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To 160 th Ave Church of Christ. God’s Ideal Plan for the Family. God’s desire is that all creation would come to know God and be his disciples. (Matt. 28) A man and woman leave father and mother and become one flesh (Gen. 2). Eph 5 Husband head over wife. Husband loves wife
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To 160th Ave Church of Christ
God’s Ideal Plan for the Family • God’s desire is that all creation would come to know God and be his disciples. (Matt. 28) • A man and woman leave father and mother and become one flesh (Gen. 2). • Eph 5 • Husband head over wife. Husband loves wife • Wife submits/respects her husband. Wife is a helpmeet. • Children brought up in the discipline and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6). • Children taught in the way would not depart from it as they grow older (Prov. 22:6) • Ideal picture given by the example of an elder
God’s Ideal plan is not always the reality • Spouses that don’t know/obey God • Children that don’t know/obey God • Parents/Siblings that don’t know/obey God
Reasons for this Reality • Sometimes people come to Christ after a family has been established. • Sometimes we make choices in our youth and that is the result. • Sometimes we make mistakes. • Individuals have their own free will. • For one reason or another life can be very messy • The situations we find ourselves in can make serving God difficult. • All things are possible through Christ!
YOU CAN REMAIN FAITHFUL!!! • While situations may be difficult, this absolutely does not mean you can’t remain faithful! • We are not tempted beyond what we are able (1 Cor. 10:13). • Encouragement found in people remaining faithful and accomplishing great acts of faith when others are not.
Examples of Faith • Job • A series of calamities • His wife and friends are unharmed • Despite discouragement from those he was closest to he remains faithful • David • “The worst step-father of all time” • A discouraging older brother (1 Sam. 17:28) • After sin with Bathsheba, horrible family situations • Rape and murder between children • A child who revolts and tries to take his throne • Hosea • Marries a woman who practices harlotry (Hos. 1-2) • He redeems her from her harlotry (Hos. 3)
Your Family Can Become Faithful • There is Hope for your family! • Initial Clarifications! • Your families greatest hope and influence is through your faithfulness • We must commit to be faithful even if we have to stand alone. The only person we have control over is ourselves. • An unbelieving spouse can become faithful • 1 Cor 7:12-14, 16 • You can raise your children to be faithful when your spouse is not • A possible example in Timothy (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15)
Your Efforts are not in Vain! • We can get discouraged thinking our best efforts are accomplishing nothing. Don’t believe the lie! • Our efforts are never in vain if we remain faithful. • Other Christians see our efforts and are greatly encouraged. • Some of the greatest examples we have (Biblical and real life) are those who remain faithful when those around them are not. • Encourages those in the same/similar situations (Having someone you love that is unfaithful is pretty common--- you’re not in this alone). • You often don’t notice the impact you have on others • Change usually comes in time • Unfortunately but fortunately our efforts can affect someone after we have passed. • Jesus (Mark 3:21- “When His own people heard of this, they went out to take custody of Him; for they were saying, “He has lost His senses.”) • Hezekiah and Manasseh
Points for Perseverance • Keep your eye on the prize • Rev. 2:10 “Remain faithful unto death” • John 6:68-69; “To Whom shall we go” • Get and Stay Connected with Spiritual family • The influences at home may not be different from those of the world • Take opportunities to assemble together (Heb. 10:24-25) • In the body of Christ we are in this together (Gal. 6:2) • Maintain Good, Spiritual habits • Make spiritual priorities come first • Don’t allow anything to come between your right to godliness • Worship • Prayer • Reading the Bible.