Building Thriving Families Through Christ-Centered Relationships

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation Through Christ

True transformation in our families comes not from our own efforts but through the power of a living Savior, a loving Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit. This divine help changes our hearts and minds, enabling us to love like Jesus and build healthy, thriving families. When we rely on our own strength, we often fall short and become frustrated. However, when we lean on Christ, we find the strength and wisdom to navigate family challenges with grace and love. This transformation is a continuous process that requires daily surrender and trust in God's power.

The journey of transformation begins with acknowledging our need for Jesus. It involves daily prayer, reading the Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our actions and decisions. As we grow in our relationship with God, we become more like Christ, and this change positively impacts our families. We start to see the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—manifest in our homes. This transformation is not just for our benefit but also for the legacy we leave for future generations. [18:48]

Ephesians 3:16-17 (ESV): "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love."

Reflection: In what areas of your family life do you need to rely more on Christ's transforming power? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in these areas today?

Day 2: Intentional Prioritization

Thriving families are built by individuals who intentionally prioritize a deep, growing relationship with God. This means making God the number one priority in our lives, not just on Sundays but in every aspect of our daily lives. When we prioritize our relationship with God, it sets the foundation for everything else. Our decisions, actions, and interactions with family members are influenced by our commitment to God. This intentional prioritization requires discipline and a conscious effort to put God first in our schedules, finances, and relationships.

One practical way to prioritize God is by setting aside time each day for prayer and Bible study. This daily habit helps us stay connected to God and receive His guidance. Additionally, involving family members in spiritual activities, such as family devotions or attending church together, reinforces the importance of a God-centered life. When each family member prioritizes their relationship with God, it creates a ripple effect that strengthens the entire family unit. [32:05]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to prioritize your relationship with God? How can you encourage your family members to do the same?

Day 3: Submission Out of Reverence for Christ

Ephesians 5:21 teaches us to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. This submission involves deep respect, obedience, and having each other's best interests at heart. It is a crucial element in building healthy, thriving families. Submission is often misunderstood as a sign of weakness, but in the biblical context, it is an act of strength and humility. It means putting others' needs before our own and serving them with love and respect. This mutual submission fosters an environment of trust and cooperation within the family.

When family members submit to one another out of reverence for Christ, it reflects the love and unity that God desires for us. It requires us to let go of pride and selfishness and to seek the well-being of others. This kind of submission is not about control or dominance but about honoring God through our relationships. By submitting to one another, we create a family culture where everyone feels valued and loved. [36:49]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: How can you practice mutual submission in your family this week? What are some specific ways you can put others' needs before your own?

Day 4: Understanding Love Languages

Knowing and understanding the five love languages—words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and receiving gifts—can significantly improve how we express love to our family members. This understanding helps us meet their emotional needs more effectively. Each person has a primary love language that speaks to them the most, and when we learn to communicate in that language, it strengthens our relationships. For example, someone whose love language is words of affirmation feels most loved when they receive verbal encouragement and praise.

Taking the time to discover and speak each family member's love language can transform the way we interact with one another. It shows that we care enough to understand their unique needs and preferences. This intentional effort to express love in meaningful ways can lead to deeper connections and a more harmonious family life. [51:29]

1 John 3:18 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."

Reflection: What is your primary love language, and how can you communicate it to your family? How can you learn and speak the love languages of your family members this week?

Day 5: Family Assessment and Growth

Regularly assessing the health of our families and having open discussions about areas for improvement can help us address issues before they become significant problems. This proactive approach, combined with prayer and reliance on God, can lead to healthier, more thriving families. Family assessments involve honest conversations about what is working well and what needs attention. It requires a willingness to listen, understand, and make necessary changes for the betterment of the family.

Creating a safe space for these discussions is essential. Encourage each family member to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Use this time to pray together and seek God's guidance for the areas that need improvement. By regularly assessing and addressing the health of our families, we can build stronger, more resilient relationships that honor God. [56:34]

Proverbs 27:23 (ESV): "Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds."

Reflection: When was the last time you had an open discussion about the health of your family? What steps can you take to initiate a family assessment and growth conversation this week?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we embarked on a new series titled "Building Thriving Families." The goal is to help both our church family and individual families thrive and build lasting legacies. We acknowledged that many of us come from broken or unhealthy family backgrounds, but through Jesus, transformation is possible. We emphasized that thriving families are built on healthy individuals who prioritize a deep, growing relationship with God. This transformation isn't achieved through our own strength but through the power of a living Savior, a loving Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit who renews our hearts and minds.

We began by discussing what a healthy family looks like, identifying traits such as having God at the center, good communication, spending quality time together, and expressing love and forgiveness. We also identified obstacles to thriving families, including pride, busyness, dishonesty, and the influence of the devil. We stressed that healthy families come from individuals who intentionally prioritize their relationship with God, both individually and together.

We explored the concept of submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ, as stated in Ephesians 5:21. This submission involves deep respect, obedience, and having each other's best interests at heart. We also discussed the five love languages—words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and receiving gifts—and how understanding these can help us love our family members better.

Finally, we encouraged everyone to have a family talk this week to discuss what a healthy family looks like and to identify areas for improvement. We also provided resources to help families grow and thrive. Next week, we will delve into the topic of marriage, exploring what it means from a biblical perspective.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Transformation Through Christ: True transformation in our families comes not from our own efforts but through the power of a living Savior, a loving Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit. This divine help changes our hearts and minds, enabling us to love like Jesus and build healthy, thriving families. [18:48]
2. Intentional Prioritization: Thriving families are built by individuals who intentionally prioritize a deep, growing relationship with God. This means making God the number one priority in our lives, not just on Sundays but in every aspect of our daily lives. [32:05]
3. Submission Out of Reverence for Christ: Ephesians 5:21 teaches us to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. This submission involves deep respect, obedience, and having each other's best interests at heart. It is a crucial element in building healthy, thriving families. [36:49]
4. Understanding Love Languages: Knowing and understanding the five love languages—words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and receiving gifts—can significantly improve how we express love to our family members. This understanding helps us meet their emotional needs more effectively. [51:29]
5. Family Assessment and Growth: Regularly assessing the health of our families and having open discussions about areas for improvement can help us address issues before they become significant problems. This proactive approach, combined with prayer and reliance on God, can lead to healthier, more thriving families. [56:34]
### [56:34]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[16:42] - Introduction and Announcements
[17:31] - Goal of the Series
[18:13] - Personal Testimony
[18:48] - Transformation Through Christ
[19:56] - Prayer for Guidance
[27:02] - Traits of a Healthy Family
[28:46] - Expressing Love and Forgiveness
[29:28] - Challenges to Thriving Families
[31:15] - Spiritual Warfare
[32:05] - Intentional Prioritization
[33:55] - Measuring Spiritual Growth
[35:49] - Ephesians 5:21 - Submission
[42:33] - Reverence for Christ
[49:17] - Practical Submission
[51:29] - Five Love Languages
[56:34] - Family Assessment
[62:38] - Weekly Assignment
[63:29] - Resources and Announcements
[64:15] - Next Week's Topic: Marriage
[75:14] - Men's Retreat Announcement
[76:47] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 5:21, what is the basis for submitting to one another? How does this submission manifest in a family setting? [35:49]
In Mark 12:30, Jesus outlines the greatest commandment. What are the four aspects of loving God mentioned in this verse? [33:55]
The sermon mentioned several traits of a healthy family. Can you list at least three traits discussed? [27:02]
What are the five love languages mentioned in the sermon, and how can understanding them improve family relationships? [51:29]

Interpretation Questions

How does submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21) contribute to building a thriving family? [35:49]
Why is it important to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength as stated in Mark 12:30? How does this commandment influence family dynamics? [33:55]
The sermon emphasized the importance of intentional prioritization of a relationship with God. How can this intentionality impact the overall health of a family? [32:05]
Discuss how understanding and applying the five love languages can help in meeting the emotional needs of family members. Why is this understanding crucial for family health? [51:29]

Application Questions

Reflect on your current family dynamics. Are there areas where you can improve in submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ? What practical steps can you take this week to start this process? [35:49]
How can you intentionally prioritize your relationship with God in your daily life? Identify one specific change you can make this week to deepen your relationship with God. [32:05]
Think about the love languages of your family members. How can you better express love to them in a way that they understand and appreciate? Share one specific action you will take this week to show love in their primary love language. [51:29]
Assess the current health of your family. Are there any obstacles such as pride, busyness, or dishonesty that need to be addressed? What steps can you take to overcome these challenges? [29:28]
The sermon encouraged having a family talk to discuss what a healthy family looks like. Plan a time this week to have this discussion with your family. What topics will you cover, and how will you ensure everyone’s voice is heard? [56:34]
Reflect on the concept of loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. How can you model this love in your family interactions? Identify one specific way you can demonstrate this love in your family this week. [33:55]
Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in transforming your family. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in your family’s life? Share a prayer or practice you will incorporate to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance. [18:48]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for outreach

1. "Transformation to healthy, thriving families is because we have a living Savior. Amen? A Heavenly Father that loves us like crazy, a Holy Spirit that lives inside of us, changes our hearts from stone to soft, renews our minds, helps us love like Jesus." [18:48] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Healthy families come from individuals who intentionally prioritize a deep growing relationship with God first. Individually, right? And then together. So, let's talk about that. Let's talk about that for just a second. Lots of important words there. Healthy families are built by healthy individuals, right? You got to start with the individuals to be healthy as a family." [32:05] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If you're not healthy, how can your family be healthy? Spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally, right? If you aren't, think there's only one place to start to be able to thrive as individuals, then as a family, and that's salvation by God's grace through faith in Jesus. Amen?" [34:47] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Love is simply having somebody else's best interest at heart. Right? Isn't that what it means to submit to one another? Have their best interest at heart. Think of them first." [50:44] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We don't have to guess what you want us to do. And that's follow you, Jesus. You want us to love. And that is so hard, God, because we're so, at least I am, I'm selfish, God. Even though I've been renewed in my soul and in my mind, I'm still selfish at times." [01:04:59] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for members

1. "Healthy, thriving families admit they were wrong and ask for forgiveness. I know some of you wrote that down, but I wanted to point that one out. The other one that I thought of is healthy, thriving families say, I love you often. Our family says it all the time." [28:46] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "I believe the way we can grow to be healthy, to thrive, is by submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. All those things that you listed and how that happens, those are good things. But I think this, after salvation, is the number one thing." [36:49] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "How do we measure if we're growing in our relationship with God? Heart, soul, mind, and strength. Are these your priorities? If you... If somebody you're discipling said, hey, tell me what your priorities are. Now, every one of us would say God's first. We would say God's first, but look at your calendar, look at your checkbook." [33:55] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Healthy families are built by healthy individuals, right? You got to start with the individuals to be healthy as a family. Intentionally prioritize? Well, that doesn't mean we're lackadaisical about it. We don't drift into healthiness. We don't drift into thriving, right? Not just hoping to do those things, to be that." [32:05] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If we're talking about challenges and obstacles, you should say the devil and his demons are the number one thing that's fighting against your families and my family as well. So, if we're going to thrive, this isn't just about us, right? We've got to know who we're up against, what we're up against." [31:15] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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