One of the greatest challenges the church faces today is the influence of individualism and a rebellion of God’s standards when it comes to the family. The family is the most fundamental unit of society, and if the family breaks down, we can easily see the results as they prove God’s formula true by the statistics found in fatherless homes.
As unpopular a view as God’s design might be, it is nonetheless the ordained plan of the Master Craftsman, and we as His creation will see that when lived out properly, our very lives and our homes can become a lesson onto themselves in displaying God’s wisdom to the world.
Acts 1:6-8
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Observations:
- Wives – submit respectfully
- Husbands – love sacrificially
- Children – obey honorably
- Fathers – parent intentionally
- Workers – serve willingly
- Bosses – govern fairly
- Elders – serve eagerly
- Deacons – serve faithfully
Conclusion:
Philippians 1:27a
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
Jesus said, “be my witnesses!”
Application:
- Follow the example of Christ
- Know your role
1 Timothy 3:15
“If I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”
Titus 2:3-5
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
Titus 2:6-8
“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
Titus 2:9-10
“Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”
Mark 10:42-45
“Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”