| “A More Excellent Way” Lesson 6: Loving Families Support One
Another (1 Corinthians 13:7)
Intro: 1. The home should be a
place of sanctuary for the family. It is the place where every family member
can have confidence that they will be cared for and supported. 2. It is the place where spirituality and godliness
rule. An escape from all of the vileness that the world has to offer. (Joshua
24:15) 3. Homes that fear the Lord are
blessed. (Psalm 128) I. Biblical
examples of supportive families. 1.
Supporting our families includes guidance in the commands of God. (Genesis
18:19) 2. Job was continually
concerned about his children’s spiritual wellbeing. (Job 1:5) 3. Families are supportive when difficult
days arrive. (John 11:1-5) 4. Loving
families share the news of a loving Savior.
a. Cornelius (Acts 10:24-27) b.
Lydia (Acts 16:14-15) c. Lois and
Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5) (1)
Grandparents can have a tremendous impact on the spiritual well being of
their families. (2) We cannot give
our family members our faith, but we can support them as they grow their own
personal faith. II. God is a
supportive Father. (Luke 15:11-32) 1.
Free will allows us to make choices even if they are destructive. 2. Supporting our family members does not
mean we approve of their choices. (vs. 13)
3. Love for our families includes allowing them to learn from the
consequences of their poor choices. (vss. 14-16) 4. Supportive families are waiting and ready
when the erring member “comes to himself.” (vs. 17) a. We run to greet them as they are
returning. (vs. 20) b. We embrace
them and welcome their return. (vs. 20)
c. We restore them to full relationship with the family. (vss.
21-24) d. Being supportive requires
us to forgive and let go. (vss. 28-31)
(1) It is right to celebrate the return of the erring. (2) We should be thankful that we have had
the continual support of the Father and did not require prodigal living to
appreciate what we have. III. Come
home to the supportive Father 1. Come
home to confess and receive forgiveness. (1 John 1:9) 2. Come home and know the comforts of a
loving God. You need not live with the swine any longer. (2 Corinthians
1:3) 3. Come home and know the
salvation found in Jesus Christ. (John 3:16-17) Conclusion:
1. Our homes and families need to be places of refuge and
support. 2. The family of God is
designed to be supportive and encouraging.
3. Being part of the family of God gives us access to our “Father in
Heaven” and allows us to experience the greatest blessings known to man. |
