Family Relationships
Genesis 2:20-25 - "But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, 'This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.' For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame" (NIV).
Ephesians 5:21 - "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (NIV).
Ephesians 5:22 - "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord" (NIV).
Ephesians 5:25 - "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (NIV).
Ephesians 6:1 - "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right" (NIV).
Ephesians 6:4 - "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (NIV).
It is in our families that we learn the basics of relationships. The most joy and the most pain can be built into our lives through our families. In our day we have seen the increasing breakdown of the family unit. It is clear that when we do not follow God's ways in family relationships, not only our families, but our societies fall apart. God is clear in his instructions to parents and children, husbands and wives. When we follow his ways, the love and strength in our homes increases. God gains glory through families that reflect his character.
In a family, we are called to submit to one another (Eph. 5:21). There should be no "boss - servant" mentality. Leadership in the family provided by the father and mother is a serving role, revealing the consistent love of Jesus to the children. The husband has an added role of care and oversight for his wife and children. He is called to love his wife, as Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:25). This role is one of self-sacrifice and death to self. In our day, it is so common for men to walk out on their families -- to choose self over sacrifice. This is not the way of Jesus. The most fundamental reason for the breakdown of family is men who leave, who refuse to pray, who refuse to sacrifice, who refuse to love. Of course, all family members play their part in the growth or destruction of relationships. But, when the man abdicates his God-given responsibility to lovingly lead, the family quickly disintegrates.
The husband and wife model to the children the love relationships between Jesus and his church. As this love perseveres and grows, the children are drawn into this love. The role of parents is to lead their children into the love of Jesus. When they see this kind of love lived out before them, it is much easier for them to take the step into a love relationship with Jesus. When husbands and wives fight and choose not to reconcile, children most naturally think that this is how a normal relationship with God works. It is very unattractive. What a great privilege that parents have - to represent God's character to their children. It's an awesome privilege with great responsibility that has impact on generations to come.
For More Study
Thoughts and Questions for Application
Memorization
Ephesians 5:21 - "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (NIV).
Ephesians 5:21 - "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (NIV).
Ephesians 5:22 - "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord" (NIV).
Ephesians 5:25 - "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (NIV).
Ephesians 6:1 - "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right" (NIV).
Ephesians 6:4 - "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (NIV).
It is in our families that we learn the basics of relationships. The most joy and the most pain can be built into our lives through our families. In our day we have seen the increasing breakdown of the family unit. It is clear that when we do not follow God's ways in family relationships, not only our families, but our societies fall apart. God is clear in his instructions to parents and children, husbands and wives. When we follow his ways, the love and strength in our homes increases. God gains glory through families that reflect his character.
In a family, we are called to submit to one another (Eph. 5:21). There should be no "boss - servant" mentality. Leadership in the family provided by the father and mother is a serving role, revealing the consistent love of Jesus to the children. The husband has an added role of care and oversight for his wife and children. He is called to love his wife, as Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:25). This role is one of self-sacrifice and death to self. In our day, it is so common for men to walk out on their families -- to choose self over sacrifice. This is not the way of Jesus. The most fundamental reason for the breakdown of family is men who leave, who refuse to pray, who refuse to sacrifice, who refuse to love. Of course, all family members play their part in the growth or destruction of relationships. But, when the man abdicates his God-given responsibility to lovingly lead, the family quickly disintegrates.
The husband and wife model to the children the love relationships between Jesus and his church. As this love perseveres and grows, the children are drawn into this love. The role of parents is to lead their children into the love of Jesus. When they see this kind of love lived out before them, it is much easier for them to take the step into a love relationship with Jesus. When husbands and wives fight and choose not to reconcile, children most naturally think that this is how a normal relationship with God works. It is very unattractive. What a great privilege that parents have - to represent God's character to their children. It's an awesome privilege with great responsibility that has impact on generations to come.
For More Study
- Genesis 2-3
- Proverbs 22
- Matthew 19:1-14
- Ephesians 5:21 - 6:4
Thoughts and Questions for Application
- In what ways, good or bad, did your parents model God's character to you? Are you able to distinguish what God's character is versus your parents' flawed character?
- We get caught up in making sure everyone else is fulfilling their role in the family. In your current family situation, are you fulfilling your God-given role?
- No matter what your family looks like, there is always hope for God's power to bring new life. Intercession and persevering love can bring about great change. Don't lose heart. Pray Ephesians 1:15-19 over your family today!
Memorization
Ephesians 5:21 - "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (NIV).
HOME | ABOUT | TODAY'S STEP |
|
© 2023 stepstudyteach.com
All Rights Reserved. You are encouraged to use this content for personal devotions, small groups and church groups. It may not be re-published or sold at any time. |