Values to Build a Family On
Introduction:
Families
can be the source of our greatest joys and sorrows. It is our families that
most often stick with us through thick and thin. There is no safer place, no
greater place on earth than to be in the midst of a godly family. A godly
family is a noble goal for all Christians. How can we successfully raise a
family today? Successfully instill godly values in the next generation? In our
lesson today we will look at three core values that must be present in order
for a family to be successful. Then,
we will look for practical ways to instill these values in our kids.
I. We must choose the right priority.
A.
Deuteronomy
6:4-9. These verses outline the proper priority in any Christian family. God.
B.
6:5 - Our
primary motivation is love. Not
fear. Not just obedience.
C.
We can express
our love to God in a number of ways.
1.
Psalm 18:1
– praise Him.
2.
Depend on God
for our needs. Verbalize this
dependence.
3.
Repent of sin
and shortcomings.
4.
Express our
gratitude.
D.
6:6 –
Parents have the responsibility to love God.
1.
We must walk the
walk our self. Guide our
kids to do the same.
E.
Children need
spiritual direction. Parents have the ultimate responsibility.
F.
6:7-9 –
Point – we must tell our kids about God.
1.
Repetition is a
great teacher.
2.
God must become
prominent in our household conversations.
II. The right attitude.
A.
Deuteronomy
6:10-12 – Israel faced a hard challenge: Prosperity.
1.
We live in times
of prosperity. What pitfalls do we face?
B.
Pride. Prospering can lead us to believe we
serve what we have…and even more.
1.
We can forget God put us where we are. 1 Corinthians
4:7
C.
Addiction to
amusement – because of prosperity – we have free time.
D.
Daytime
Christianity – busy-ness. (What is this?)
E.
How do we
approach prosperity?
1.
Thanksgiving
must dominate our heart.
2.
Approach our
prosperity with caution. (Deut. 6:12)
III. Choose the right message.
A.
Deuteronomy
6:20-25
1.
Children will
ask about what we are doing and why we do it.
2.
How did God tell
them to answer? Answer: 6:21-22
B.
What would we
say today? By the grace of
God.
IV. Practical ways to instill these values in our
kids:
A.
Regular
spiritual training in their first year of our kids life.
B.
Demonstrate to
them at all times that God is the most important thing in life.
C.
Give them a
bible – even before they can read.
D.
Have devotional
times as a family.
E.
Keep their
speech pure by not allowing yourself or them to ever use profanity.
F.
Train them to
never get too busy with secular pursuits to do something for the Lord’s cause.
G.
Build a family
life in such a way that “home” is a happy place.
Conclusion:
A.
Today we have
looked at some core values that must be instilled in our families.
B.
How is your
spiritual life?