TOPIC: DISCOVER HIS
PURPOSE FOR YOUR FAMILY
TEXT: PHILIPPIANS
3:13-14; ROMANS 15:20
INTRODUCTION
God has a purpose for the
family just as He has a purpose for every other thing He created. As we glean
through the scripture we see clearly that God is deeply concerned and keenly
interested in the family as an institution.
Generally, God fashioned the
family to bear His image on earth – be in dominion, fruitful, multiply and
replenish the earth (Gen. 1:26-28). By God’s design, man is the head of the
family and he (the man) is primarily saddled with the responsibility of
discovering the purpose of God for the family.
As a husband/father, have
you discovered or are you discovering the will of God for your family? It is
important that you do so. The world today is in a mess. Families are being torn
apart and the values which God expected the family to uphold are being
gradually eroded and discarded (2 Tim. 3:1-7; 1 Tim. 4:1, 2.) We must be
careful and be spiritually sensitive to ensure that we are not collaborating
with the devil to undermine and frustrate the purpose of God for the family.
I. MODELS OF DISCOVERING THE PURPOSE OF GOD FOR THE
FAMILY.
The Bible was written for
our example that we might learn things needful for our spiritual growth and
success in Christian journey (1 Cor. 10:6-11). The example of some people (and
now serve as models to us) who discovered the purpose of God for their family
should motivate us to do the same:
A. Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3). God’s purpose for Abraham was to raise a great family (nation) through him.
Abraham obeyed the divine call to start a generation that will be a blessing to
the world and perpetuation of the blessing.
B. Noah (Gen. 6:10-22). God’s purpose for Noah was to retain
(through the remnant of his family)
generation of mankind and restore the plan of God for the world. Noah was found
blameless before God.
C. Joseph (Gen. 45:1-8). God’s purpose for Joseph in Egypt was to preserve his brethren/household from
famine and hunger that visited the world during their time.
II. MEANS OF DISCOVERING THE PURPOSE OF GOD FOR THE
FAMILY.
There are
various ways through which we can discover the purpose of God for the family:
A. Sensitivity: Being sensitive to the voice, leading, instruction of God (Isa. 30:21; 42:16; Psa. 32:8). Noah,
Abraham among others were sensitive to hear and obey the direction God gave
them.
B. Seeking (Searching). If we are serious about knowing the purpose of God for our family and we seek it
through diligence and prayer, we would discover it (Matt. 7:7-8; Deut. 4:29;
Pro. 8:17). Paul asked God,
“what would thou
have me to do?” (Acts 9:6). As a man (husband/father), we are to ask God for
His purpose. Learn to wait upon the Lord to discover His plan for your family
(Isa. 40:31; Psa. 40:1-3).
C. Serving. Service is what we are called to render – to our family, church and nation (Rom. 12:11). Joseph
served faithfully in Egypt and discovered over time that he was sent ahead to
be a preserver. When you use your gift(s) in serving, God makes a way for you
(Pro. 18:16).
D.Synergizing. This means working within the family in unity and co-operation. Unity
is the atmosphere needed for the spirit of God to operate in the family (Psa.
133; Acts 2:1-4; Eccl. 4:9-12). Synergizing demands that members of the family
unit are faithful to their assigned roles/duties (Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4).
III. MANNERS THAT HINDER DISCOVERING THE PURPOSE OF
GOD FOR THE FAMILY.
A. Disobedience (1 Sam. 13:13, 14). King Saul disobeyed God’s purpose for his family.
B. Uncontrolled Pursuit of Things of This Life: Money, Power, Fame,
Position (1 John 2:15-17). Many pursue these things and fail to discover the real purpose of God for their lives. God wants us to
seek His kingdom first (Matt. 6:33).
IV. MERITS OF DISCOVERING THE
PURPOSE OF GOD FOR THE
FAMILY
6
A. Fulfillment and Satisfaction. When we discover and pursue God’s purpose, the result is fulfillment and
satisfaction (2 Tim. 4:7, 8).
B. A Roadmap to Work With. When you discover the purpose of God, it becomes a blueprint, a guide, a
roadmap for us to walk and work with. We are saved from the danger of walking
blindly.
C. It Promotes Impact Making. Knowing the purpose of God is vital to making maximum impact. It gives you
the push to pursue and possess God’s purpose for the family.
D. It brings joy, honour to the family and glory
to God.
CONCLUSION
0 comments:
Post a Comment