Aligning Our Homes with God's Commands

Devotional

Day 1: Aligning Family Structure with God's Blueprint

Description: The Old Testament provides a clear blueprint for how families should operate, emphasizing the need to put God first. This structure is crucial for maintaining a godly home and passing down faith to future generations. Neglecting this can lead to spiritual decay, as seen in Moses' failure to circumcise his son. The importance of family structure is not just a historical lesson but a present-day mandate for Christians. By aligning our homes with God's commands, we create an environment where faith can flourish and be passed down to future generations. [04:15]

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Reflection: How can you begin to align your family's daily routines and priorities with God's commands today?

Day 2: Generational Faithfulness and Historical Context

Description: The history of the Israelites, from Joseph to Moses, highlights God's emphasis on family and generational faithfulness. Moses' upbringing and his eventual calling show that God uses family structures to fulfill His purposes. This historical context reminds us that our actions today impact future generations. Understanding the importance of generational faithfulness helps us see the bigger picture of God's plan and our role in it. Our faithfulness today can set the stage for God's work in the lives of our descendants. [07:28]

Psalm 78:5-6 (ESV): "He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children."

Reflection: What are some ways you can intentionally pass down your faith to the next generation in your family?

Day 3: Spiritual Leadership in the Home

Description: Fathers are called to be the spiritual heads of their households, and mothers are to support and intercede for their families. Many issues in our homes stem from a lack of godly leadership. Parents must work together to create an environment where Christ is central, reflecting the biblical model of family. The role of parents in spiritual leadership is critical for the health of the family. Fathers and mothers must be united in their mission to lead their families in faith, ensuring that Christ is at the center of their home life. [22:27]

Ephesians 6:4 (ESV): "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you take up the mantle of spiritual leadership in your home this week?

Day 4: Teaching Children the Word of God

Description: The Bible should be a constant presence in our homes, guiding our daily lives and decisions. Many Christian homes rely too heavily on the church for spiritual education, neglecting their primary role in this task. Parents must take responsibility for teaching their children the Word of God. The importance of teaching children the Word of God cannot be overstated. It is the foundation upon which they will build their faith and navigate life's challenges. Parents must be proactive in making the Bible a central part of their family's daily life. [29:49]

2 Timothy 3:15 (ESV): "And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: How can you incorporate more Bible reading and discussion into your family's daily routine?

Day 5: Repentance and Commitment to Transform Homes

Description: Transforming our homes into places where God is honored requires hard work, grace, and a reliance on God. This transformation starts with repentance and a commitment to align our homes with God's commands. Live Church offers discipleship opportunities, but the real change must start at home. Repentance and commitment are the first steps toward creating a godly home. It requires a conscious effort to turn away from worldly influences and to seek God's guidance in every aspect of family life. [38:15]

James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Reflection: What is one area in your home that needs transformation? How can you begin to address it with God's help today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into Exodus 4:18-26, a passage that may seem strange at first but holds profound lessons about family and home. Moses, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, faces a life-threatening situation because he neglected a crucial aspect of God's covenant—circumcising his son. This incident underscores the importance of aligning our homes with God's commands. The Old Testament provides a blueprint for family structure, emphasizing the need to put God first in our homes. Unlike the Israelites, who had a clear understanding of family roles, many modern Christians struggle to maintain a godly home, often allowing worldly influences to seep in.

We explored the history of the Israelites, from Joseph's time in Egypt to Moses' upbringing and eventual calling. This historical context highlights how deeply God values family and generational faithfulness. Moses' failure to circumcise his son serves as a stark reminder that we cannot lead others in faith if our own homes are not in order. This principle extends to us today; our homes should reflect Christ, not the world.

The sermon also addressed the critical role of parents, especially fathers, in leading their families spiritually. Many issues in our homes stem from a lack of godly leadership. Fathers are called to be the spiritual heads of their households, and mothers are to support and intercede for their families. Both parents must work together to foster an environment where Christ is central.

We also discussed the importance of teaching our children the Word of God. Many Christian homes rely too heavily on the church to provide spiritual education, neglecting their primary role in this task. The Bible should be a constant presence in our homes, guiding our daily lives and decisions.

Finally, we emphasized the need for repentance and commitment to transform our homes into places where God is honored. This transformation requires hard work, grace, and a reliance on God. Live Church offers discipleship opportunities to help families grow in their faith, but the real change must start at home.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of Family Structure: The Old Testament provides a clear blueprint for how families should operate, emphasizing the need to put God first. This structure is crucial for maintaining a godly home and passing down faith to future generations. Neglecting this can lead to spiritual decay, as seen in Moses' failure to circumcise his son. [04:15]
2. Historical Context and Generational Faithfulness: The history of the Israelites, from Joseph to Moses, highlights God's emphasis on family and generational faithfulness. Moses' upbringing and his eventual calling show that God uses family structures to fulfill His purposes. This historical context reminds us that our actions today impact future generations. [07:28]
3. Role of Parents in Spiritual Leadership: Fathers are called to be the spiritual heads of their households, and mothers are to support and intercede for their families. Many issues in our homes stem from a lack of godly leadership. Parents must work together to create an environment where Christ is central, reflecting the biblical model of family. [22:27]
4. Teaching Children the Word of God: The Bible should be a constant presence in our homes, guiding our daily lives and decisions. Many Christian homes rely too heavily on the church for spiritual education, neglecting their primary role in this task. Parents must take responsibility for teaching their children the Word of God. [29:49]
5. Repentance and Commitment to Transform Homes: Transforming our homes into places where God is honored requires hard work, grace, and a reliance on God. This transformation starts with repentance and a commitment to align our homes with God's commands. Live Church offers discipleship opportunities, but the real change must start at home. [38:15]
### [38:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:59] - Introduction to Exodus 4:18-26
[02:03] - Questions About the Passage
[03:00] - God's Sovereignty and Family Structure
[04:15] - Old Testament Blueprint for Family
[05:27] - Stories of Family in the Old Testament
[06:39] - Historical Context: Israelites in Egypt
[07:28] - Generational Faithfulness
[08:09] - Jacob's Covenant with God
[09:14] - Moses' Upbringing
[10:03] - Misconceptions About Biblical Figures
[10:51] - Moses' Early Life and Calling
[11:58] - Pharaoh's Evil Plan
[12:53] - Moses' Dual Upbringing
[13:57] - Importance of Family in Christian Life
[14:58] - Family Discipleship at Live Church
[16:34] - Cultural Perversions in Our Homes
[18:09] - Moses' Grievous Mistake
[19:29] - Covenant of Circumcision
[20:56] - Spiritual Sickness in Our Homes
[22:27] - Role of Fathers in Spiritual Leadership
[23:51] - Role of Mothers in Spiritual Leadership
[25:22] - Importance of Repentance in Marriage
[26:56] - Godly Parenting
[28:29] - Teaching Youth the Word of God
[29:49] - Importance of Reading the Bible
[31:20] - Role of Parents in Spiritual Education
[32:43] - Dedication of Children
[34:13] - Signs of a Godly Home
[35:32] - Simplified Family Worship
[36:44] - Conforming to the Gospel
[38:15] - Repentance and Commitment
[39:48] - Discipleship Opportunities at Live Church
[41:11] - Importance of Leading Your Home
[42:34] - Power of Prayer
[43:33] - Starting Now: Repentance and Change
[44:09] - Youth and Future Families
[44:50] - Personal Testimony
[45:41] - Importance of Family Journey
[46:28] - Reliance on Jesus
[47:13] - Eternal Value for Our Children
[47:51] - Priorities and Eternal Impact
[49:24] - Encouragement to Parents
[50:54] - Building on the Rock

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the life-threatening situation Moses faced on his journey back to Egypt? ([02:03])
How did Zipporah intervene to save Moses' life, and what was her reaction? ([02:03])
What covenant did Moses neglect, leading to the life-threatening situation? ([18:09])
How does the Old Testament provide a blueprint for family structure according to the sermon? ([04:15])

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that Moses' failure to circumcise his son almost cost him his life? What does this teach us about the importance of obedience to God's commands? ([18:09])
How does the historical context of the Israelites' time in Egypt and Moses' upbringing highlight the importance of family and generational faithfulness? ([06:39])
What role do fathers and mothers play in leading their families spiritually, and how does this align with the biblical model of family? ([22:27])
Why is it crucial for parents to take responsibility for teaching their children the Word of God rather than relying solely on the church? ([29:49])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own family structure. Are there areas where you have allowed worldly influences to seep in? How can you begin to align your home more closely with God's commands? ([16:34])
Fathers, how can you step up as the spiritual head of your household? What specific actions can you take this week to lead your family in faith? ([22:27])
Mothers, how can you support and intercede for your family? What practical steps can you take to foster an environment where Christ is central? ([23:51])
How often do you teach your children the Word of God at home? What changes can you make to ensure that the Bible is a constant presence in your daily lives? ([29:49])
What are some specific ways you can repent and commit to transforming your home into a place where God is honored? How can you rely on God's grace and strength in this process? ([38:15])
Think about the last time you prayed for your spouse or children. How can you make prayer a more regular and intentional part of your family life? ([34:13])
How can you take advantage of discipleship opportunities at Live Church to help your family grow in faith? What steps will you take to get involved? ([39:48])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "The mindset is this monumental importance and how essential it is, the family is, to the life of a Christian. The home, the home, the family is so important to the life of a Christian. So much so that we have really tried to foster a culture, a family discipleship in this church. One of Life.Church's biggest mission fields is the home." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We are missing the mark. To put it plainly, we are not like the Jewish people who have had an understanding on how the home should be structured. There is a lot of similarities to American Christians and the Israelites that were enslaved in Egypt. Believers, brothers and sisters, you are a foreign race in a foreign land. John chapter 17, verse 16. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. We are in the enemy camp, and it surrounds us on all sides." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Parents, we're not being honest with ourselves, and the truth is the root cause of the issues is because we are not upholding Christ in our homes. I'm going to speak to the fathers in the room for a second, okay? Dads, some of you that are seeing issues in your home currently, and you're trying to figure out why these things are happening. Your kids are having problems. You and your wife are having problems. You are having problems. You might even be pointing the finger at all the symptoms. We might believe that if we would just change or get better, these things would go away, but the truth is the problem is really lying with us leading our home." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We have the most church God gives us. We can communicate with the Lord God Almighty. Do you understand that? We can communicate with the Lord God Almighty. We have access to this incredible, powerful Lord God Almighty that could do anything that nothing he can't overcome. The evil things of this world is like a gnat to him. And we can talk and communicate with him on a one-on-one basis. And we're not doing it. We're not doing it for our child. We're not doing it for our child. We're not doing it for our child." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You can do this. I don't know who told you along the way that you can't. I don't know why you think you need some of the title of youth pastor to minister to your kids. You can do this. One of the biggest blessings is when a parent comes to me and says, I think so-and-so is going to sit with me in the main service. I think he's maturing. We've been working with him. He's old enough. I think he's ready for that. It doesn't hurt me at all. I clap. I rejoice at that. That's the biggest blessing that a pastor can hear." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "When you study the New Testament, you won't find a lot of chapters or passages directly speaking to the family structure, the home, or how they should run. A lot of New Testament covers the church structure, salvation, Christ, the list goes on and on. Now don't misunderstand me. All of this is extremely important to your family and growing your family. But a lot of the New Testament was meant to be added and implemented to an already existing family structure. Where we find the blueprint on how the family should operate and how the family should be run is actually in the Old Testament." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Moses cannot go save a group of people that are upholding a covenant with the Lord when he has not upheld the covenant in his own home. Now, some of you may be saying, this is the Old Testament. I thought we're not under the law anymore. Well, you are correct. We are under the grace of Jesus Christ, and he has given us the Holy Spirit, so we honestly have even less of an excuse. I also want to clarify, I'm not saying to go off and chop parts off your kids, okay? Circumcision was an act in the old law. It's not a requirement after Jesus died on the cross. That decision is between you and your family physician. What is a requirement is the responsibility of every person in this room to put the gospel inside their homes, and the Old Testament still shows us how that is structured. We just do it under grace now, not under the law. Amen? That's a praise." (61 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Parents, for those of us who have raised children in the church, something that we really love to do is we love to bring our new babies. We love to bring our babies before the church. We love to bring our new babies before the church. We love to bring our new babies before the congregation, and we love to dedicate them. But what does that dedication signify? It is a commitment and essentially a promise to lead your children in the way of the Lord. The church as a whole also agrees to do this alongside the parents. Was it just lip service? Did you really mean it? Or was it just that thing that we do when we get a new baby because it makes us feel good, like we're actually accomplishing something?" (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Deuteronomy chapter 11, verse 18 through 19. You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. Now, I want you to really take notice of this next verse, verse 19. You shall teach your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. In your homes, when you wake up, and when you go to bed, the word of God is with you. You shall teach your children, talking of them when you are sitting in church, it doesn't get more simplified than that. It's an everyday commitment." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "My true hope, and I pray this one day for live churches, that there is not a need for my youth pastor position. That I can hang up that hat. That I don't have to come in and do that. That families enter the doors of live church full of the word and the things of God, and that what we do on Wednesdays and Sundays is just an overflow of the church that's been taking place in your homes. Not the first time that they've heard the gospel all week. It has to start with us, parents. It has to start with you. You are the first line. You are the voice that's supposed to speak into their lives. You are the voice that is supposed to tell the gospel. You are the voice that is supposed to tell the gospel to them." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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