HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 128
page A126
Family See also Adoption; Marriage
Is a family merely a group of relatives? Or is it something more? Families were God’s
unique idea from the beginning. There is no greater institution, no better group of people
to effect positive change in the world than the family. There is no better place to learn the
essential principles of life than in the family. And nowhere can the truths of God’s Word
be more effectively taught and modeled. Conversely, there is no institution, no group of
people with more power and ability to destroy a person than the family. Physical and verbal abuse, as well as neglect, can damage the emotional well-being of a child well into
adulthood, and often for a lifetime. The failure of parents to teach spiritual truths to their
children directly impacts their relationship with God and how they treat others. Family is
the environment that shapes a child’s lifetime direction.
What is family? How does the Bible define it?
• G E NE S I S 2 :2 4 | This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his
wife, and the two are united into one.
• E PH E S I A NS 2 :1 9 | You are members of God’s family.
• J A ME S 1 :1 8 | He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word.
The Bible talks about both an earthly family—made up of husband, wife, and sometimes
children—and the family of God, which is all believers united together by the bond of faith.
F
• G E NE S I S 4 :1 | Now Adam had sexual relations with his wife, Eve, and she became
pregnant. When she gave birth to Cain, she said, “With the Lord’s help, I have produced
a man!” (See note on page 7.)
HelpFinder
Husbands and wives have the privilege in joining in the continuing work of creation by
producing children.
• 1 C H R O NI C L E S 9 :1 | All Israel was listed in the genealogical records in The Book of the
Kings of Israel.
The Bible lists several genealogies, all recorded by family units, showing the family as
central and fundamental to the development of people and of nations.
• PR O V E R B S 6 :2 0 | My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s
instruction.
Nowhere can truth be more effectively taught and modeled than in the family.
• J O S H U A 2 4 :1 5 | “But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
The family is one of God’s greatest resources for communicating truth and effecting
change in any community. This change is directly related to the family’s spiritual
commitment and zeal.
• PSA L M 1 2 7 :3 | Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.
Children are a wonderful blessing.
• R U T H 4 :1 4 -1 7 | Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has
now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel.” . . . And they
named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David.
For a variety of reasons, you may not be part of the same legal family throughout your
lifetime (having the same spouse, siblings, etc.). Whatever family you find yourself in, your
responsibility is to love them with all your heart and model the ways of God. That kind of
legacy will yield beautiful fruit for generations.
What is my responsibility to my family?
• DE U T E R O NO MY 6 :6 -7 | “And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these
commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children.
Talk about them when you are at home.”
• PR O V E R B S 2 2 :6 | Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they
will not leave it.
To give them spiritual training and explain the gospel of Jesus to them.