Embracing Divine Order: Family, Faith, and Forgiveness

Summary

In today's gathering, we reflected on the profound significance of communion and the divine order God has established for families. We began by acknowledging the sacrifice of Jesus, who, despite being fully divine, experienced the depths of human suffering for our redemption. This act of love is the cornerstone of our faith, reminding us of the hope and forgiveness we have through the cross. As we partook in communion, we were reminded to honor and give thanks for this sacrifice, recognizing that without it, we are nothing.

Transitioning to the theme of family, we explored the biblical blueprint for parenthood, focusing on the roles of fathers and mothers. Ephesians 6:4 served as a guiding scripture, emphasizing the importance of not provoking children to anger but raising them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. We discussed the societal challenges faced by families today, particularly the absence of fathers, and the impact this has on children. The message was clear: there is a divine order to family life, beginning with submission to God and extending to the roles within the household.

We were reminded that as parents, we have a God-given responsibility to lead our children by example, demonstrating obedience to God's will. This involves being active participants in the church, learning to lead and submit within the community, and ensuring that our children witness this commitment. The importance of unity between spouses was highlighted, as children learn obedience and respect by observing their parents' relationship.

Finally, we were encouraged to seek reconciliation and healing within our families, trusting that God can restore what has been broken. Whether as parents, children, or members of the church community, we are called to support and love one another, ensuring that the next generation is raised in the knowledge and love of Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Sacrifice of Jesus: Reflecting on Jesus' sacrifice reminds us of the immense love and grace we have received. His suffering and death on the cross are central to our faith, offering us hope and forgiveness. This act of love calls us to live lives of gratitude and remembrance, acknowledging that without the cross, we are nothing. [19:12]

2. Divine Order in Family: God's design for family life is rooted in divine order, beginning with submission to His will. This order extends to the roles within the household, where fathers and mothers are called to lead by example, demonstrating obedience and love. When families align with this order, they reflect God's purpose and bring harmony to the home. [54:13]

3. The Role of Fathers: Fathers have a unique responsibility to lead their families in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. This involves being present, loving, and guiding their children, ensuring they grow up knowing Christ. The absence of fathers can provoke children to anger, highlighting the importance of their role in the family. [56:33]

4. Unity Between Spouses: A strong, unified relationship between spouses sets a powerful example for children. When husbands and wives work together, respecting and submitting to one another, they create a stable environment where children learn obedience and respect. This unity is essential for fulfilling God's plan for the family. [01:00:38]

5. Reconciliation and Healing: God desires to restore and heal broken relationships within families. Whether it's between parents and children or among siblings, reconciliation is possible through God's grace. We are encouraged to seek forgiveness, extend love, and trust in God's ability to mend what has been broken. [01:14:14]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [15:37] - Opening Prayer
- [15:57] - Communion Preparation
- [16:35] - Divine Appointment
- [17:18] - Jesus' Sacrifice
- [18:40] - Importance of the Cross
- [19:12] - Hope and Remembrance
- [20:21] - Transition to Worship
- [41:41] - Introduction to Family and Parenthood
- [42:45] - God's Will for Families
- [53:32] - Ephesians 6:4 Explained
- [54:13] - Submission and Order
- [56:33] - Fathers' Responsibility
- [59:12] - God-Given Role of Parents
- [01:14:14] - Reconciliation and Healing
- [01:17:36] - Transition to Offering

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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

Observation Questions:
1. What does Ephesians 6:4 instruct fathers to do and not to do in their role as parents?
2. How does the sermon describe the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and its connection to communion? [19:12]
3. What societal challenges related to family structure were highlighted in the sermon, particularly concerning the role of fathers? [01:02:27]
4. How does the sermon suggest that children learn obedience and respect within the family unit? [01:00:38]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Paul emphasize the role of fathers in Ephesians 6:4, and how does this relate to the societal issues discussed in the sermon? [01:02:27]
2. How does the concept of divine order in family life, as discussed in the sermon, reflect God's purpose for harmony in the home? [54:13]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that unity between spouses impacts the upbringing of children? [01:00:38]
4. How does the sermon propose that reconciliation and healing can be achieved within families, and what role does faith play in this process? [01:14:14]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own family dynamics. How can you apply the principles of Ephesians 6:4 to improve your relationships with your children or parents? [56:33]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of leading by example. What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate obedience to God's will within your family? [55:51]
3. Consider the societal challenges mentioned in the sermon, such as the absence of fathers. How can you support families in your community who may be facing similar issues? [01:02:27]
4. How can you and your spouse work together to create a unified front for your children, ensuring they learn respect and obedience? [01:00:38]
5. The sermon encourages seeking reconciliation and healing. Is there a relationship within your family that needs mending? What steps can you take to initiate this process? [01:14:14]
6. Reflect on the role of communion in your spiritual life. How can you incorporate a regular practice of gratitude and remembrance for Jesus' sacrifice into your daily routine? [19:12]
7. Identify one area in your family life where you feel out of alignment with God's divine order. What practical steps can you take to realign with His purpose? [54:13]

Devotional

Day 1: The Cross as the Cornerstone of Faith
Reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus is central to understanding the depth of God's love and grace. Jesus, fully divine, chose to endure human suffering and death on the cross to offer redemption and forgiveness to humanity. This act of love is not just a historical event but a living reality that calls believers to live lives of gratitude and remembrance. Without the cross, the foundation of Christian faith would be incomplete, as it is through this sacrifice that hope and forgiveness are made available to all. As you meditate on this truth, consider how the cross influences your daily life and spiritual journey. [19:12]

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18, ESV)

Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross shape your understanding of love and forgiveness in your own life today?

Day 2: Embracing God's Design for Family
God's design for family life is rooted in a divine order that begins with submission to His will. This order extends to the roles within the household, where fathers and mothers are called to lead by example, demonstrating obedience and love. When families align with this divine order, they reflect God's purpose and bring harmony to the home. In today's world, families face numerous challenges, including the absence of fathers, which can have a profound impact on children. By embracing God's blueprint for family, believers can create a nurturing environment that fosters spiritual growth and unity. [54:13]

"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." (Psalm 127:1, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you align your family life more closely with God's divine order, and how might this bring greater harmony to your home?

Day 3: The Unique Role of Fathers
Fathers have a unique responsibility to lead their families in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. This involves being present, loving, and guiding their children to grow up knowing Christ. The absence of fathers can provoke children to anger, highlighting the importance of their role in the family. Fathers are called to be active participants in their children's spiritual development, setting an example of faith and obedience. By fulfilling this God-given role, fathers can positively influence their children's lives and help them build a strong foundation in Christ. [56:33]

"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him." (Psalm 103:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you, as a father or father figure, actively participate in the spiritual growth of the children in your life today?

Day 4: The Power of Unity Between Spouses
A strong, unified relationship between spouses sets a powerful example for children. When husbands and wives work together, respecting and submitting to one another, they create a stable environment where children learn obedience and respect. This unity is essential for fulfilling God's plan for the family, as it reflects His love and purpose. By prioritizing unity in marriage, couples can demonstrate the importance of partnership and mutual respect, providing a model for their children to follow. [01:00:38]

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to strengthen the unity in your marriage or partnership, and how might this impact your family as a whole?

Day 5: Seeking Reconciliation and Healing
God desires to restore and heal broken relationships within families. Whether it's between parents and children or among siblings, reconciliation is possible through God's grace. Believers are encouraged to seek forgiveness, extend love, and trust in God's ability to mend what has been broken. By embracing this call to reconciliation, families can experience healing and renewal, allowing them to move forward in unity and love. This process requires humility, patience, and a willingness to let go of past hurts, trusting that God can bring about transformation. [01:14:14]

"Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." (Colossians 3:13, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a relationship in your family that needs healing? How can you take the first step towards reconciliation today, trusting in God's grace to guide you?

Quotes

1. "In order for our foundation to be exactly what God intended, we need to get to the root and not just paste and paint over it, but actually fix it. And we get to the root of what it needs to happen, how it needs to happen, what the will of the Father is. But sometimes that's hard and the devil doesn't want us to receive this message. I promise you, I didn't want to come up here and preach this message. But God says. You need it. And I don't mean you. He's talking to me." [42:15] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And regardless of what your situation is, you're coming in. Some of you have great relationships. Some of you have no relationship with your earthly father. But God is saying, I'm still a good father. And I am faithful. And I'm worthy of all the praise and all the honor and all the glory." [43:21] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "In order to understand this verse, we have to understand how we got here. See, Paul is writing. He's writing this verse to the people of Ephesus, where he gives them instructions on how to live. And there is an order to things. Everything that God gives us has an order. Nothing is out of order. When we get things that are out of order, then we have chaos." [53:32] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We want our kids to listen to us, to do what we say, how we say, when we say, and have a good attitude. But they are not seeing us lead. They are not seeing husbands and wives being submissive to each other. They're not seeing the men lead, following the will of God. And now the children are confused. No wonder they are rebelling. Because they don't see it in us." [55:14] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I hope you know that your children are watching what you do. More than what you say. They are watching what you do. When you are in a place of submission, they are seeing that. They see how you serve the church. Fathers, your children are watching how you love your wife. Mothers, your children are watching how you submit to your husband." [55:51] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "It is the will of God for fathers not to provoke their children to anger. But to lead them and guide them and instruct them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. It is a blueprint that we must follow. That is a divine appointment that God has given us. But what comes with that is a divine responsibility and accountability. That means one day I'm going to stand before the father and he's going to say, how did you raise my children that I entrusted you with? And I'm going to have to give an account." [56:33] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "You can be supportive. You can be loving. You can be caring. You can be loving. You can meet all the needs of your children and still be outside of God's will. You can be a Christian. A Christian parent and still outside the will of God. It is very specific. Paul is saying you must lead your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. That means that they are following your lead. They need to know who Jesus is. They need to know about the love of Christ." [57:18] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "God is holding me accountable. It doesn't matter how old your children are. They still need love. They still need support. My 95-year-old grandfather still calls my 75-year-old father and said, how can I pray for you? Is there anything that I can pray for you for? What is the Lord speaking to you about? I'm almost 47. And my mother and my father call me and say, I'm just praying for you. What is the Lord speaking to you? What's your prayer life looking like? What are you struggling with?" [01:13:07] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "What I know about the God we serve is nothing is too far gone. He wants to restore families and make them whole. He wants to give back what the devil thought he could take away. But sometimes you just need to pick up the phone and say, I just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you. And if you don't have the opportunity, you need to come to the cross and say, God, I need healing. I need to be able to forgive my parents, but they're not here. God is saying, I got this. I got you." [01:14:14] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Regardless of where you are, if you just follow the will of God, it may not be today. You can't do anything to fix yesterday. But God is saying, let's begin today to have a better tomorrow. Amen? Amen." [01:17:20] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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