Residential Steeples: The Family Witness

Play video. Expectations vs. reality.

God gives authority to Christian families.

We have authority in our homes.

Isaiah 32:18

18 Then my people will dwell in a peaceful place,in safe and secure dwellings.

We have authority and we also have grace upon our lives.

There is no room for casting blame or self shame.

For families to usher in God’s kingdom, we must peel back the layers in our family to allow our Father to bring about healing in our household.

“Talking about your parenting can be a sensitive endeavor. Understanding how weighty this task is can lead us into a downward spiral of negative reactions. It is easy to feel afraid of how many ways we will surely mess this up going forward or regret opportunities already past. To feel ashamed of our personal and ancestral dysfunctions and to tremble at the thought of passing the worst of our sinful legacies on to a new generation. To feel insecure about our insufficiencies and inadequacies. To feel a sense of impending resignation, already inclined to give up when it gets too difficult. All these feelings are common, but they are not rooted in the gospel confidence and blood-bought freedom we get to walk in as those who trust in Christ. In family discipleship, as in all else the Lord calls you to God’s “grace is sufficient for you” (2 Cor. 12:9). Christ has commanded us not to worry, so do not torment yourself with disturbing what ifs. You can have urgency without anxiety.” - Family Discipleship

Christian families are called to be a witness to God’s goodness and mercy for the household.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

4 “Listen, Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.,

5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart.

7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

8 Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead.,

9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your city gates.

In verses 6-9, Moses taught every leader of the household how to live out their witness in the household.

“Display a Devoted Witness”

The words taught were to be written on a man’s heart instead of stone tablets.

“Imprint these words of mind on your hearts and minds, bind them as a sign on your hands, and let them be a symbol on your foreheads.” - Deut. 11:18

In the New Testament, the test of a man’s love for God was rooted in obedience.

Total devotion. An expression of loyalty.

This was how Israel would share their relationship with God.

Anything else would be devotion to something else.

OU game with Tricia. Everything feel apart become I didn’t pay attention.

We cannot lead a home for Christ unless our hearts and minds are devoted to the things of God.

Study time.

Prayer ---> All can be done exactly where we are spiritually.

Scripture memory

These aren’t punishments…

Christians are called to display a devoted witness to the people we live with. But, more importantly, we must display a devotion to the Lord.

YOU CAN DO THIS.

“An Approach Led With Purpose”

The Israelite family carried the primary responsibility for passing the torch to the next generation.

To obey His commands and impart the words to our children.

God determined Israel to talk about how to love Him during the day and at night.

Teach His ways.

Talk about Him.

Bind His word in mind and heart.

Jewish people would write Deut 6:5 on a piece of paper, place in a small box, and tie it to their foreheads. Started as a devotion to God. Became a sign of devotion towards religion.

When we enter our home, is the environment prepared to invite God in?

Simple ways to train:

Devotion reading

Scripture memory

Prayer Time

Church attendance (Our job is to back you up)

The family witness responsibility does not rest on the schools, government, or even the church.

As adults, we don’t have to fake our faith. If we do, our children and grandchildren will.

There is a choice we all make. Will we mirror our witness and focus on the spiritual training of our children and grandchildren?

What can you start this week in your household?

Lead a prayer

Worship together

Bed-time devotion

Start a reading plan for your kids.