The Family … As God Intends
Introduction
Gtcotr/ws011007
Key Scripture: Psalms 68:6 God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a dry land. (NKJV)
When we think of family, we think of:
The Man
Husband
Father
Friend
The Woman
Wife
Mother
Friend
Sons & Daughters
In-Laws & Friends
This is the Basic Family Structure
God’s Word paints a picture of the family He hopes we each strive for. The picture perfect family is a goal God has set before us. His Word includes guidelines to move us towards success. Each role is defined and then placed intricately into the family structure so as to build strength and unity.
The family structure is also God’s form of government. God ordained the family before He ordained the Church. The family existed long before city, state or national governments and will outlast them all. The family is God’s plan for all mankind.
It is through the family structure that God provides for every need of the individual and family forms the basis for community. Right after there was dirt, then there was family. God loves family.
As we know, when God could have cast Himself in any light whatsoever, He chose the image of a father. In this image God communicated His nature, His commitment, His responsibilities and His intent. The very concept of fatherhood is a biblical concept going back to the first family and God’s Word to them.
The word family in the Old Testament comes from an unused Hebrew root word meaning to spread out. The concept of family is a concept of belonging; being a part; engaged in committed relationship; growth and increase.
During the next few weeks we will be looking at the family, it’s basic structure, each individual and their role as defined in scripture, and the God ordained plan. We will discuss everything from child raising to husband training; the difference between a house and a home; a sparring partner and a spouse; a policeman and a parent.
It is my hope that we will gain insights that will help each of us to build, maintain and reproduce happy, healthy and productive families. We are going to make this fun and it will be good.
So for tonight’s introduction to The Family … As God Intends – lets turn in our Bibles to:
Colossians 3 (New Living Translation)
18 ¶ You wives must submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.
19 And you husbands must love your wives and never treat them harshly.
20 You children must always obey your parents, for this is what pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, don’t aggravate your children. If you do, they will become discouraged and quit trying.
22 You slaves must obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Obey them willingly because of your reverent fear of the Lord.
From Adam and Eve, Cain and Able, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their families, all the way to the New Testament and the families we see pictured therein, God has given roles, rules, rights and responsibilities for each family member.
Here in the book of Colossians we see the family encapsulated once again in the Word of God’s wisdom. The Apostle Paul names husbands, wives, parents, children and extended family members. Even though he speaks to them individually about their certain responsibilities, he is speaking to the basic family unit.
It is God’s hope that His children not be burdened by dysfunctional and destructive family behavior. I know it seems a radical idea that we could actually live in harmony with those we are related to, but nonetheless it is possible, preferable and on top of this, it’s God’s will.
By the way, do you know what the word radical means? It comes from the Latin word ‘radics’ which means root. Up until the 18th century it was a commonly used word to describe basic or rudimentary elements of any function or endeavor.
During the 18th century there was great pressure in many parts of
Since it was an effort to return to the roots, or ‘radics’, of the original vision for community those who joined the movement were called radicals. Soon the term radical fell into disfavor and became used to describe someone who wants to depart from the norm.
Well if there was ever a time in history when we need depart from the norm of what family has become, that time is now! We need to become radical in our approach to family. We need to return to the roots of family structure and regain the original vision God had when He first created family. Back to the basics, if you will.
So, lets briefly look back over the concepts contained in this passage of scripture in Colossians and introduce some radical ideas to prepare ourselves for the next few Wednesday evenings together.
Remember, this is going to be fun!
It is good!
Scripture with extemporaneous commentary:
Colossians 3 NLT
18 ¶ You wives must submit to your husbands, (now there is a radical idea), as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.
19 And you husbands must love your wives and never treat them harshly.
20 You children must always obey your parents, for this is what pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, don’t aggravate your children. If you do, they will become discouraged and quit trying.
22 You slaves must obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Obey them willingly because of your reverent fear of the Lord.
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