God Centered Families

Introduction: Have you ever heard the phrase, “It runs in the family?” Sure, we all have. Why has this phrase continued for so many generations? Because it is a saying that reveals a gratifying while at the same time cautious feeling. We all smile when someone makes a compliment about how they see some from of your parents good morals, behavior, ethics, etc. It is quite alarming when something like this is said, “Well, his father never grew up to be much and it looks like his son is no different” or, “She has a bad temper just like her mother.”

Main message of series: Families undoubtedly pass things on to their children; good, godly, bad and ugly. Leaders of the home need to live in the reality that they are shaping the hearts of their children. Their child’s heart will either grow to love the world or love God based on what they are passing down to them by what they keep in front of them.

God knew that if His children did not have the proper foundation for their home, the promised land would evolve into any other land of idolatry. Their children would grow up without any truth about the real person of God and the heart He has for them.

Two pivotal principals from this chapter: Love & Obedience (one will never continue without the other)

You see, there is a pandemic within the Christian home today; We will do our best to raise our family. Folks, the power of your best is broken and not dependable. Instead of making a statement based upon the weakness of your flesh, you should be asking a particular question, “What way can I pass these things on faithfully and Biblically to my children and family?” Now, if we truly believe that the Lord is our everything, our all-in-all, that we are completely dependent on Him in everything and for everything, our only way to Heaven, every parent and family member should be asking that question.

1) The Place For Your Family (vv1-3)

A. The reality of the people

We have already declared that each one of us has been influenced by our families.

It is fair to say, it is possible the influence of your family has been a result of the influence of their parents, the culture, etc.

Remember, any time a man and woman come together as one in marriage, they both have brought with them two different sets of authority.

Illustration: This is how we always did it / My parents never did it that way

This my friend is one home quake getting ready to happen!!!

B. The reality of the land

Let’s first consider the positive aspect of this promised land God lovingly prepared for His people.

This land would be a place of blessings like they have never seen before.

This land also had a bunch of pagans living there as well.

Wherever God leads your family will have two things: 1) God’s blessings 2) The world’s evil.

God will instruct His children to eradicate the land of all pagan idolaters and their idols. Deut. 7:1-4

2) The Heart For Your Family (vv4-6)

A. A heart with no rival

Your Lord is ONE Lord

The word for Lord is Yahweh and the word for God is Elohim.

“Elohim” can mean “many” gods. Some worshiped many Elohim.

The Jews including ourselves worship ONE Elohim (not a god for everything, but a God who is everything)

There are among a bunch of pagans who worship false gods. God is calling them to worship Him; the one true living God.

You must live in this “vertical” reality.

No tolerance for idolatry in our homes.

Our family must be organized under “God’s” authority.

B. A heart of Gospel love

Heart, soul and might (your all-in-all)

Right definition: Love is an act of the will accompanied by emotion that leads to action on behalf of it’s object. (Family Driven Faith)

Often times when love is talked about, it’s merely sentimentalism; solely a feeling.

Illustration: teenage girl love.

Another evidence of misconception of love: “I love him with every fiber of my being” followed shortly by “I want a divorce.”

Best demonstrated at the cross!

Jesus sacrifice on the cross was an “act of the will.”

We know this because this was determined before the world began.

Jesus was never led by emotion, but by the act of the will.

Here is another wrong statement: “I fell out of love with him”

Quote: “Anything you can fall into you can climb out of” (Vodie Baucham)

Biblical love is not something you fall into!

Remember what Paul said, “Husbands, love your wives.”

Here are some answers to those who are not doing this:

Love her because she is your sister in Christ.

Love your neighbor as yourself.

Love your enemies.

This is the kind of love that needs to be passed down!!!

God says, “in your heart”

heart (internal feature) n. — the locus of a person’s thoughts (mind), volition, emotions, and knowledge of right from wrong (conscience) understood as the heart.

They are on your “will”

This is not saying, “if you memorize these commandments, you will love biblically.” NO NO NO

The commandments of God must be what undergirds every movement of your person.

IMPORTANT - God is the only one who can perform this (pray for transformation from His Words)

Jer. 31:31

3) Laboring For Your Family (vv7-19)

A. The duration of your labor (vv7-9)

God covers tells us the places and the time when families should be growing in the knowledge of Himself; EVERYWHERE & ALL THE TIME!

God is not interested in “one” lifetime of love motivated reverence and obedience.

Why in the world do you think He gave you children???

Ways children are used badly:

They provide direction for the family.

They are the parents excuse for not being faithful to worship.

They have become YOUR IDOL!!!

There are enough idolaters in the world. God has commissioned families to grow with a clear understanding of WHO HE IS.

B. The product of your labor (vv10-19)

(v12-15)Anyone forgetful? God is probably the most forgotten person in the world.

(v18) Our culture has become a culture of “right and left” instead of “right and wrong.”

Illustration: Have you ever said, “That’s my boy / that’s my girl” or “I am so proud of you?” (spiritual to carnal, what makes up most of those moments?)

(v19) Question - Because of the life you live for the Lord, has how often does you children come to you and say, “Why does our family always put God first?” or “Why do we always attend church” or “Why do you read your Bible?” or “Why do we always pray together?”

Conclusion: Think of someone you know; someone who has watched your life for several years. What could they say without hesitation (spiritually related) could they say, “IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY?”