Decisive Choices: Serving God and Strengthening Families
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the importance of making decisive choices in our lives, particularly in the context of our faith and family. Drawing from personal anecdotes and biblical references, we delved into the necessity of standing firm in our beliefs and aligning our lives with God's design. The central theme was encapsulated in the phrase, "Make a decision," urging us to choose whom we will serve, much like Joshua did when he declared, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
We examined the story of Joshua and the Israelites, emphasizing the need to eliminate distractions and false gods from our lives to fully commit to God's path. This commitment is not just about personal faith but extends to how we lead our families. The analogy of the family as a cell was used to illustrate how each component—nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane—plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and integrity of the family unit. The nucleus represents the core values and genetic information, the cytoplasm holds everything together, and the cell membrane acts as a gatekeeper, regulating what comes in and goes out.
We also discussed the challenges of modern distractions like social media, entertainment, and even well-meaning activities like sports, which can disrupt the family nucleus if not kept in check. The importance of fearing the Lord, not in a terrorizing way but in reverence and awe, was highlighted as a cornerstone for a godly life. This fear of the Lord should guide our decisions and actions, ensuring that we remain aligned with His will.
Finally, we touched on the importance of community and the church in supporting and protecting the family unit. Being part of a church community helps us stay connected, provides accountability, and offers a support system that reinforces our commitment to God's design for our lives and families.
### Key Takeaways
1. Make a Decision: In a world full of distractions and conflicting values, it's crucial to make a firm decision about whom we will serve. Just as Joshua challenged the Israelites, we must choose to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, eliminating any idols or distractions that vie for our attention. This decision is foundational for living a life aligned with God's will. [04:29]
2. Remember God's Goodness: Reflecting on God's past faithfulness can strengthen our resolve to walk the narrow path. When we remember how God has provided, protected, and guided us, it becomes easier to trust Him with our future. This practice of gratitude keeps us grounded and focused on His goodness, even when the road gets tough. [09:28]
3. Fear the Lord: The fear of the Lord is about reverence and awe, not terror. This kind of fear leads to wisdom and obedience, guiding us to live in a way that honors God. It's a call to prioritize His word and His ways over popular opinions or societal norms, ensuring that our lives reflect His holiness and love. [10:19]
4. Family as a God-Designed Cell: The family unit, much like a biological cell, has a specific design and function. The nucleus (core values), cytoplasm (support system), and cell membrane (boundaries) all play vital roles in maintaining the health and integrity of the family. Keeping these elements aligned with God's design helps protect the family from external pollutants and internal dysfunction. [19:29]
5. Community and Accountability: Being part of a church community is essential for spiritual growth and family health. The church acts as a support system, providing accountability, encouragement, and resources to help us stay aligned with God's design. Regular participation in church activities reinforces our commitment to God and strengthens our family unit. [40:29]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:36] - Introduction and Personal Anecdotes
[01:18] - Series Overview: Family Survival Guide
[03:08] - Make a Decision: The Central Theme
[04:29] - Joshua's Challenge to the Israelites
[06:03] - Remembering God's Goodness
[07:40] - The Narrow Road of Faith
[09:28] - Personal Testimony of God's Faithfulness
[10:19] - The Fear of the Lord
[11:29] - You Can't Make Someone Else's Decision
[14:48] - The God-Designed Family Cell
[19:29] - The Function of the Family Cell
[22:23] - Spiritual Warfare and Family Protection
[23:26] - The Nucleus: Core Values and DNA
[40:29] - The Role of the Church Community
[44:28] - Washing in the Word and Seeking Wisdom
[45:47] - Invitation to Accept Christ
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 24:14-15 (NIV)
> "Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
2. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
> "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
3. Ephesians 6:1-4 (NIV)
> "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise—'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.' Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Joshua's challenge to the Israelites in Joshua 24:14-15, and how did he personally respond to it? [06:39]
2. According to Hebrews 13:8, what is the significance of Jesus being the same yesterday, today, and forever? [18:13]
3. In Ephesians 6:1-4, what are the specific instructions given to children and fathers? How do these instructions contribute to the family unit? [26:08]
4. What analogy did the pastor use to describe the family unit, and what are the roles of the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane in this analogy? [14:48]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to make a decisive choice about whom we will serve, as emphasized in Joshua 24:14-15? How does this decision impact our daily lives and family dynamics? [04:29]
2. How does remembering God's past faithfulness, as mentioned in the sermon, help us stay committed to walking the narrow path? [09:28]
3. What does it mean to "fear the Lord" in the context of reverence and awe, and how does this kind of fear guide our decisions and actions? [10:19]
4. How does the analogy of the family as a God-designed cell help us understand the importance of maintaining core values, support systems, and boundaries within the family? [19:29]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Have you made a clear decision about whom you will serve? What steps can you take to eliminate distractions or "false gods" that may be vying for your attention? [04:29]
2. Think about a time when you experienced God's faithfulness. How can you use that memory to strengthen your resolve to trust Him with your future, especially during challenging times? [09:28]
3. In what ways can you cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord in your daily life? How can this reverence influence your decisions and interactions with others? [10:19]
4. Evaluate the current state of your family unit. Are there any areas where the core values (nucleus), support systems (cytoplasm), or boundaries (cell membrane) need to be realigned with God's design? What practical steps can you take to address these areas? [19:29]
5. How can you actively participate in your church community to provide and receive support and accountability? What specific actions can you take to strengthen your connection with your church family? [40:29]
6. Identify one modern distraction (e.g., social media, entertainment, sports) that may be disrupting your family nucleus. What changes can you make to minimize its impact and refocus on God's design for your family? [36:17]
7. How can you ensure that your family is regularly "washing in the Word" and seeking wisdom from God? What specific practices can you implement to make this a consistent part of your family life? [44:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Choose Whom You Will Serve
In a world filled with distractions and conflicting values, it is crucial to make a firm decision about whom we will serve. Just as Joshua challenged the Israelites, we must choose to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, eliminating any idols or distractions that vie for our attention. This decision is foundational for living a life aligned with God's will. The act of making a decisive choice to follow God sets the tone for our spiritual journey and influences every aspect of our lives, including our family dynamics and personal faith.
Joshua's declaration, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord," serves as a powerful reminder that our choices have a profound impact on those around us. By committing to serve the Lord, we set a standard for our families and communities, encouraging them to do the same. This commitment requires us to actively remove distractions and false gods from our lives, ensuring that our focus remains on God's path. [04:29]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: What are the distractions or "idols" in your life that compete for your attention and devotion? How can you actively remove or minimize these distractions to focus more on serving the Lord?
Day 2: Reflect on God's Faithfulness
Reflecting on God's past faithfulness can strengthen our resolve to walk the narrow path. When we remember how God has provided, protected, and guided us, it becomes easier to trust Him with our future. This practice of gratitude keeps us grounded and focused on His goodness, even when the road gets tough. By recalling specific instances of God's faithfulness, we build a reservoir of trust that sustains us through challenging times.
Gratitude is a powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal. It shifts our focus from our problems to God's provision, reminding us that He is always in control. As we cultivate a habit of gratitude, we become more resilient in our faith, able to withstand the trials and tribulations that come our way. This practice not only benefits us personally but also serves as a testimony to others of God's unwavering faithfulness. [09:28]
Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV): "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."
Reflection: Take a moment to write down three specific instances where you have experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can these memories help you trust Him more in your current circumstances?
Day 3: Embrace the Fear of the Lord
The fear of the Lord is about reverence and awe, not terror. This kind of fear leads to wisdom and obedience, guiding us to live in a way that honors God. It's a call to prioritize His word and His ways over popular opinions or societal norms, ensuring that our lives reflect His holiness and love. Embracing the fear of the Lord means recognizing His sovereignty and submitting to His authority in every aspect of our lives.
This reverential fear is the beginning of wisdom, as it aligns our hearts and minds with God's truth. It compels us to seek His guidance in our decisions and actions, leading to a life that is pleasing to Him. By cultivating a healthy fear of the Lord, we develop a deeper understanding of His character and a greater desire to live in accordance with His will. [10:19]
Proverbs 9:10 (ESV): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to prioritize God's word and ways over societal norms? How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for the Lord in these areas?
Day 4: Strengthen the Family Unit
The family unit, much like a biological cell, has a specific design and function. The nucleus (core values), cytoplasm (support system), and cell membrane (boundaries) all play vital roles in maintaining the health and integrity of the family. Keeping these elements aligned with God's design helps protect the family from external pollutants and internal dysfunction. By understanding and embracing these roles, we can create a strong, healthy family unit that reflects God's love and purpose.
The nucleus represents the core values and beliefs that guide the family, while the cytoplasm provides the support and nurturing environment needed for growth. The cell membrane acts as a protective barrier, regulating what influences enter and leave the family. By maintaining a balance between these elements, we can ensure that our families remain strong and resilient in the face of external pressures and internal challenges. [19:29]
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: What are the core values that guide your family? How can you strengthen the support system and boundaries within your family to better align with God's design?
Day 5: Engage in Community and Accountability
Being part of a church community is essential for spiritual growth and family health. The church acts as a support system, providing accountability, encouragement, and resources to help us stay aligned with God's design. Regular participation in church activities reinforces our commitment to God and strengthens our family unit. By engaging in community, we build relationships that offer mutual support and accountability, helping us stay on track in our spiritual journey.
The church community serves as a place where we can share our struggles, celebrate our victories, and grow together in faith. It provides a network of support that helps us navigate the challenges of life and remain steadfast in our commitment to God's will. By actively participating in church life, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to the spiritual growth and well-being of others. [40:29]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you become more actively involved in your church community? What steps can you take to build stronger relationships and accountability within your church family?
Quotes
1. "Can I tell you that we live in a world today where as believers we've got to make a decision? We've got to make a decision. And we don't do it with picket signs. We don't do it with mega horns. We don't do it with hate speech online. We don't do it by forcing someone to believe what we believe, but we take a stance on truth. And we say, hey, this is who I serve. And I won't bend from that. I'm making a decision." [04:29] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "One of the greatest things that I have discovered in my life to stay the course is to remember what God has done in my life up to this point. That if he did nothing else for me, he sent his son to pay the highest price that you couldn't pay and that I couldn't pay. But his son paid that price for you and I. So if God did nothing else for me and if God did nothing else for you until we see him face to face, we still have every single reason to wake up in the morning and say, God, I am going to walk with you. I am going to serve you. As for me and my house, we're going to walk this road with you." [08:32] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The second thing it talked about in there was to fear the Lord. This is just my intro. The second thing is to fear the Lord. Can I tell you we need some church that will get back to fearing the Lord, fearing who God is. When's the last time you heard a message on fearing God? Somebody said, I didn't think we were supposed to fear. Well, you're not. We're not supposed to fear like an unbeliever would fear. An unbeliever should have a different fear than you and I as believers because ultimately they will stand in front of their judge one of these days just like you and I." [10:19] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You can't make somebody else's decision. That's one of the hardest things as a pastor for me is when I'm trying to help someone. I'm doing my best. I feel like this is just a God word. And I'm like, God, I know you're going to just move in some lives. And I might even have somebody on my mind that I'm like, God, I think this is going to be one of those messages that just rocks them, you know? And then as soon as I see him out acting like a fool, and I'm like, oh, man, you can't make somebody else's decision. He said, you choose today who it is you serve. And if serving the Lord doesn't seem cool to you, then go figure out who. If you want to go back to the gods that kept you in slavery, if you want to go back to those gods, that held you in bondage, then, my friend, make your decision. But as for me in this house, we're sticking with Jesus. We're sticking with his way." [12:44] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The nucleus is the first part of the cell. Listen to what the nucleus does. The nucleus holds the center, is the control center of the cell. It holds the genetic information and the DNA that's replicated. This is where it happens is in the cell. the nucleus. Isn't that cool? Some of you are like, I don't care. You should care. It's a pretty important piece of how God designed us anyway. That the DNA of how he made us is replicated in the nucleus of how he designed it." [25:38] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The family cell was designed by God that we be in him. The man leads, the wife submits to that leadership while the husband is submitting to the wife and empowering her to become everything that God has called her to be while teaching their kids to obey what the Lord has instructed us to obey, which the priority of God's house, I assure you, is an obedience to a relationship with God." [34:02] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "A cell on its own will not survive, but a cell that's connected together with other cells, come on somebody, can overcome a lot of stuff. So you could really make this, if we wanted to get creative, you could really make this like a square with a steeple on it. Because God designed the church to keep the family unit together. That's why we have to prioritize God's house. We can't let other things that are good take the place of God's house. Why? Because it helps keep the cell together. It helps keep the family. It provides a protection for your family." [40:29] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So we take the knowledge of the Holy Spirit of what should be coming in and we ask him for the wisdom of what should be coming in, what should be getting out. God, in my family, what do you see that needs to get in? What do you see that needs to get out? And we ask ourselves those questions and we say, Holy Spirit, help me see. If there's anything on the inside of me that is not clean, I want it out. Are you with me?" [44:28] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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