Message: “Building a Godly Home” from Joe Summers

Joe Summers - September 15, 2024

Building a Godly Home

Building Godly Homes Lesson Objective: To understand the importance of parents building a Godly home and for children to be active participants: Main Scripture: Joshua 24:15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Introduction: When one is comparing the growth of countries, one often time compares the infrastructure. The more developed the country the better the infrastructure. The infrastructure of a Church or a country is the family. Thus in order to have a strong and vibrant Church one must begin with strong family units. Strong family units must begin with strong Godly leadership . Context of Joshua 24:15: Joshua, nearing the end of his life, challenges the Israelites to serve the Lord faithfully. He declares, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord," setting an example of leadership in the family. Examples: 1. Foundation of a Godly Home - Scriptural Reference: Psalm 127:1 - "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain." Discuss the importance of making God the foundation of the home. This includes prayer, studying Scripture together, and prioritizing spiritual growth. Application: Encourage families to make God the priority in their home, through regular prayer, Bible study, and living out Christian values. Example: The House of Cornelius (Acts 10) Description: Cornelius was a devout man who feared God with all his household. He prayed regularly and gave generously to those in need. As a result, God sent Peter to his home, where his entire household received the Holy Spirit. Lesson: Cornelius's home was blessed because it was built on the foundation of faith and reverence for God. His leadership led to the spiritual growth of his entire household. 2. Roles and Responsibilities in a Godly Home (15 minutes): Scriptural References: Ephesians 5:22-25: "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church... Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." Ephesians 6:1-4: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right... Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Explanation: Husbands: Called to lead their families with love and self-sacrifice, modeling Christ's love for the church. Wives: Called to support their husbands and respect their leadership, creating a harmonious partnership. Children: Instructed to obey and honor their parents, which is the first commandment with a promise of well-being and long life. Parents: Particularly fathers, are tasked with nurturing their children in the Lord, providing discipline, and teaching them about God’s ways. Example: Abraham's Household (Genesis 18: 16-19) When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. 17 Then the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? 18 Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. 19 For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.” God expects us to direct our children and household to keep the way of the Lord and can reward us when we do such. It is important for parents to lead their children in the ways of God. Challenges to Building a Godly Home There are a significant amount of distractions for children today to include tv, electronic games and peer pressure. Scriptural Reference: 1 Peter 5:8 oExplanation: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." This verse highlights the reality of spiritual warfare, particularly against families striving to live for God. Example of Failure: The House of Eli (1 Samuel 2:12-17; 3:11-14) oDescription: Eli was the high priest of Israel, but his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were wicked. They dishonored God by their immoral behavior and treated the offerings of the Lord with contempt. Despite Eli’s position, he failed to restrain his sons, leading to God’s judgment on his household. oLesson: Eli's failure to discipline his sons and uphold God's standards in his home led to devastating consequences. This serves as a warning of the dangers of neglecting the spiritual leadership in a home. Practical Advice: oEncourage vigilance in prayer and the regular reading of Scripture to combat spiritual attacks. oFoster open communication within the family about faith and challenges, creating a strong, united front against the enemy.  Practical Steps to Building a Godly Home: Scriptural Reference: Deuteronomy 6:6-9 oExplanation: "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage emphasizes the importance of making God’s Word a constant part of daily life. Practical Steps: oDaily Devotions: Encourage families to set aside time each day for prayer and Bible study, fostering spiritual growth together. oFamily Worship: Suggest setting a regular time for family worship, where songs, prayers, and Scripture readings are shared together. oChristian Values: Encourage the family to live out Christian values in their interactions, decision-making, and priorities. Example: The Home of Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:24-26) oDescription: Priscilla and Aquila were a married couple who worked together in ministry. They invited Apollos, a learned man but with incomplete knowledge of the Gospel, into their home and taught him more accurately the way of God. oLesson: Their home was a place of ministry and discipleship, demonstrating how a Godly home can impact others beyond the family unit. Conclusion and Call to Action - Summary: - Recap the main points: Building on God’s foundation, fulfilling roles responsibly, overcoming challenges, and implementing practical steps. - Challenge: - Encourage the participants to commit to building and maintaining Godly homes, starting with a declaration similar to Joshua’s: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Pray for strength, wisdom, and unity in the homes of all participants. --