Restoring Family: Embracing God's Multi-Generational Vision
Summary
### Summary
Good morning and Happy Father's Day! Today, we delve into the biblical concept of fatherhood and how ancient wisdom can heal the modern family. God designed the family and fatherhood, and it’s crucial to understand His original intent. We often think we know what family is, but the crisis in modern families suggests otherwise. The enemy has distorted our understanding, leading to brokenness and shame. However, through the power of the gospel, we can overcome shame and aim for God's ideal family.
The family is in crisis, and we need to ask foundational questions about its purpose. God’s design for the family is multi-generational, aiming for a legacy that spans generations. This contrasts sharply with the Western idea of family as a springboard for individual success. The biblical family is a multi-generational team on a mission, designed to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue it, and rule. This mission is not just for one generation but for a lineage working together to fulfill God's vision.
Abraham is a key figure in understanding this concept. He was obsessed with a multi-generational family, and this vision fueled his fatherhood. The Bible encourages us to look to Abraham as an example. The Western idea of family, which focuses on launching children into individual success, lacks the depth and continuity of the biblical model. This modern approach often leaves fathers disconnected and unfulfilled.
In contrast, the biblical family is a team with a long-term vision. This vision includes being fruitful (having children), multiplying (having grandchildren), filling a region (saturating an area with descendants), subduing (maximizing influence), and ruling (establishing a legacy of leadership). This approach requires intentionality and a shift in mindset from building nests to building teams.
Even if you are single, divorced, or in a fragmented family, you can still participate in this mission through spiritual fatherhood and motherhood. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 parallels the original mission given to families in Genesis 1. We are called to make disciples who make disciples, creating a spiritual legacy that mirrors the physical one.
### Key Takeaways
1. Overcoming Shame Through the Gospel: Shame often prevents us from addressing family issues. However, the gospel provides a unique way to overcome shame. Jesus' righteousness covers our mistakes, allowing us to face difficult subjects like family brokenness without being paralyzed by guilt. This freedom enables us to aim for God's ideal family without hiding or destroying the ideal. [05:23]
2. The Biblical Family as a Multi-Generational Team: Unlike the Western idea of family as a springboard for individual success, the biblical family is a multi-generational team on a mission. This mission includes being fruitful, multiplying, filling the earth, subduing it, and ruling. This long-term vision creates a legacy that spans generations, providing a deeper sense of purpose and continuity. [25:17]
3. Abraham's Vision for Family: Abraham's obsession with a multi-generational family serves as a model for us. He saw his descendants as a crucial part of God's plan, and this vision fueled his fatherhood. By looking to Abraham, we can understand the importance of a long-term, multi-generational approach to family, which contrasts sharply with the modern, individualistic view. [15:35]
4. The Role of Fathers in Building Teams: Fathers often struggle with the modern concept of family because it doesn't resonate deeply with them. Men are designed to build and lead teams, and when they see their family as a team rather than a nest, it transforms their approach to fatherhood. This shift can significantly increase their engagement and intentionality in family life. [27:58]
5. Spiritual and Physical Multiplication: The Great Commission in Matthew 28 mirrors the original mission given to families in Genesis 1. Whether through physical families or spiritual discipleship, we are called to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue it, and rule. This mission applies to everyone, regardless of their current family situation, and emphasizes the importance of creating both physical and spiritual legacies. [39:36]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:24] - Introduction and Personal Story
[02:42] - The Question: What is Family?
[03:55] - The Crisis of the Modern Family
[05:23] - Overcoming Shame Through the Gospel
[06:33] - The Destruction of the Ideal Family
[07:50] - The Gospel and Family Language
[09:18] - The Need for Repentance
[10:37] - Personal Experience in Jerusalem
[13:03] - The Influence of Abraham
[15:35] - Abraham's Multi-Generational Vision
[17:01] - Understanding Family Through Abraham
[18:18] - Western vs. Biblical Family
[19:31] - The Struggle of Fathers
[20:41] - The Classical Family Model
[21:57] - The Importance of Genealogies
[22:55] - A Modern Example of Multi-Generational Family
[24:04] - God's Design for Family in Genesis
[25:17] - Defining Modern and Biblical Families
[27:58] - The Concept of Team in Family
[29:17] - The Role of Fathers as Coaches
[30:13] - Abraham and Sarah vs. Isaac and Rebecca Generations
[30:44] - Breaking Down the Family Mission
[31:16] - The Crisis of Fruitfulness
[32:22] - The Mission to Multiply
[33:29] - The Importance of Grandchildren
[34:00] - Filling a Region with Descendants
[34:50] - Subduing and Maximizing Influence
[35:45] - The Family as God's Chosen Entity
[36:15] - The Vision for a Ruling Family
[37:10] - A Five-Generation Strategy
[38:06] - The Enemy's Hatred for Fatherhood
[38:33] - Addressing Fragmented Families
[39:06] - The Great Commission and Family Mission
[40:06] - The Call to Make Disciples
[41:03] - The Lack of Disciple-Making Movements in the West
[42:08] - The Prophecy of Isaiah 54
[43:49] - The Mission of Godly Offspring
[44:26] - Conclusion and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:26-28 (ESV)
> "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'"
2. Isaiah 51:1-2 (ESV)
> "Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord: look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, that I might bless him and multiply him."
3. Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
> "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 1:26-28, what specific tasks did God assign to the first family? How do these tasks define the purpose of the family?
2. In Isaiah 51:1-2, why are the people instructed to look to Abraham and Sarah? What significance does Abraham's role as a father have in this context?
3. What parallels can be drawn between the mission given to families in Genesis 1 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28? How do both passages emphasize multiplication and legacy?
4. The sermon mentions that the Western idea of family often focuses on individual success, while the biblical model emphasizes a multi-generational team on a mission. What are some key differences between these two models? [25:17]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being fruitful, multiplying, filling the earth, subduing it, and ruling (Genesis 1:28) challenge the modern Western view of family? What implications does this have for how we view our roles within our families?
2. The sermon highlights Abraham's obsession with a multi-generational family. How does this long-term vision contrast with the modern approach to family life? [15:35]
3. In what ways does the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) extend the original mission given to families in Genesis 1? How does this apply to both physical and spiritual multiplication?
4. The sermon suggests that fathers often struggle with the modern concept of family because it doesn't resonate deeply with them. How might viewing the family as a team rather than a nest transform a father's approach to his role? [27:58]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own family dynamics. How can you shift your mindset from viewing your family as a nest to seeing it as a multi-generational team on a mission? What practical steps can you take to foster this vision? [27:58]
2. The sermon discusses overcoming shame through the gospel. Are there areas of family life where you feel shame or guilt? How can you apply the gospel's message of grace and forgiveness to these areas? [05:23]
3. Abraham's vision for a multi-generational family was central to his fatherhood. How can you incorporate a long-term, multi-generational perspective into your parenting or family leadership? What specific actions can you take to build a legacy? [15:35]
4. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples who make disciples. Identify one person in your life whom you can mentor or disciple. What steps will you take this week to begin or deepen this relationship? [39:36]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of fathers seeing themselves as coaches. If you are a father, how can you adopt a coaching mindset in your interactions with your children? If you are not a father, how can you support and encourage the fathers in your community to take on this role? [29:17]
6. Consider the idea of filling a region with descendants and maximizing influence. How can you and your family become more involved in your local community to create a lasting impact? What specific community activities or initiatives can you participate in? [34:00]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of spiritual fatherhood and motherhood. How can you contribute to the spiritual growth of others in your church or community, regardless of your current family situation? What steps can you take to mentor or support someone in their faith journey? [38:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Overcoming Shame Through the Gospel
Description: Shame often acts as a barrier, preventing us from addressing deep-seated family issues. The gospel, however, offers a unique solution to this problem. Through Jesus' sacrifice, His righteousness covers our mistakes, allowing us to confront difficult subjects like family brokenness without being paralyzed by guilt. This freedom is essential for aiming toward God's ideal family. By embracing the gospel, we can face our shortcomings and work towards healing and restoration within our families. This process involves acknowledging our faults, repenting, and relying on Jesus' righteousness to cover us, enabling us to move forward without the weight of shame. [05:23]
Isaiah 61:7 (ESV): "Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy."
Reflection: Think of a specific area in your family life where shame has held you back. How can you apply the gospel to overcome this shame and move towards healing today?
Day 2: The Biblical Family as a Multi-Generational Team
Description: The Western idea of family often focuses on individual success, but the biblical concept of family is much broader and deeper. It envisions the family as a multi-generational team on a mission. This mission includes being fruitful, multiplying, filling the earth, subduing it, and ruling. This long-term vision creates a legacy that spans generations, providing a deeper sense of purpose and continuity. By understanding and embracing this multi-generational approach, families can work together towards a common goal, creating a lasting impact that goes beyond individual achievements. [25:17]
Psalm 78:4-6 (ESV): "We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. 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: How can you start viewing your family as a multi-generational team on a mission? What steps can you take today to begin building this legacy?
Day 3: Abraham's Vision for Family
Description: Abraham's obsession with a multi-generational family serves as a model for us. He saw his descendants as a crucial part of God's plan, and this vision fueled his fatherhood. By looking to Abraham, we can understand the importance of a long-term, multi-generational approach to family, which contrasts sharply with the modern, individualistic view. Abraham's vision was not just about his immediate family but about creating a lineage that would fulfill God's promises and purposes. This perspective can inspire us to think beyond our immediate circumstances and invest in a legacy that honors God and impacts future generations. [15:35]
Genesis 17:7 (ESV): "And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you."
Reflection: Reflect on Abraham's vision for his family. How can you adopt a similar long-term, multi-generational approach in your own family life?
Day 4: The Role of Fathers in Building Teams
Description: Fathers often struggle with the modern concept of family because it doesn't resonate deeply with them. Men are designed to build and lead teams, and when they see their family as a team rather than a nest, it transforms their approach to fatherhood. This shift can significantly increase their engagement and intentionality in family life. By viewing the family as a team, fathers can take on the role of a coach, guiding and mentoring their children towards a common goal. This approach not only strengthens the family unit but also provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment for fathers. [27:58]
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (ESV): "For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory."
Reflection: If you are a father, how can you start viewing your family as a team? What practical steps can you take to become a more intentional and engaged coach for your family?
Day 5: Spiritual and Physical Multiplication
Description: The Great Commission in Matthew 28 mirrors the original mission given to families in Genesis 1. Whether through physical families or spiritual discipleship, we are called to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue it, and rule. This mission applies to everyone, regardless of their current family situation, and emphasizes the importance of creating both physical and spiritual legacies. By making disciples who make disciples, we can create a spiritual legacy that mirrors the physical one, fulfilling God's vision for His people. This approach encourages us to invest in relationships and mentorship, spreading the gospel and building a community of believers who continue the mission. [39:36]
2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection: How can you participate in the mission of spiritual multiplication today? Who can you invest in and disciple to create a lasting spiritual legacy?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Do you know that we didn't come up with this idea? God himself was the one who decided that he wanted the world to be ordered by this thing called a family and led by this other thing called a father." (11 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "One of the things that is true about being believers in Jesus is that we have a unique experience of how to overcome shame. Through the power of the gospel. And so I want to just encourage you as we talk about family, don't, don't sit in any, don't take one moment to sit in shame. Like experience the fact that when Jesus died on the cross, his righteousness came upon me and my record is on Jesus, not on what I've done." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you hear and see the way God has made something, then what we do, how we overcome shame is we don't say, well, I don't want to go there. I'm going to go ahead and say, I want God, whatever you want in this area, I want my family to reflect your design. And so I'm going to repent of the beliefs and start from here." (17 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When Jesus came, he came to reveal God as Father. And so if we let this idea of Father get corrupted, and you tell someone, hey, there's good news. God is like a father. What happens to their heart? It corrupts their ability to receive the gospel. Because when they think about that, they picture something that created all kinds of problems in their life." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you want to create a multi-generational family, what you have to do is raise your children to have children. That's how you do it. That's how you multiply. And so what I'm focused on as a father, is I am constantly disciplining and training and working with my kids and lifting up the idea of fatherhood to my son, lifting up the idea of motherhood to my four daughters." (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We think, okay, we've all grown up in families. We've all grown up in families. We've all grown up in families. We've done our 10,000 hours in the family. We've, we've, we're raising families. We've seen families. We know what family is. It's, it's, it's, it's so easy. It's so obvious. I'm here to tell you guys, it's not that obvious. This is how powerful sometimes the enemy's ideologies, they come against us and they can actually redefine reality. And then our minds start to shift. And then we lose connection with what was in God's heart when he's using this word." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you look at that definition in verse 28, a family is an entity designed to be fruitful, to multiply, to fill, to subdue, and to rule. If you look at that definition, you cannot get the modern idea of family. What you get is a completely different idea of family. One, that is multi-generational. You can see it right there. They have to multiply. One, that is a team. This mission was not given to one person or one generation. It was given to the multi-generational family. So it's a multi-generational team. And then they were given a mission to fulfill, subdue, and rule." (31 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you were to somehow just erase from the mind of a father his idea of fatherhood and just put coach right in that spot, I think you would see a 10x increase in the kind of fatherhood. In fact, if a mother were to sign her children up for a sport this season, she will expect more intentionality, more investment from that child's coach than from that child's father. Why is that? Well, because we understand coaching. We understand that a coach has to look at a player and figure out how to lead them, how to invest in them. But we don't know what fatherhood is because we think we're building nests." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So what is a family? Where do we go to find an answer to this question? And God himself talks about going back to Abraham. We read in Isaiah 51, listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord, look to the rock from which you were hewn and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah who bore you, for he was but one when I called him that I might bless him and multiply him. Look to this father, Jesus even, when he referred to Abraham in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, calls him father Abraham, father Abraham." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So what all this is saying to us is this. Malachi 2.15, and what was the one God seeking? I love this verse. Godly offspring. That's my message to you guys. It's amazing. This is our mission. Like we, our lives can be dedicated to both the physical and to the spiritual creation of Godly offspring. So we have to lift up fatherhood, lift up motherhood in our culture in order for us to fulfill the desire of God." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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