A Family That Honors God in Every Way

Sermon: A Family That Honors God in Every Way

Introduction

Good morning, beloved congregation. Today, we gather to reflect on a crucial aspect of our lives: family. Families are not just the foundation of society but a sacred institution ordained by God. In a world where the concept of family is constantly evolving, it is essential to anchor ourselves in what it means to be a family that honors God in every way.

Biblical Foundation

Our scriptural focus today comes from Ephesians 6:1-4

This passage provides a blueprint for how families can function harmoniously and in a way that pleases God.

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise—so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth. Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

On January 22, 1999, Australian Christian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons, Philip and Timothy, were burned to death in a van while sleeping in a jungle camp in Manoharpur, Odisha, India. The murder was carried out by members of the Hindu nationalist group, Bajrang Dal, led by activist Dara Singh. Staines was known for his service to the local community, including helping injured fire victims and working with leprosy patients. His role as a Christian preacher may have contributed to his murder.

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2 Corinthians 4:7–12 (LEB)

But we have this treasure in earthenware jars, in order that the extraordinary degree of the power may be from God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying around the death of Jesus in our body, in order that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are continually being handed over to death because of Jesus, in order that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh. So then, death is at work in us, but life in you.

Honoring God Through Love and Respect

Love and Respect as Foundations: The first principle is love. In Colossians 3:14, Paul writes, “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” A family that honors God prioritizes love and respect. Husbands and wives are called to love each other deeply, just as Christ loves the church. This love sets the tone for children to see and replicate love and respect in their relationships.

Children's Obedience and Parental Guidance: Children are instructed to obey their parents, not merely as a duty but as an act of honoring God. Parents, on the other hand, have the responsibility to raise their children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord. It's a reciprocal relationship built on mutual respect and guided by God’s Word.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Families are bound to face conflicts and misunderstandings. Ephesians 4:32 teaches us to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Forgiveness is crucial in a family that seeks to honor God. It reflects the grace we have received from Him and fosters a spirit of reconciliation and unity.

Daily Practices to Honor God

Prayer and Worship Together: A family that prays together stays together. Regular prayer and worship not only strengthen the family's bond but also align the family’s heart with God’s will. Joshua 24:15 famously declares, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Let this be the commitment of every family.

Study of Scripture: Engaging with the Bible as a family allows God's Word to guide and shape our lives. Proverbs 22:6 emphasizes, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Make the study of God’s Word a family priority, teaching children to value and understand scripture from a young age.

Serving Others: A family that honors God looks beyond its own needs and reaches out to others. Acts 20:35 tells us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Involve your family in acts of service, whether through helping a neighbor, supporting the church, or engaging in community projects. This fosters a spirit of generosity and reflects God's love to the world.

The Impact of a God-Honoring Family

Witness to Others: A family that lives out God’s principles becomes a powerful witness to others. Matthew 5:16 encourages us, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” When our families live in harmony and honor God, we become a testimony of His love and grace.

Foundation for Future Generations: By raising children in a God-honoring way, we set a foundation for future generations. The values and principles we instill in our children today will shape the character of our society tomorrow. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands us to keep God's commandments in our hearts and to teach them diligently to our children, ensuring that faith is passed down through the generations.

The end time is not far:

Have a family of same mind set to serve christ, so that when Word of God is proclaimed in your house, there is no diffrent point of view of every one Holy word of God say in Luke 12:51–53

“Do you think that I have come to grant peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! For from now on there will be five in one household, divided three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.””

Do not raise Children of diffrent belief and mind set rather have same belief just like Joshua said in Joshua 24:15

Joshua 24:15 LEB

But if it is bad in your eyes to serve Yahweh, choose for yourselves today whom you want to serve, whether it is the gods that your ancestors served beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve Yahweh.”

Blessings and Prosperity: Psalm 128:1-4 speaks of the blessings that come from fearing the Lord and walking in His ways. When families honor God, they not only experience spiritual blessings but also enjoy peace, joy, and prosperity in their lives.

Conclusion

Beloved, a family that honors God in every way is a beacon of hope and a source of great joy. Let us strive to make our families places where love, respect, and God's truth reign supreme. Let us commit to praying, studying scripture, and serving together, ensuring that our families reflect the light of Christ in all that we do.

May God bless each family here with His grace and peace, and may we all strive to honor Him in our homes and beyond.

Amen.