God’s Purpose for Your Family

{Notes from sermon by Dr. Jim Chatham at First Baptist Church, Dickson, TN on May 6, 2000}

God Created the Family

Genesis 2:18-24

18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

19 Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.

But for Adam no suitable helper was found. 21 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. 22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

23 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."

24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

God’s design for the family

1. The family is to be a shelter in the storms.

Proverbs 14:26 He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress,

and for his children it will be a refuge.

Ecclesiates 4:9 Two are better than one,

because they have a good return for their work:

10 If one falls down,

his friend can help him up.

But pity the man who falls

and has no one to help him up!

Ecclesiates 4:12 Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

1. Types of storms

1. The storms of change

• changes in Life
• changes in work
• changes in environment

2. The storms of failure

• failure in relationships
• failure in a job
• thought of being a failure

3. The storms of rejection

• not getting a job
• not making the 'grade'
• having hard time making friends.

II. The family is the Learning Center for Life

Pslams 144:12 Then our sons in their youth

will be like well-nurtured plants,

and our daughters will be like pillars

carved to adorn a palace.

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 6:6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 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.

A. What children learn at home

1. Relationships

   a. Your child learns how to handle relationships by how you handle your own relationships.

   1. If you are loving and kind in your relationships, the child will see that and try to immitate
   2. If you are bitter and angry, the child will either become the same or fight tooth and nail to not be like that.
2. Character
3. Values

a. Highest values are to be taught and instilled.

III. The family is to be a haven for happiness and play.

Ecclesiates 9:9 Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun-- all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.

Proverbs 5:18 May your fountain be blessed,

and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.

Psalms 127:3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD,

children a reward from him.

The family that prays and plays together, stays together.

IV. The family is to be a ministry team

1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.

Romans 12:13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

What about singles?

1. Do not discount or ignore relatives
2. Know that every Christian is a member of the family of believers.