Godly Families: An Example Within Our Society

1. Be an Example (7) An Example Within Our Family

2. Godly Families An Example to the World • The home, one of three institutions ordained by God • It began in the Garden – Genesis 2:18, a helper for Adam. 2:23-24Children introduced – Genesis 4:1-2 • Children need BOTH parents! They need them without confusion!!!

3. Godly FamiliesAn Example to the World Our Society desperately needs to see godly, intact families!1 Peter 2:12 • The traditional (Biblical model) family is under attack in our society. • With the breakdown of the family comes problems. Cohabitation, promiscuity, confusion, etc. • Society recognizes these problems but refuses to consider God’s standard in addressing them!

4. Godly FamiliesAn Example to One Another • Marriage is a sacred union before God between a man and a woman who have been rightly joined together (Gen. 2:23-24) • It is for life! Romans 7:2-3, Matthew 19:4-9

5. Godly FamiliesAn Example to One Another • We need to be examples within the home – i.e. 1 Peter 3:1-2 • Being an example begins with each of us fulfilling our roles. • We must be Christians FIRST! Eph. 5:22, 29 “as to the Lord”

6. Godly FamiliesAn Example to One Another • The husband • He needs to lead Ephesians 5:23, following the example of Christ over His church! • He loves and cares for his wife – Eph. 5:25, 1 Peter 3:7 • He needs to be faithful – 1 Cor. 7:2-5, Romans 13:9, Hebrews 13:4

7. Godly FamiliesAn Example to One Another • The Wife • She is a gift from God Genesis 2:18 – a helper, companionProverbs 12:4, 18:22 • She is to submit to her husband – Ephesians 5:22-24, 1 Peter 3:1-6, Colossians 3:18, etc.

8. Godly FamiliesAn Example to One Another • The Wife • She needs to be faithful – 1 Cor. 7:2-5, Romans 13:9, Hebrews 13:4, Mark 10:11-12 • Domestic responsibilities – Titus 2:4-5, 1 Timothy 5:14, 2:15Cf. Proverbs 31:10-31

9. Godly FamiliesAn Example to One Another • Husbands and Wives • Be an example to your children! • Husbands, show them what a loving man acts like. In this they can better grasp God, as our loving Father! • Wives, show your children what it means to fulfill your role as well • Show what it means to submit to God in all things!

10. Godly FamiliesAn Example to One Another • Parents and Children • Again this is desperately needed. Children need to see that their parents love and care for them!

11. Godly FamiliesAn Example to One Another • Fathers • Provide for their children – 1 Timothy 5:8, 2 Corinthians 12:14, cf. Matt. 7:9-11 • Love and care for them – Colossians 3:21, • Discipline – Proverbs 13:24, 19:18, cf. Hebrews 12:9-11 • He teaches and trains – Eph. 4:4

12. Godly FamiliesAn Example to One Another • Mothers • Love your children – cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 2 Timothy 3:3 (unloving) • Teach them – 2 Timothy 1:5, 3:15Titus 2:4-5 • Provide a safe home environment – Proverbs 31:15, 21, 27-29

13. Godly FamiliesAn Example to One Another • Children • They can be a proper example to one another, and to parents • They are to honor and obey their parents – Ephesians 6:1-3, Colossians 3:20, Exodus 20:12Parents have a right to be respected, and to rejoice in their children – Proverbs 23:25, 10:1

14. Godly FamiliesAn Example to One Another • Children • This honor extends beyond their years at home – cf. 1 Timothy 5:4-16

15. Godly FamiliesAn Example to One Another • NOTE: • Not every family is ideal. Problems and failures occur. Sometimes tragedy results in fractured family units. • We have to adjust in such circumstances – doing our best to follow God’s will. • We need compassion! • We have a spiritual family to help us! cf. Galatians 6:2, Mark 10:29-30

16. An intact, godly family will attract the attention of those who are struggling Is the world seeing God in my family?