Restoring God's Design for Families Amidst Attacks

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today marks the beginning of our new series, "Families in the Fray," where we will explore various aspects of family life, including marriage, parenting, and singleness. This series is crucial because families are under constant attack by Satan and the world's evil systems. We will delve into Genesis chapters 1 and 2 to understand God's original design for families and why they are under attack.

In Genesis 1:26-28 and Genesis 2:7-25, we see God's perfect creation of man and family. God created man in His image, male and female, and blessed them to be fruitful and multiply. This design was flawless, reflecting God's perfect nature. However, the world today is filled with lies that distort this divine blueprint. Evolution, gender confusion, and the devaluation of marriage and family are just a few examples of how Satan seeks to undermine God's creation.

The core issue is that people are trying to find meaning and happiness apart from God, turning to the world, flesh, and the devil. This leads to a myriad of sins and perversions that destroy families. The church often follows the world's moral decline, thinking it is still better because it maintains a slightly higher standard. However, the true standard is God's Word, which brings glory to Him and happiness to us.

We examined 16 ways families are under attack, from the denial of a Creator to the confusion of gender roles, and the devaluation of children and marriage. These attacks are designed to rob God of glory and make people miserable. However, there is hope in Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, we can be reconciled to God, find our true purpose, and live for His glory.

### Key Takeaways

1. God's Perfect Design for Families: God's creation of man and family was flawless, reflecting His perfect nature. Understanding this helps us see that any deviation from His design leads to dysfunction and misery. God's original plan for families is what brings Him the most glory and us the most happiness. [35:15]

2. The Deception of Evolution: The lie of evolution undermines the inherent value and purpose of human life. Believing we are accidents of chance leads to a life devoid of meaning and morality. Recognizing that we are created in God's image gives us purpose and directs us to live for His glory. [38:25]

3. Gender Roles and Identity: God created man and woman with distinct roles and purposes. The confusion and lies about gender roles today lead to misery and dysfunction. Embracing God's design for male and female roles brings harmony and fulfillment in families and society. [45:47]

4. The Value of Children: God's command to be fruitful and multiply is often ignored today, with many seeing children as a burden. This devaluation of children leads to societal decline. Recognizing children as blessings from God and raising them in His ways brings joy and stability to families. [48:07]

5. Hope in Jesus Christ: Despite the attacks on families, there is hope in Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, we can be reconciled to God, find our true purpose, and live for His glory. This transformation enables us to have godly marriages, raise godly children, and live fulfilling lives even in the midst of spiritual battles. [01:11:49]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[25:57] - Introduction to Families in the Fray
[26:56] - The State of Families Today
[27:49] - The Spiritual Thirst of Humanity
[28:43] - God's Original Design in Genesis
[29:41] - The Purpose of Family Before and After the Fall
[30:56] - The Importance of Exemplary Marriages and Parenting
[32:08] - The Church's Moral Decline
[32:48] - Creation of Man and Family
[34:06] - God's Perfect Creation
[35:15] - The Flawlessness of God's Design
[36:23] - The Standard of God's Word
[36:53] - The Attack on Family Foundations
[37:24] - The Lie of Evolution
[38:25] - The Consequences of Believing Lies
[40:07] - The Image of God in Man
[42:09] - The Role of Gender
[45:47] - The Blessings of God
[47:33] - The Command to Multiply
[48:07] - The Devaluation of Children
[50:14] - The Truth About Death and Eternity
[51:38] - The Perfect Garden and Man's Rebellion
[53:11] - The Change in Diet Post-Fall
[55:09] - The Two Trees in the Garden
[56:05] - The Blessing of Work
[56:35] - The Futility of Escaping Death
[57:41] - The Role of Women
[59:08] - The Origin of Woman
[01:00:06] - The Reasons for Male Headship
[01:02:04] - The Misuse of Biblical Teachings
[01:04:17] - The Consequences of Ignoring God's Design
[01:05:19] - The Creation of Marriage
[01:06:49] - The Shame of Sin and God's Provision
[01:08:28] - The Root Issue: Satan's Attack on Families
[01:11:49] - The Hope in Jesus Christ
[01:14:15] - Living for God's Glory
[01:17:26] - Overwhelmingly Conquerors in Christ
[01:19:49] - The Spiritual Battle and Armor of God
[01:21:28] - The Need for True Faith in Jesus
[01:22:25] - Glorifying God in All Areas of Life
[01:23:02] - Prayer and Reflection
[01:25:04] - Transition to the Lord's Supper
[01:26:01] - Remembering Jesus in Hebrews 1
[01:34:12] - Partaking in the Lord's Supper
[01:40:04] - Final Reflections and Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Families in the Fray

#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:26-28
2. Genesis 2:7-25

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 1:26-28, what responsibilities did God give to man and woman in His creation? How does this reflect His perfect design? [34:06]
2. In Genesis 2:7-25, what specific details are given about the creation of man and woman? How do these details emphasize the distinct roles and purposes of each gender? [45:47]
3. What are some of the ways mentioned in the sermon that families are under attack in today's world? [32:48]
4. How does the sermon describe the church's moral decline in relation to the world's standards? [32:48]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to understand that God's creation of man and family was flawless? How does this understanding impact our view of current societal issues? [35:15]
2. How does the belief in evolution undermine the inherent value and purpose of human life, according to the sermon? [38:25]
3. What are the consequences of not embracing God's design for gender roles and identity as described in Genesis? How does this lead to dysfunction in families and society? [45:47]
4. How does recognizing children as blessings from God change our approach to parenting and family life? [48:07]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own family life. Are there areas where you see deviations from God's original design? How can you begin to align these areas with His perfect plan? [35:15]
2. The sermon mentions the deception of evolution and its impact on our sense of purpose. How can you reinforce the truth of being created in God's image in your daily life and conversations? [38:25]
3. Gender roles and identity are hot topics in today's society. How can you lovingly and truthfully communicate God's design for male and female roles to those around you? [45:47]
4. In what ways can you actively value and cherish children as blessings from God in your family or community? What practical steps can you take to support and nurture them? [48:07]
5. The sermon highlights the hope we have in Jesus Christ despite the attacks on families. How can you personally embrace and share this hope with others who may be struggling? [01:11:49]
6. Consider the ways your family might be influenced by the world's standards rather than God's Word. What changes can you make to ensure that God's Word is the ultimate standard in your home? [32:48]
7. How can you support and encourage other families in your church or community to stand firm against the attacks on family as described in the sermon? What specific actions can you take this week? [01:21:28]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Perfect Design for Families
God's creation of man and family was flawless, reflecting His perfect nature. Understanding this helps us see that any deviation from His design leads to dysfunction and misery. God's original plan for families is what brings Him the most glory and us the most happiness. In Genesis 1:26-28 and Genesis 2:7-25, we see God's perfect creation of man and family. God created man in His image, male and female, and blessed them to be fruitful and multiply. This design was flawless, reflecting God's perfect nature. However, the world today is filled with lies that distort this divine blueprint. Evolution, gender confusion, and the devaluation of marriage and family are just a few examples of how Satan seeks to undermine God's creation. [35:15]

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.'"

Reflection: How can you align your family life more closely with God's original design today? What specific steps can you take to reflect His perfect nature in your relationships?

Day 2: The Deception of Evolution
The lie of evolution undermines the inherent value and purpose of human life. Believing we are accidents of chance leads to a life devoid of meaning and morality. Recognizing that we are created in God's image gives us purpose and directs us to live for His glory. The core issue is that people are trying to find meaning and happiness apart from God, turning to the world, flesh, and the devil. This leads to a myriad of sins and perversions that destroy families. The church often follows the world's moral decline, thinking it is still better because it maintains a slightly higher standard. However, the true standard is God's Word, which brings glory to Him and happiness to us. [38:25]

Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV): "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."

Reflection: In what ways have you been influenced by the world's view of human life and purpose? How can you reaffirm your belief in being created in God's image today?

Day 3: Gender Roles and Identity
God created man and woman with distinct roles and purposes. The confusion and lies about gender roles today lead to misery and dysfunction. Embracing God's design for male and female roles brings harmony and fulfillment in families and society. In Genesis 1:26-28 and Genesis 2:7-25, we see God's perfect creation of man and family. God created man in His image, male and female, and blessed them to be fruitful and multiply. This design was flawless, reflecting God's perfect nature. However, the world today is filled with lies that distort this divine blueprint. Evolution, gender confusion, and the devaluation of marriage and family are just a few examples of how Satan seeks to undermine God's creation. [45:47]

Ephesians 5:22-24 (ESV): "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands."

Reflection: How can you better understand and embrace God's design for gender roles in your own life? What changes can you make to align more closely with His plan?

Day 4: The Value of Children
God's command to be fruitful and multiply is often ignored today, with many seeing children as a burden. This devaluation of children leads to societal decline. Recognizing children as blessings from God and raising them in His ways brings joy and stability to families. The core issue is that people are trying to find meaning and happiness apart from God, turning to the world, flesh, and the devil. This leads to a myriad of sins and perversions that destroy families. The church often follows the world's moral decline, thinking it is still better because it maintains a slightly higher standard. However, the true standard is God's Word, which brings glory to Him and happiness to us. [48:07]

Psalm 127:3-5 (ESV): "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate."

Reflection: How do you view children in your life and community? What steps can you take to value and nurture them according to God's design?

Day 5: Hope in Jesus Christ
Despite the attacks on families, there is hope in Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, we can be reconciled to God, find our true purpose, and live for His glory. This transformation enables us to have godly marriages, raise godly children, and live fulfilling lives even in the midst of spiritual battles. The core issue is that people are trying to find meaning and happiness apart from God, turning to the world, flesh, and the devil. This leads to a myriad of sins and perversions that destroy families. The church often follows the world's moral decline, thinking it is still better because it maintains a slightly higher standard. However, the true standard is God's Word, which brings glory to Him and happiness to us. [01:11:49]

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."

Reflection: In what areas of your family life do you need to invite Jesus' transformative power? How can you actively seek His guidance and strength in these areas today?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "There is a hunger for meaning inside of people. But just kind of a coarse shell of the bark of humanity on the outside. But moral. And decay on the inside. People want to be happy. They want to feel good. But instead of turning from their sins. To God and Christ, the fountain of living waters. They tried to fill the emptiness within them that spiritual thirst. By turning to the world of flesh and the devil to. To satiate and slake their thirst." [27:49] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "There is hope. Because Jesus Christ. The promised Messiah. The woman seed. Destined to crush the serpent's head. Was born. Lived. Died. Was resurrected from the dead. And ascended into heaven. There is hope. Because through Jesus Christ. A unworthy. Hopeless. Helpless. Hell bent sinner. Can be justified. Before a perfectly holy. And just God. Forgiven redeemed. Reconciled to God. Sanctified before God. Adopted into the family of God. And given the free gift of eternal life. To live with God forever." [01:11:24] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If you have Christ. In your life. You have Christ. You have the hope of glory. You don't need to fear those who kill the body. For after that what else can they do? Fear the one who after he has killed the body. Has authority to cast into hell. Yes fear him. Listen to what the word of God says. To all who know and love Jesus Christ. Romans 8 verse 31 and following. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us. Who is against us? And the implied answer is. No one." [01:14:52] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The world. It's materialism. It's sin. It's ways. Will not make you happy. They're fine to enjoy. They're good to have. But you cannot find your contentment in them. It's like drinking salt water. To slake your thirst. It only makes you thirstier. The world whose God. Is the arch enemy of your soul. Is lying to you on every front. To keep you from giving God. All the glory. And honor and praise. Don't listen to the world. Listen to the word of God." [01:17:50] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "There is so much joy. There is so much pleasure. Peace and happiness. And contentment and purpose. That comes from just doing. What God tells you to do. To do what you were created to do. To give God glory. In every area of your life. In your marriage. In your parenting. In your singleness. In your work. In your play. In your church. Etc." [01:18:22] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The church often kind of takes the moral high ground behind the world. But goes down with it. So 50 years ago. You know the church may have had these standards. And lived this way. And the world was like this. But the world goes down. And the church follows with it. We still think we're better. Because we're not like the world. But often times we don't realize just how much we have decayed. And that the standard is not a little bit above the culture. But the standard is the word of God." [32:48] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "When people don't understand. They are bearing the image of God. They have no purpose. For existing. They think and act like animals. They don't give glory to their creator. And this is why. Families are under attack." [43:08] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "When men and women don't understand. Their God assigned gender roles. Function purpose in society. And the home. They don't give glory to their creator. Which is why families are under attack." [47:06] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The attack on the family. Is the club. The tool. The instrument. The weapon. Satan is using. To rob God of glory. And this is why. You need to understand. Who you are. What you are. What your reason for existing is. What your purpose in life is. Because Satan. Wants you to live. In such a way. That you don't give God glory. Because he hates God. And so he hates man. Created in the image of God. Designed to give glory to God." [01:10:24] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You can't glorify God. In your life. And family. Until you are first reconciled to God. Through faith in Jesus. And so I ask you. Have you come to Jesus in faith? Have you been born again by grace? If not. Look to Jesus Christ in faith right now. Repent of your sin. Let Jesus Christ make you fit. To fulfill the reason. Why you exist. To glorify God. In your life. In your family." [01:21:56] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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