about to steal the family blessing • His mother would help him achieve it vv. 1-4 • Jacob was perfectly willing to go along • His concern was about getting caught, not about deceiving his father vv. 11-12

  4. Lying or Deceit Gen 27:1-40 • When one tries to have his way at any cost • Jacob lied & deceived in 3 different ways: • By direct statement vv. 19-20, 24 • By false appearance v. 23 • By actions v. 27

  5. Hatred Gen 27:41-45 • Bitterness can consume whole families • It can take over one’s character because of revenge, other evil motives • As far as Esau was concerned, there was only one way to “right the wrong Jacob had done” • Esau had to kill his brother

  6. Hatred Gen 27:41-45 • Bitterness can consume whole families • It can be such an explosive emotion • The Bible’s teaching on hatred toward family is plain cp. 1 Jn 3:14-15 • Yes, Esau changed Gen 32:6, 13-15, 20 33:1-17 • But Jacob assumed the worst because of Esau’s disposition based on the last time he was with him

  7. Disdain For Honorable Things • It is abnormal to de-value honorable things • Marriage Gen 26:34-35 • Abraham had previously shown some concern for Isaac’s marriage cp. Gen 24:3-4 • After proving he had disdain for his spiritual heritage, Esau also showed his uncaring attitude about whom he married cp. Gen 28:6-9 • His choice “brought grief to his parents” v. 35

  8. Disdain For Honorable Things • It is abnormal to de-value honorable things • The Birthright Gen 25:27-34 • A status possessed by the eldest – honorable • The family name would pass through him • More importantly, he would become the spiritual head of the family • It was this aspect that made Esau’s foolish choice so profound

  9. Disdain For Honorable Things • It is abnormal to de-value honorable things • Inspiration shows us just how severe dysfunctional behavior can be Heb 12:16-17 • If we show such dishonorable regard for honorable things, we may find ourselves in a position much like Esau…unable to repent though “we seek it with tears”

  10. Some Closing Thoughts… • Lessons like this remind us of the truthfulness of Rom 15:4 and 1 Cor 10:11 • Dysfunctional families are tragic • Directly, they harm those who live in them • Indirectly, they hinder future families • Children in dysfunctional homes cannot relate normally to what is right and wrong

  11. Some Closing Thoughts… • If you think this lesson is only for those families with real problems, consider this… • Imagine Rebekah’s joy in Gen 25:21, 25-26 • The statement in Gen 25:27 reflects the boys’ growing up years • Imagine the pride Isaac & Rebekah must have had over their boys

  12. Some Closing Thoughts… • If you think this lesson is only for those families with real problems, consider this… • Do you really think they ever had a clue about all the heartache they would experience? • Good homes can become dysfunctional if we do not apply the principles God gives us in His word re: parenting

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