Good day

My name is Victor and I want to share some things online. I will be posting and explaining some certan things with the use of the Bible and logical reasoning.

It's like a daily devotion and I'll try as much to be updating the post very early in the morning because it's a good thing to start your day with the word of the Lord

All what I'll be posting here will be from the Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT) Sunday school.

Started new quarter on early September and I'll only post Sunday lectures at once to meet up with lesson

May God help us.

And please feel free to ask your questions

Pardon my English too

Lalasticlala
Seun
Ishilove

We are currently into marriage. What is marriage? Who owns marriage? What are the things to do not to choose wrongly? and many more. As we continue, God will make us understand his word d more

LESSON 1 4/9/2016

LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR THE FAMILY



Suggested Hymns: G.H.B 22, 32

Devotional Reading: Deut. 6:4-9

Topic for Adults: Allow God to be in control of your family.

Topic For Youths: Lay The Foundation Of Your Future Home On Jesus Christ.

Topic For Intermediates: Jesus Is The Sure Foundation For A Happy Family

Scripture Lesson: 1 Cor. 3:9-17; Prov. 24:3-4; 18:22

Memory Verse: For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 3:11) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Sun. 4/9/2016
Know Who You Are – Your Temperaments
Prov. 30:11-14


God created a lot of variety of human beings, each one different from another. Temperament is the basic template with which one is created. It dictates one’s natural tendencies, natural strength and weaknesses, and affects one’s outlook in life, behavior and relationships. There are people who are reserved while others are extroverts; some people are meticulous and well organized in all they do, while others do not care about details; etc. Hardly do two people of the same temperament marry one another; couples are meant to complement one another – in the area where the man is weak the wife should be strong and vice versa. In essence, it is not every sister in the church that is suitable for a particular brother. Each man should know his nature very well and be able to decide what kind of temperament will enhance his life and destiny. No matter what your temperament may be, it should be moderated by the Holy Spirit.



Point of Emphasis: Know the temperament of the person you intend to marry, or you have married.

Prayer Point: Father, give our singles the wisdom to know the right person to marry.



BACKGROUND

The importance of having a family based on God’s standard must not be undermined. Blissful family has much to do with the kind of family one establishes. It is the intention of this week’s lesson to sensitize believers on how they can make their families role models in this polluted world.



NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: MAKE JESUS THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR LIFE (1 COR. 3: 9-17)

God is the author of marriage and family. He has the blueprint of what it takes to make a strong and successful marital home. He also has all the resources necessary for the family to overcome every challenge the family may face. Right from the Garden of Eden, Satan has deceived man to think he can do without God. Rather than getting re-connected after sin separated him from God, man has been struggling to make it in life on his own. The steady decline in the quality of family life and the attendant heart ache are clear proofs that man’s effort to manage God’s institution of marriage is not working.

God created the bridge that connects man back to Him. He made Jesus pay the penalty of sin through His death on the cross. Man needs to surrender his life to Jesus by accepting Him as his Lord and Savior. Taking this step enables a man to lay the foundation of his life on the Eternal Rock; the foundation is therefore forever secured. When Jesus is Lord and Savior to both husband and wife, the home is sure to succeed. Any other ground on which the foundation of the home may be laid is sinking sand. If the foundation of your home was not laid upon Jesus Christ, you can invite Him into your home today, so that He can reset the foundation.

PART 2: BUILD YOUR FAMILY ON THE WISDOM OF GOD (PROV. 24:3-4)

Many families are built on faulty foundations – foundation of lies and deceit; foundation of worldly wisdom; foundation of fleshly lust and premarital sex; foundation in which the fear of God and commitment to His commands are secondary; etc. Since God is the author of marriage, His prescription for marriage should be the most important for any couple planning to get married or already married. This is wisdom. Wisdom prevents couples from doing things which will undermine their family. Wisdom makes couple to be open and truthful to each other. Wisdom makes them seek God’s face concerning any issue that affects them. Wisdom makes a couple respect and love each other. Wisdom keeps at bay any act of selfishness and makes spouses care for each other’s interests. But the foolish woman pulls down her home with her hands (Proverbs 14:1) while the foolish husband scatters his home with his fists. Wisdom makes couples determine to forgive one another’s offences.



PART 3: ALLOW GOD TO CHOOSE FOR YOU (PROV. 18:22)

To find a good husband or a good wife is a favor from the Lord. It is a well-known fact that it is not every brother or sister in the church that appears very spiritual is a marriage material. Not every pair of brother and sister in the church will form a happy marital couple. God knows every person beyond the outward appearance. He knows which man will fit a particular woman perfectly, and vice versa. If you are not yet married, take time to wait upon God, so as to know whom God will choose for you. If you are already married, do not use this as excuse to divorce or separate from your spouse. Ask God to come and intervene in the family situation to correct whatever is wrong with the foundation of your home.



CONCLUSION

This lesson “laying the foundation for family” is an eye-opener for all those who want a godly family in this present generation. There are some worldly postulations and philosophy that have been proffered concerning marriage but have not yielded positive result. Children of God should bear it in mind that nothing can compare favourably to the standard of God. It is, therefore, advisable for children of God to stick to what God has stipulated for His children.



QUESTIONS

If a wife is the bone of the man’s bone and flesh of the man’s flesh, why then do Christian homes still experience turbulence?

Which should take priority: the prevalent cultural practice or what the Bible says about the family?

What do you think can make a family thrive and succeed in life?

Mention those things that wisdom does in family.

LESSON 2 11/9/2016

GOD’S PATTERN FOR THE FAMILY

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 223, 260

Devotional Reading: Matt. 19:1-12

Topic For Adults: Conform to God’s plan for your family.

Topic For Youths: Decide To Follow God’s Commands For Your Marital Relationship.

Topic For Intermediates: God’s Plan For The Family Is Ideal For You

Scripture Lessons: Gen. 2:22-24; Mk. 10:1-10; Heb. 13:4

Memory Verse: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Gen. 2:24) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Sun. 11/9/2016
Husband Is Head Of The Family
Eph. 4:17-23
In any human organization, there needs to be someone in control. In the case of the family, God’s plan is that the husband should be the head. The issues of women fighting for their right arose because men have misunderstood and often have misused the concept of being the head of the home. The husband being the head does not confer on the husband the power to oppress or subjugate the wife; neither does it make the wife inferior to the husband. Every member of the family is important, and each should learn to submit one to another. Being the head of the family implies being given the privilege of taking the final decision in cases where a consensus cannot be reached on a matter. Wise husbands have learnt to take their wives, ideas and suggestions seriously in taking decisions.

Point of Emphasis: The husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church.

Prayer Point: Grant husbands and wives the wisdom to manage the homes in the knowledge and fear of you, Lord.

BACKGROUND

There is increased wave of some believers who compromise the Biblical standard with the world. To prevent the drift and ensure that Christians continue to comply with God-given standard, there is a need for us to be reminded of the plan of God for Christian family. This will enhance Christians to pattern their families on God’s plan.

NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: HUSBAND AND WIFE BECOME ONE FLESH (GEN. 2:22-24)

The desire to acquire wives is not new, just as the temptation to disobey God’s commands is not new. The first man to have two wives is recorded in Genesis 4:19. Many men over the millennia have taken several wives. The original plan of God is that the family should be built on the foundation of one man committing himself (leaving father and mother) to one woman in marriage. God’s plan does not permit co-habitation (man and woman living together without getting married) or trial marriage (man and woman living together to see if they are compatible without affirmed commitment to each other). It also precludes having concubines.

The challenge of enjoying a happy family life is greatly compounded when polygamy or extra-marital relationship is embraced. The records of polygamous families in the Bible illustrate the strife, suspicion, bloodshed and many other woes that families such often go through.

PART 2: MARRIAGE IS FOR LIFE (MK. 10:1-10)

By the time Jesus Christ was born, some Pharisees were teaching that a man could put away (legally divorce or be separated from) his wife for any reason the man deemed fit on the basis that Moses permitted it (Deut. 24:1-4). Jesus declared that divorce was a permission given because of the hardness of the people’s heart. Divorce and separation were not part of God’s plan for the family life. In fact, God hates divorce (Mal. 2:16).

A genuinely born-again Christian does not go ahead to do what God hates, because he knows the act will separate him from God. Two people starting a family together should have strong commitment to make the relationship a success. The strongest weapon against divorce is forgiveness and genuine repentance. In any marriage, one party will offend the other. The offending party should genuinely repent and decide not to allow such offence to occur again. The offended party should also learn to forgive freely. In an atmosphere of repentance and forgiveness, the consideration for divorce will not arise. If divorce does not come in, there won’t be any thought of remarriage.

PART 3: SEXUAL PERVERSION IS FORBIDDEN (HEB. 13: 4)

Sexual relationship is an important ingredient which God put in place to solidify marriage relationship. The devil has turned man’s desire about sex to sensual self-indulgence without recourse to God’s commands and plan for man. The society in many cultures has come to accept as normal different forms of sexual perversion.

Any sexual relationship outside of that which God approves – between a man and a woman committed to each another in marriage – can be regarded as perversion. It comes in the form of extra-marital affairs, homosexuality (sexual relationship between persons of the same sex); bestiality (sex between a person and an animal); etc.

God frowns at sexual perversion seriously and judges sexual perverts sternly. Societies, in which sexual perversion is openly accepted considers itself open-minded. God hates the sin, though He loves the sinner and wants the sinner to change from his ways. The act of sexual perversion is an abomination before God.

CONCLUSION
Marriage is indeed honorable for all. The problems we face in the family relationships are due to man forsaking the plans of God for the family. When we submit ourselves to follow God’s plan, the family life becomes a source of joy and support for every member of the family.

QUESTIONS

What are some practices that are not compatible with God’s plan for marriage?

Why is the challenge of enjoying a happy family life compounded when extra marital affairs is involved?

Did Jesus give permission to divorce?

Why should Christian not adopt society cultures about sex as normal?

What are the implications of sexual perversion and why did God frown at it seriously?

LESSON 3 18/9/2016

PURPOSE FOR THE FAMILY

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 258, 259

Devotional Reading: Mk. 10:1-9

Topic For Adults: Remember The Reasons For Your Marriage

Topic For Youths: Understand Why You Want To Get Married.

Topic For Intermediates Pray For Your Family

Scripture Lesson: Gen. 2:18; 24-25; Eccl. 9:9; Prov. 5:15-20; 1 Cor. 7:2-5; Gen. 18:17-19; Prov. 22:6; Mal. 2:15

Memory Verse: Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour (Eccl. 4:9) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Sun. 18/9/2016
Provision For Members’ Needs
1 Tim. 5:3-10
One of the reasons for instituting the family is that God wants children raised up in an environment where their needs are met by the parents. Under normal circumstances, the husband is expected to play the role of the bread-winner of the family; that is to provide for the needs of every member of the family. Economic situation has so much eroded the economic worth of so many husbands that they cannot adequately provide enough for the family. In such situation, the wife should join hands with the husband to ensure the smooth running of the family. It is utter irresponsibility for the husband to have the means, but fail to provide for his family. There are husbands who claim to be Christians, but do not care to know how the children are fed, clothed and trained in school. Such husbands are worse than infidels. They negate God’s agenda for the family. Similarly the wife whose main priority is expensive clothing and jewelry, at the expense of the family welfare.



Point of Emphasis: If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith.

Prayer Point: God, touch the heart of husbands who do not provide for the upkeep of their families.



BACKGROUND

God has established the family as the basic unit in the society. God assigned the responsibility of the head of the family to man while the woman is created as the loving companion and helper for man. Marriage is what brings about the family. It is a permanent union created by God for couples to enjoy marital bliss. This week’s lesson aims at addressing issues that will make marriage to endure and thrive forever.



NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: MARRIAGE IS FOR COMPANIONSHIP AND SUPPORT (GEN. 2:18, 24-25; ECCL. 9:9)

Companionship is the foremost reason for God instituting marriage. A companion is someone that a person has chosen to share his time, feelings, joy and sorrow with. Man is a social being and would find life unbearable if he were to spend all his life alone. Experience has shown that people easily lose their minds when put in solitary confinement. God knew that it was not good for man to dwell alone; hence He created a companion for him. However many couples treat their relationship with their spouses with levity. The person who was chosen to be the companion often becomes a boxing partner or a punch bag. Couples spend days without speaking to one another. Couples quarrel and find it difficult to forgive one another. Spouses wound each other emotionally and physically. These are outside the will of God for marriage.

God’s desire is that couples should live together in harmony, forgiving each other’s offences, sharing their joy, successes and failures together. Marriage failures occur because man has abandoned God’s intention for marriage. Instead man is pursuing his own agenda. God is still calling man back to His original plan.



PART 2: MARRIAGE IS A ROUTE TO ESCAPE SEXUAL IMMORALITY (PROV. 5:15-20; 1 COR. 7:2-5)

Fornication and adultery are extra-marital relationships which God seriously frowns upon. There is a clear warning that people who indulge in them will be judged (Hebrews 13:4). Equally condemnable before God is every form of sexual perversion, which the Bible classifies as coming from depraved minds (Rom. 1:26-27). These forms of sexual immorality destroy God’s plan for the family and the generation of human race. People who brazenly engage in these sins dishonor God and are under His wrath. Free and trial sexual relationships are encouraged in many cultures. Some devices to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases have been made available. In these cultures the targets are the youths. Those who engage in extra-marital relationships may avoid the physical repercussions, but cannot avoid God’s judgment.

In order to legitimately satisfy sexual desire, which in itself is from God, God instituted marriage. Sexual relationship between a male husband and his female wife is not sinful. It can be engaged in without inhibition and without one party withholding it as a weapon to quarrel. It is engaged in, not just for the pleasure, but for child-bearing too. Sexual relationship should therefore be engaged in with necessary thoughtfulness and plan so as to avoid large family size that the available resources cannot cope with. Before marriage, sexual urge has to be put under full control.



PART 3: MARRIAGE IS FOR REARING GODLY CHILDREN. (GEN. 18:17-19; PROV. 22:6; MAL. 2:15)

Marriage, as instituted by God between a man and a woman, is a means for the continuation of the human race through procreation. Through marriage, one generation produces the next generation. Without proper marriage, human race will go into extinction. But God’s intention for instituting marriage goes beyond just having children; God wants parents to train their children to fear and obey Him. He wants godly parents to bring up godly children. Unfortunately many parents are too busy or too unconcerned to make necessary input that is needed for the children to grow to know the Lord. They expect the children to come out right because they go to church and hear the pastors preach. They depend on housemasters and housemistresses in boarding schools to train the children. It is the responsibility of the parents to train the children. You cannot contract out this responsibility to another person.

The church of God should also expend genuine effort to intercede on behalf of couples who have delay in child-bearing. It is a painful experience that only those who are passing through it or have passed through it can understand. Since God promised that none among His people shall be barren (Exo. 23: 26), the church should earnestly pray for these couples and encourage them.

CONCLUSION

Marriages fail and families suffer because man has abandoned God’s plan for marriage. Marriage and family life can still succeed if every couple would review their reactions to God’s commands and plans for the family.



QUESTIONS

What is the foremost reason why God established marriage?

How do couples wound one another emotionally and physically? Is this the will of God?

Can those who engage in sexual perversion avoid God’s judgment?

What can happen to the human race without proper marriage?

Why are marriages failing today and what should be the remedy?

I'm sorry for not explaining. I just want us to meet d current. While u read, u will get to know some things. God help us

Don't forget to ask questions

LESSON 4 25/9/2016
DUTIES OF FAMILY MEMBERS

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 244, 245

Devotional Reading: Col. 3:18-25

Topic For Adults: Make Your Family A Successful One

Topic For Youths: Prepare To Make Your Family A Happy One

Topic For Intermediates: Do Things That Will Make Your Family Succeed
Scripture Lesson: Eph. 5:25; Col. 3:18,19, 20,21; 1 Pet. 3:1; Eph. 6:1-3

Memory Verse: Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Eph. 5:33) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Tue. 20/9/2016

Wife To Submit To Husband

Eph. 5:22-24

God instructs wives to submit to their own husbands. The submission is not that of master-slave relationship, but that of equal partners; one giving preference to the other. Submission is made easier for the wife when husband loves the wife genuinely. Two people married together are like two pilots in a plane; only one of them should be allowed to be in control at a time – the pilot. Similarly, the husband is made the pilot while the wife is the co-pilot. Submission does not imply that the wife should not have something to say about matters that affect the family. Wise husbands know very well that the opinions of their wives are crucial to the success of the family. Some wives may find it difficult to submit to their husbands because their husbands have been misbehaving. God is demanding unconditional submission. When the wife submits, she can then take the husband to God in prayer for a change of attitude or character.

Explanation : In this lesson, we can see that marriage is not all about husband turning the family into personal affairs. Wives also have a say when it matters. Husbands should learn to rub minds with their wives and it's not only the husband that runs the affairs of the family, so also wives but they are to respect and submit themselves to their husbands.

If your husband or your wife is not cooperating like u wished u can go into prayers. May God be with us

Point of Emphasis: Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Prayer Point: God, grant our wives the grace to truly submit to their own husbands.

Good morning
Lesson for today

LESSON 4 25/9/2016
DUTIES OF FAMILY MEMBERS

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 244, 245
Devotional Reading: Col. 3:18-25
Topic For Adults: Make Your Family A Successful One
Topic For Youths: Prepare To Make Your Family A Happy One
Topic For Intermediates: Do Things That Will Make Your Family Succeed
Scripture Lesson: Eph. 5:25; Col. 3:18,19, 20,21; 1 Pet. 3:1; Eph. 6:1-3

Memory Verse: Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Eph. 5:33) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Wed. 21/9/2016

Parents To Raise Children With Understanding
Prov. 22:6

Parents often focus on making enough money to be able to cater for the needs of the children. Rearing children goes beyond paying the school fees, feeding, buying clothes and gadgets and having a roof over their heads. It involves transferring the parents’ spiritual, social and moral values to the children. It requires a lot of time, energy and patience to successfully accomplish this. There are competing forces, which want to take control of the children – the social media, the TV and internet, the society at large, and peer pressure from the children’s friends. When parents with biblical moral standards fail to inculcate in their children the parents’ values, the children are often hijacked by these other forces. On the other hand, some parents are so anxious about their children’s success that they do not give the children the freedom to develop on their own. These parents want the children to be statues of their parents’ imagination. The children therefore lose their individuality.

Point of Emphasis: God demands that the parents should train their children the fear of the Lord.

Prayer Point: Grant parents the wisdom to train the children in the proper way.

LESSON 4 25/9/2016
DUTIES OF FAMILY MEMBERS

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 244, 245
Devotional Reading: Col. 3:18-25
Topic For Adults: Make Your Family A Successful One
Topic For Youths: Prepare To Make Your Family A Happy One
Topic For Intermediates: Do Things That Will Make Your Family Succeed
Scripture Lesson: Eph. 5:25; Col. 3:18,19, 20,21; 1 Pet. 3:1; Eph. 6:1-3

Memory Verse: Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Eph. 5:33) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Thur. 22/9/2016

Children To Obey and Honour Parents
Eph.6:1-3

Every generation of youths thinks they are wiser than their parents. They think civilization has made them wiser and that their parents are outdated. Those who follow this way of thinking keep falling into the same pit of error which the earlier generation fell into. Children who have godly parents are lucky in that they can get godly instructions which will keep them out of the fowlers’ snares. Children should not think their parents’ instructions are not useful. The instructions come out of years of experience and observations. No matter how wise a child may be, he could not have gathered as much experience as the parents. Children have the duty to also honour the parents. No matter how rich or educated the child may be, he should give proper respect to his parents.

Point of Emphasis: Honor your father and mother, so that it may be well with you and you may live long on earth.

Prayer Point: Father, grant unto our children the willing and obedient spirit.

LESSON 4 25/9/2016
DUTIES OF FAMILY MEMBERS

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 244, 245
Devotional Reading: Col. 3:18-25
Topic For Adults: Make Your Family A Successful One
Topic For Youths: Prepare To Make Your Family A Happy One
Topic For Intermediates: Do Things That Will Make Your Family Succeed
Scripture Lesson: Eph. 5:25; Col. 3:18,19, 20,21; 1 Pet. 3:1; Eph. 6:1-3

Memory Verse: Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Eph. 5:33) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Fri. 23/9/2016

Parents To Educate The Children
Prov. 4:1-9

Parents have the responsibility to educate their children. There is the formal and the informal education. The formal education is when we send a child to school or training institution; while the informal is the education we give to children at home. Both types of education are important for the child to become a success in life. The formal education has become capital intensive because the public schools in some nations have been rendered ineffective. Parents who truly want their children to receive good education have to be selective about which school they want to send their children. The expense involved in educating children is forcing thoughtful parents to limit the number of children they have. The informal education is sometimes called home-training. Both male and female children should be trained in home-keeping skills, godly traditions and culture, character training, and the fear of God.

Point of Emphasis: The education you give your children will dictate how successful they will be in the future.

Prayer Point: God, grant every parent the resources needed to educate the children.



Sorry for late update

LESSON 4 25/9/2016
DUTIES OF FAMILY MEMBERS

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 244, 245
Devotional Reading: Col. 3:18-25
Topic For Adults: Make Your Family A Successful One
Topic For Youths: Prepare To Make Your Family A Happy One
Topic For Intermediates: Do Things That Will Make Your Family Succeed
Scripture Lesson: Eph. 5:25; Col. 3:18,19, 20,21; 1 Pet. 3:1; Eph. 6:1-3

Memory Verse: Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Eph. 5:33) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Sat. 24/9/2016
Parents To Protect Their Children

Job 1:1-5


In the olden days marauding armies invade towns to kill and carry away goods. The duty of protecting women and children lay on the shoulder of the men. Marauding armies still destroy youths and children today. The weapons are in form of destructive lifestyles and ungodly philosophies – pornography on the internet, seduction and rape of children, use of hard drugs, alcoholism, cultism, gangs, etc. Parents have to be eagle-eyed to detect the invasion of these forces in the lives of their children. Parents should care about what the children watch on the TV, the sites visited on the internet, the kind of friends they keep. Above all, the parents have to engage in spiritual warfare through prayer to sanitize and protect the atmosphere surrounding the children. Unless the Lord keeps a city, the watchmen wake in vain.

Point of Emphasis: There is urgent need for parents to guard their children from destructive forces.

Prayer Point: Father, be a wall of fire around our children to protect them against destructive forces.

LESSON 4 25/9/2016
DUTIES OF FAMILY MEMBERS

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 244, 245
Devotional Reading: Col. 3:18-25
Topic For Adults: Make Your Family A Successful One
Topic For Youths: Prepare To Make Your Family A Happy One
Topic For Intermediates: Do Things That Will Make Your Family Succeed
Scripture Lesson: Eph. 5:25; Col. 3:18,19, 20,21; 1 Pet. 3:1; Eph. 6:1-3

Memory Verse: Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. (Eph. 5:33) NKJV

[b]DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Sun. 25/9/2016
Children To Take Care Of Their Old Parents
Gen. 45:7-11

When Joseph was young, the father took care of him. There came a time when the father would have suffered, but for Joseph whom God had raised to a high place. Most parents sacrificed a lot to train their children – time, energy, money, love, prayers, advice, etc. As the children get settled in life, they should not forget their parents; even if they are well-to-do. The children should show appreciation to the parents in form of gifts, visitation and care. Children should not get so elevated or prominent that they are ashamed of the parents because they are poor or uneducated. If parents live long, there may come a time when they will need old-age care. Christian children should ensure such parents are well taken care of. It is a form of repayment for the care the parents gave when the children were young.

Point of Emphasis: Let children first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents for this is good and acceptable before God.
Prayer Point: Lord, help us to repay our parents’ love at old age.[/b]

BACKGROUND
Christian families must exhibit mutual submission in Christ to co-exist in harmony and enjoy peaceful home. Each party in the family must know his or her responsibilities and carry out same with sense of responsibility. It is the duty of the father and mother to live a life worthy of emulation and also bring the children up in a way that is pleasing to God. it is the focus of this week’s lesson to bring things out that will make Christian families live together according to God’s divine will.


NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: HUSBAND, LOVE AND CHERISH YOUR WIFE (EPH. 5: 25; COL. 3: 19)
Loving one’s wife goes beyond the romantic feeling one had at courtship. The feeling may fluctuate from day to day. What God commands is a commitment to cherish and care for the wife. When the romantic feeling is there, the action becomes easier to carry out. Without the romantic feeling, the commitment should not diminish. Jesus’ love for the church is given as example for husbands. The church is imperfect, yet His love does not waver. When the church demonstrates fervent love for Christ and when the church’s love grows cold, His love remains unwavering. In a similar way, the husband’s love for the wife should not depend on the behaviour of the wife – love for one’s wife should be unconditional.
In marriage relationship there is a circle of crisis. When the wife perceives that the husband’s love is waning, she also withdraws her respect and submission. The wife’s lack of submission further infuriates the husband and makes the husband to withdraw his love. The circle continues unless one of them breaks it. The husband should decide to rather obey God by loving the wife, rather than allowing the circle of crisis to continue.


PART 2: WIFE, SUBMIT TO AND RESPECT YOUR OWN HUSBAND (EPH. 5:22-23; COL. 3:18; 1 PET. 3:1)
Most wives have no problem submitting to husbands that show true love to them. The command to submit becomes more difficult when the husband does not show he cares about the welfare of the wife or treats the wife as a second-class person in the home or behaves recklessly. God’s command does not allow conditional obedience. However, the type of submission God expects from the church to Jesus as the head of the church, is that which God expects from the wife to the husband. It is when a wife’s obedience to the command of God is complete that God can intervene in the case of a husband that is not carrying out his own part of the bargain.
In a case where the wife’s submission may result to threat to life, she should seek the counsel of her spiritual leaders. In any case no wife or husband should take each other for granted and misbehave, because God is the judge in their relationship (Mal. 2:14-16). God will judge a husband who withholds his love because he knows the wife will submit in obedience to God’s command. Similarly for the wife who refuses to submit because she is aware the husband has no choice


PART 3: CHILDREN, HONOUR AND OBEY YOUR PARENTS (EPH. 6:1-3; COL. 3:20-21)
Teenage years are difficult years for both children and their parents. While parents try to make sure their children are shielded from the various pitfalls around, the children feel their parents are too overbearing. They want to experiment with all the things around them and to express their individuality. Children should realise that parents’ anxiety over them is based on the parents’ experiences and observations of the pains of others who have fallen into pits. It is not wise to have to learn from one’s personal mistakes when one can escape by listening to the instruction of parents. Obeying parents brings honour (Prov 1:8-9), wisdom and long life (Prov. 2:1, 9-12; 3:1-2).
Children should also honour parents by showing respect and care for them. Most parents would have sacrificed their comfort to make sure the children are trained. No matter how limited the parents were able to educate the children, the sacrifice should be appreciated. In appreciation, children should show that they care for the parents. The care a child shows for his parent is a seed sown; the child will eventually reap same when he or she becomes a parent.

CONCLUSION
Every member of the family has a part to play in making the family a happy one. Do not use other’s failure in doing their part as an excuse to disobey God. God will hold every member of the family responsible for his or her action or inaction.

QUESTIONS

1. How will you interprete God’s charge to man in Ephesians 5:25?

2. Is the circle of crisis real between couples in marriage? How does it manifest and how can it be overcome?

3. Explain why God does not allow conditional love between couples?

4. What should a wife do, if her submission results to threat of life?

5. Why is teenage years difficult and what should teenagers realise about their parent’s anxiety over them?

LESSON 5 2/10/2016
CHALLENGES FAMILIES FACE

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 240, 242
Devotional Reading: Micah 7:5-7
Topic For Adults: Family Built To Survive
Topic For Youths: Lay Lasting Family Foundation
Topic For Intermediates: God’s Grace Is Enough For Your Family’s Problems
Scripture Lesson: Matt. 7:24, 25; 2 Cor. 6:14-16; 1 Cor. 10:13

Memory Verse: Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb. 4:16) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Mon. 26/9/2016

Marital Infidelity
Prov. 6:20-35

Marital infidelity is when a married man or woman has sexual relationship with someone else that is not his or her spouse. The society no longer frowns on sexual relationship outside the marriage. It does not matter the name the society chooses to call it, God labels it adultery. When it occurs, it violates the marriage vow taken at the wedding and undermines the very foundation on which the family was built. It destroys the trust, which the spouse has in the offending partner. Sexual immorality wars against the soul (1 Pet. 2:11). It reduces one’s esteem before others – reduce to a crust of bread (Prov. 6:26); wastes resources which would have been used for the family welfare; brings regrets and physical pain (vs 28); and destruction of one’s soul (verse 32). Many homes have been afflicted with sexually transmitted diseases which enter through infidelity.

Point of Emphasis: Let the marriage bed be undefiled, but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

Prayer Point: Holy Spirit, convict all those who have gone into adultery among our church members.

LESSON 5 2/10/2016

CHALLENGES FAMILIES FACE



Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 240, 242

Devotional Reading: Micah 7:5-7

Topic For Adults: Family Built To Survive

Topic For Youths: Lay Lasting Family Foundation

Topic For Intermediates: God’s Grace Is Enough For Your Family’s Problems

Scripture Lesson: Matt. 7:24, 25; 2 Cor. 6:14-16; 1 Cor. 10:13



Memory Verse: Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb. 4:16) NKJV



DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Tue. 27/9/2016

Third-Party Interference

Matt. 19:1-6

Right from the Garden of Eden, God gave the command that “the man must leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife”. Many marriages have failed because the husband or the wife allowed the in-laws to interfere in their family life. Some people find it difficult to cut the umbilical cord connecting them to their parents, especially husbands. Some mothers-in-law do not believe any woman is good enough to take care of their “darling boy”. They want to control what goes on in the sons’ homes. Such interference leads to tension in the family of the children. Couples should be encouraged to settle whatever problem may crop up between the husband and the wife without necessarily involving a third party. Third party interference can also come from close friends of the husband or wife. It is only when a couple has tried and failed to resolve their problem that preferably their pastor should be invited to intervene.



Point of Emphasis: Third party interference in a marriage is a sure way to create problem for the couple.

Prayer Point: Father, sever all connections and associations, which cause problems for our families.

LESSON 5 2/10/2016

CHALLENGES FAMILIES FACE



Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 240, 242

Devotional Reading: Micah 7:5-7

Topic For Adults: Family Built To Survive

Topic For Youths: Lay Lasting Family Foundation

Topic For Intermediates: God’s Grace Is Enough For Your Family’s Problems

Scripture Lesson: Matt. 7:24, 25; 2 Cor. 6:14-16; 1 Cor. 10:13

Memory Verse: Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb. 4:16) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 28/9/2016

Health Problems
Jn. 5:1-9

The man at the pool had his infirmity for thirty-eight years. His family had deposited him at the side of the pool and left him there. It is likely that when the problem first started they put a lot of energy and resources to get him help. As the days ran into weeks, the weeks into months and the months into years, the patience grew thin, the funds ran dry and the care-givers grew weary. They left him to pursue other things. When health problem strikes a family, it puts a lot of stress on both the sick person and on those taking care of him or her. The sick person needs care, prayers and encouragement. Difficult as long-time care may be, the family should ask for the grace not to get fed up or become discouraged. Both the sick person and the care-givers need help and encouragement from the brethren. The greatest support however is prayers for the healing of the sick.



Point of Emphasis: Health problem is a drain on the family resources.

Prayer Point: Father, send divine healing to all of your children that are suffering from ill-health.

Sorry for the late update.. I apologize for any inconvenience experienced

LESSON 5 2/10/2016

CHALLENGES FAMILIES FACE



Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 240, 242

Devotional Reading: Micah 7:5-7

Topic For Adults: Family Built To Survive

Topic For Youths: Lay Lasting Family Foundation

Topic For Intermediates: God’s Grace Is Enough For Your Family’s Problems

Scripture Lesson: Matt. 7:24, 25; 2 Cor. 6:14-16; 1 Cor. 10:13

Memory Verse: Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb. 4:16) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Thur. 29/9/2016

Financial Hardship
2 Kgs. 4:1-6

The wife of the dead prophet faced two major challenges that could befall a family. One, the husband died prematurely, leaving her and her two young sons. She had to cope with the problem of loneliness due to her husband’s demise. Second, even before the husband’s death, the family was facing financial hardship which made the prophet borrow some money from creditors. Financial hardship can arise due to the family’s inability to generate enough funds to meet their basic needs. It can also arise due to poor financial management, in which case the family is spending far above the income. When income is grossly inadequate for basic needs, the family undergoes stress that robs them of the joy they could have. The family needs divine intervention and counsel on how to generate extra income. We need to know also that joy in the family is not a function of the material acquisition the family gathers.



Point of Emphasis: Families undergoing financial stress need divine intervention and counseling.

Prayer Point: Father, open the windows of heaven and attend to the needs of families that are going through financial difficulties right now.

LESSON 5

CHALLENGES FAMILIES FACE



Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 240, 242

Devotional Reading: Micah 7:5-7

Topic For Adults: Family Built To Survive

Topic For Youths: Lay Lasting Family Foundation

Topic For Intermediates: God’s Grace Is Enough For Your Family’s Problems

Scripture Lesson: Matt. 7:24, 25; 2 Cor. 6:14-16; 1 Cor. 10:13

Memory Verse: Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb. 4:16) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Fri. 30/9/2016

Loneliness In Marriage
Gen. 29:31-35

Though Leah was married, she did not enjoy the companionship which marriage ought to have accorded her. The husband did not love her, so she was a stranger in her marital home. When a couple fails to become one as they ought to, they may live together under the same roof but they experience loneliness in the home. One symptom of loneliness in marriage is one partner seeking comfort and companionship outside the marital home. The husband is likely to hang out with friends till late in the night, while the wife wants to attend every outing with her friends and relatives in order to be outside the marital home. The cause of loneliness in marriage can be refusal for the couple to trust each other, one party being overtly secretive about his or her life, refusal to take the wife as a companion, unbiblical cultural practice which relegates the wife to a necessary evil that should not be trusted. All these negate God’s plan for marriage.



Point of Emphasis: The two should both be naked, the man and his wife, and should not be ashamed.

Prayer Point: Father, grant each home such love that the members will not miss the joy of marriage.

LESSON 5 2/10/2016

CHALLENGES FAMILIES FACE



Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 240, 242

Devotional Reading: Micah 7:5-7

Topic For Adults: Family Built To Survive

Topic For Youths: Lay Lasting Family Foundation

Topic For Intermediates: God’s Grace Is Enough For Your Family’s Problems

Scripture Lesson: Matt. 7:24, 25; 2 Cor. 6:14-16; 1 Cor. 10:13

Memory Verse: Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb. 4:16) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Sat. 1/10/2016

Premature Death Of Spouse
Ruth 1:1-9

Premature death of spouse negates the purpose of marriage especially that of companionship. The spouse is left lonely without a companion to share life’s joy and sorrow with. The case of Naomi was a pathetic one; she lost both her husband and sons. If it is the husband who died prematurely, not only has the widow lost her companion, she is also exposed to abuse. In some cultural settings it is believed that the widow is culpable for the husband’s death. Coupled with the agony of losing a loved one and the loneliness is the challenge of coping economically without the spouse’s support. Premature death renders the children fatherless or motherless, which affects their normal development. They are denied the father-role or mother-role input. If the widow or widower is young, the problem of remarriage creates its own problems too, compounding the already difficult situation. Family going through this experience needs support from the church.



Point of Emphasis: Widows and widowers need committed support from the church to weather the storm of premature death.

Prayer Point: Father, we commit all widows and widowers around us to your care, that you may do all that you alone can do to help them.

Good morning lovers of the word

LESSON 5 2/10/2016

CHALLENGES FAMILIES FACE



Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 240, 242

Devotional Reading: Micah 7:5-7

Topic For Adults: Family Built To Survive

Topic For Youths: Lay Lasting Family Foundation

Topic For Intermediates: God’s Grace Is Enough For Your Family’s Problems

Scripture Lesson: Matt. 7:24, 25; 2 Cor. 6:14-16; 1 Cor. 10:13

Memory Verse: Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb. 4:16) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Sun. 2/10/2016

Infertility And Delayed Child Bearing
Gen. 30:1-4

Rachael was much loved by Jacob, but she had delay in child bearing. It was agonizing for her to watch her sister bear one child after another while she waited. In many cultural settings, any woman that has delay in child bearing is viewed with suspicion and sometimes treated with contempt. Unfortunately, instead of husbands of such women encouraging them, the husbands treat the wives as if they are at fault and are to be blamed for the predicament. Ironically, the problem may be from the man. This problem has caused friction in many homes. In African culture where children are expected immediately after wedding, parents-in-law are likely to begin to ask questions and trigger anxiety. Couples waiting for children need the encouragement the church can give. The church also should make every effort to counsel the couple and to pray fervently for them. God still performs miracles.



Point of Emphasis: It is only God who knows the cause of and the solution to delay in child bearing.

Prayer Point: Father, remember the families that are waiting for children, just like you remembered Hannah.



BACKGROUND

There are various challenges which couples experience. The irony of the matter is that these problems vary in nature and degree from one family to the other, but the truth of these situations is none of them can defy divine solution if approached in a godly way. Learn some of these challenges and the solutions in this week’s lesson.



NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: FOUNDATION OF THE FAMILY (MATT. 7:24; 2 COR. 6:14-16)

While preparing to get married or preparing for the future of a family, there are several things couples do to ensure the family does not suffer – making enquiries about the family one wants to marry into, saving money for the raining day, purchasing necessary materials to meet the needs of the family, etc. These preparations are necessary and important. There is the most important foundation component that is often taken for granted or overlooked; the spiritual foundation. Those who go into marriage with unbelieving partners always believe their partners will change after marriage because of the love between them. This always proves to be a grievous mistake.

What are the challenges faced by families in which one spouse is an unbeliever or is not ready to obey God’s commands?

What are the challenges faced by families where each spouse feeds from different spiritual sources?

Families who stand the test of time are those in which the partners have surrendered their lives to God and are committed to obeying His commands.



PART 2: WITHSTANDING CHALLENGES (MATT. 7:25; 1 COR. 10:13)

Every family faces challenges at one time of the other. No family is spared - the rains will descend, the floods will come and the winds will blow. Either a family will keep standing through the storm or will collapse depending on the foundation. The storm one family faces differs from that of another family. It is not the severity of the storm that matters, it is how prepared the family is. Some families have faced the storm of premature death of loved ones, some have faced the loss of jobs or collapse of business; some have had to deal with poor health; some families have had to deal with a spouse’s infidelity; etc. Whatever challenges a family may be going through, that challenge is not peculiar to that family, other families are going through the same or have passed through that path before. The families that will stand through the challenges will be those who are sustained by divine grace.

Divine grace is made available for whoever asks for it. It is the will of God for every family to keep standing (Eph. 6:10-12). We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses (Heb.12:1) – those who have successfully weathered similar storms.

What are the various storms that Christian families face?

Why are some families able to successfully weather the storm while other families crumble?

Why does God, who is all-powerful and can prevent storms, allow such storms in the families of genuine Christians?



CONCLUSION

Challenges will come. Some are evitable, while others may not be. God’s grace is able to carry the Christian family through the storms of life. Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed (Heb. 12:12-13)



QUESTIONS

Why are the preparations embarked upon by intending couples important and necessary?

Why should the spiritual foundation of couple should be taken serious?

Who are the families to stand the test of time?

What is the most significant about the storm faced by different couples?

How should couple who are facing crisis apply Hebrew 12:12-13 to their situations?

LESSON 6 9/10/2016



NECESSARY INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS OF THE FAMILY



Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 232, 236

Devotional Reading: Ps. 125:1-5

Topic For Adults: Build Your Home With Wisdom

Topic For Youths: Blissful Home

Topic For Intermediates: Trust God For Happy Home

Scripture Lesson: 1 Cor. 3:10-15; Prov. 24:3-4; 14:1



Memory Verse: Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established (Prov. 24:3) NKJV



DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Mon. 3/10/2016

Forgiving Spirit
Matt. 18:21-34

A couple which will enjoy bliss in their home will learn to forgive each other. It is certain that offending each other is inevitable. Some people have the knack to keep account of offenses against them; they keep permanent records of what their spouses have done to offend them. Ironically same people readily overlook same actions if done by spouses of their friends, but they are unwilling to overlook when the actions are done by their own spouses. Keeping record of wrongs throws sand in the gears that keep the family running. Unforgiving spirit disqualifies the person from obtaining forgiveness from God. Couples should learn to forgive each other freely. The offending party should not take the spouse for granted either. It is unlikely that a genuinely born-again spouse will intentionally keep doing what is wrong against his spouse.



Point of Emphasis: For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Prayer Point: Father, give us the spirit which readily forgives those who offend us.

How will Bible school aid Nigerians, are there not enough churches in the land. Other countries will teach useful skills, here na Church you carry come
"Man cannot love by church alone"
Nigeria has more churches than schools and hospitals, is this not bad. Carry your bible school fvck off

Good morning

LESSON 6 9/10/2016



NECESSARY INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS OF THE FAMILY



Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 232, 236

Devotional Reading: Ps. 125:1-5

Topic For Adults: Build Your Home With Wisdom

Topic For Youths: Blissful Home

Topic For Intermediates: Trust God For Happy Home

Scripture Lesson: 1 Cor. 3:10-15; Prov. 24:3-4; 14:1

Memory Verse: Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established (Prov. 24:3) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Tue. 4/10/2016

Open Communication
Ps. 12:1-8; Eph. 4:15

When God said that it is not good for man to dwell alone, He did not mean physical interaction alone. God created Eve so that both can communicate their feelings and desires between them. Open communication is a very important ingredient if the family will succeed. Open communication implies a couple needs to discuss all matters that affect them as a family. Keeping secrets often engender mistrust. In most homes, it is often the wife who wants to discuss while the husband does not see any reason to talk. This often results in the husband or wife taking important decisions without the two having thoroughly discussed the issue and coming to an agreement. Such a couple may be one physically, but are not one emotionally. Absence of useful discussion between a husband and wife builds up emotional barrier. Discussion should not be done with the intention of winning an argument. The intention is to understand the point of view of the partner and possibly accept it.



Point of Emphasis: There should be truthful and genuine communication between husband and wife.

Prayer Point: Holy Spirit, repair all communication channels that have broken down in our families.

LESSON 6 9/10/2016



NECESSAR[/b]Y INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS OF THE FAMILY



Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 232, 236

Devotional Reading: Ps. 125:1-5

Topic For Adults: Build Your Home With Wisdom

Topic For Youths: Blissful Home

Topic For Intermediates: Trust God For Happy Home

Scripture Lesson: 1 Cor. 3:10-15; Prov. 24:3-4; 14:1

Memory Verse: Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established (Prov. 24:3) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 5/10/2016

[b]Total Commitment

1 Cor. 7:10-16

A man and a woman should go into marriage knowing very well that God wants the marriage to last for life. If the marriage is to last that long, then the couple ab initio (from the beginning) needs to have firm commitment and have the determination to make the marriage work. Total commitment implies that each party will do everything in his or her power to ensure that the marriage does not fail. Marriages fail because the relationship is taken for granted, each party expecting the other party to be committed without he or she playing his or her own role. If the husband is committed without first waiting for the wife, and same thing for wife, then there will be no need to ever think of divorce or separation. Commitment involves forsaking all for the sake of the family; seeking to understand and cherish the marriage partner; readiness to apologize when one offends; avoiding the thought that you made a mistake in marrying your partner; etc.



Point of Emphasis: Have the firm commitment that the boat of your marriage will not capsize.

Prayer Point: God, grand us the grace to nurture our marriage for life.

LESSON 6 9/10/2016



NECESSARY INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS OF THE FAMILY



Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 232, 236

Devotional Reading: Ps. 125:1-5

Topic For Adults: Build Your Home With Wisdom

Topic For Youths: Blissful Home

Topic For Intermediates: Trust God For Happy Home

Scripture Lesson: 1 Cor. 3:10-15; Prov. 24:3-4; 14:1

Memory Verse: Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established (Prov. 24:3) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Thur. 6/10/2016

Understanding One Another

1 Pet. 3:1-8

Often one hears comments like “why can’t women be like men?” Women cannot be like men, neither can men be like women because God created the two sexes differently. The marriage is enriched when husbands understand that their wives differ in the things that interest them, in the things they consider important and in the way they approach issues. For example, women are more interested in dresses, talking about both great and minor issues, details of issues and events; etc. The husband should always remember he is married to a woman and not to a man. The other side is also true, the wives need to understand that men approach things differently. Husbands are enjoined to treat their wives with understanding – with the awareness of the differences between men and women. When both husband and wife accept the differences, there will be fewer complaints, grumblings and fights.



Point of Emphasis: Seek to understand your spouse better and consider his or her side in the relationship.

Prayer Point: Father, give us the grace to seek to understand our spouses better than we do now.

LESSON 6 9/10/2016



NECESSARY INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS OF THE FAMILY

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 232, 236

Devotional Reading: Ps. 125:1-5

Topic For Adults: Build Your Home With Wisdom

Topic For Youths: Blissful Home

Topic For Intermediates: Trust God For Happy Home

Scripture Lesson: 1 Cor. 3:10-15; Prov. 24:3-4; 14:1

Memory Verse: Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established (Prov. 24:3) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sat. 8/10/2016

Submitting One To Another

Eph. 5:17-21; Phil. 2:1-4

Men who want to take advantage of their wives are quick to quote “wives submit to your own husbands”. For a marriage to work, submission is a mutual obligation. Submission involves readiness to consider the opinion and suggestion of another person and to accept them if better than one’s own. No one has the monopoly of the wisdom needed to successfully run a family. The husband’s opinion may be superior to that of the wife at times, while at other times the wife’s opinion or suggestion may be superior. Both husband and wife must be willing to accept each other’s opinion or suggestion. The husband being the head then means after the opinion has been taken, the husband is seen as the driver burdened with the responsibility of taking the family to the Promised Land. The husband should not operate in the home as a dictator. The wife should not see herself as inferior and having nothing to contribute.



Point of Emphasis: Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Prayer Point: God, grant us the grace to always look out for the interests of other members in the family.

LESSON 6 9/10/2016



NECESSARY INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS OF THE FAMILY

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 232, 236

Devotional Reading: Ps. 125:1-5

Topic For Adults: Build Your Home With Wisdom

Topic For Youths: Blissful Home

Topic For Intermediates: Trust God For Happy Home

Scripture Lesson: 1 Cor. 3:10-15; Prov. 24:3-4; 14:1

Memory Verse: Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established (Prov. 24:3) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sun. 9/10/2016

Trusting One Another

Phil. 4:4-9

It is easy to believe and accept the wrong comments about a brother or sister, even one’s spouse. The devil sows the suspicion to defile every human relationship. But in a family, the husband and wife should live such a transparent life that it is made easier to trust one another. When one party hears a rumor about his or her spouse, it is necessary to immediately discuss and iron things out. Do not let issues that can cause suspicion pile up between you and your spouse. Each party in the relationship should learn that trust is earned and not given. Do not do anything that will destroy the trust your spouse reposes in you. Once you break the trust, it is more difficult to earn the trust of your spouse again. Areas where trust is easily broken are sexual fidelity, financial truthfulness, commitment to the welfare of your spouse; etc. When one party offends the other, the offended party should not close the door of trust permanently. Give room for reconciliation.



Point of Emphasis: Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Prayer Point: Holy Spirit, help repair the homes where trust has broken down.



BACKGROUND

In this week’s lesson we are considering the recipes that make believers to build a godly home and the characters that lead to bad homes. Believers are enjoined to assimilate and emulate the good virtues while bad traits should be avoided to forestall pitfall in their families.



NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: WISE PEOPLE BUILD THEIR HOMES (1 COR. 3:10-15; PROV. 24:3-4)

After the ecstasy of getting married is over, couples soon get into their normal routines and expect that the family will continue to bring joy without any special effort. Each party soon relapses into his/her natural self and negative character traits that were carefully hidden during courtship soon surface. Wise couples know that the family is like a physical house; it needs to be worked on if the house will keep being habitable. They consciously develop those habits and attitudes that will help build the home.

Character traits and attitudes that build the home:

Selfless caring for and loving one’s spouse (Col. 3:19; 1 Cor. 13:4-

Hardworking to provide for family’s needs (Prov. 31:10-31)

Forgiving, peace loving and controlling of anger ( 3:14-18)

Readiness to obey God’s commands and serve God together (Ps. 1:1-3)

Openness to truthfully discuss issues that affect the family

Humbleness to apologize when at fault; no keeping of malice

Acceptance of spouse strengths and weaknesses.


PART 2: FOOLISH PEOPLE DESTROY THEIR HOMES (PROV. 14:1)

Consciously and unconsciously couple can indulge in traits and attitudes which eventually may destroy their family. No one actually wins when the family is destroyed or fragmented. Every member of the family comes out a loser. The enemy is given the permission to truncate the destiny of the family and God’s purpose for the family.

Character traits and attitudes that destroy homes:

Nagging and intolerance of spouse (Prov. 25: 4; 27:15-16)

Unguarded abusive or derogatory comments/communication about spouse

Selfishness and stinginess

Suspicion and lack of trust

Lack of respect for spouse; comparing spouse with other people’s spouses

Unaffordable expensive lifestyle; reckless spending

Untidy house-keeping and poor personal hygiene

Intolerance of spouse’s relatives

Violence against spouse (physical and emotional abuse); controlling spouse for selfish ends

Third party interference and unresolved conflicts


CONCLUSION

When a member of the family indulges in attitudes that are detrimental to the smooth running of the home, he or she is destroying the foundation on which God has planned his or her wellbeing should be built. God demands from His children to build up the family so that godly children can be raised up in such homes. Each member of the family will give account of his or her contribution to what the family eventually turns out to be.



QUESTIONS

What do wise couples know about family?

Name five out of the character traits that build the home.

Explain how humbleness to apologise when any of the couple is at fault could be an asset in the family.

What should you realise about a family that is destroyed?

How can you play your part in preventing your family from destruction?

LESSON 7 16/10/2016



RAISING CHILDREN WITHIN THE FAMILY

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 270, 271

Devotional Reading: Gen. 18:17-19

Topic For Adults: Avoid Parenting By Proxy

Topic For Youths: You Are Not Wiser Than Your Parents

Topic For Intermediates: Accept Your Parents’ Training

Scripture Lesson: Deut. 6:4-9; Isa. 50:4; Acts 7:22; Col. 3:1; Prov. 22:15; 13:24; Eph. 6:1-3



Memory Verse: Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Prov. 22:6) NKJV



DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Mon. 10/10/2016

Children Are God’s Heritage

Ps. 127:3-5

Many parents do not have a proper perspective of who really own children. Many think that those children really belong to them and as a result they treat the children the way they like. This thought is a wrong one. The real owner of all children is God Almighty. Children are God’s heritage. God is the sole owner and giver of children, the parents through which they are born into the world are just care-takers on behalf of God. Therefore, parents need to understand that God is counting on them to raise those children in His own ways and terms. Parents will give account on how they have discharged this responsibility to God on the day of accountability. Therefore, play your part well.



Point of Emphasis: God owns the children, parents, are just caretakers.

Prayer Point: Lord, help me to take care of the children You put in my care in Your own ways.

LESSON 7 16/10/2016



RAISING CHILDREN WITHIN THE FAMILY

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 270, 271

Devotional Reading: Gen. 18:17-19

Topic For Adults: Avoid Parenting By Proxy

Topic For Youths: You Are Not Wiser Than Your Parents

Topic For Intermediates: Accept Your Parents’ Training

Scripture Lesson: Deut. 6:4-9; Isa. 50:4; Acts 7:22; Col. 3:1; Prov. 22:15; 13:24; Eph. 6:1-3

Memory Verse: Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Prov. 22:6) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Tue. 11/10/2016

Command Your Children And Household

Gen. 18:17-19

Look at od’s testimony about Abraham. At this time, Abraham had not got the promised-child. But God knew him so well and what he would do in caring for his children and household that God said He cannot hide any information from him. As a father, you have responsibilities to command your children and household to keep and walk in the way of the Lord and in righteousness and justice. No child will want to do these on their own, but parents must strife to train them in righteousness. Before God evaluates the level of your teaching on the children He gave to your care, give yourself mark. What is your scorecard in this regard? Adjust today and start doing the needful in commanding your household in God’s way.



Point of Emphasis: Do your best to have good report from God in raising up your children in a godly way.

Prayer Point: Help me Lord to command and teach my children in righteousness.

LESSON 7 16/10/2016



RAISING CHILDREN WITHIN THE FAMILY

Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 270, 271

Devotional Reading: Gen. 18:17-19

Topic For Adults: Avoid Parenting By Proxy

Topic For Youths: You Are Not Wiser Than Your Parents

Topic For Intermediates: Accept Your Parents’ Training

Scripture Lesson: Deut. 6:4-9; Isa. 50:4; Acts 7:22; Col. 3:1; Prov. 22:15; 13:24; Eph. 6:1-3

Memory Verse: Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Prov. 22:6) NKJV

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Wed. 12/10/2016

Don’t Show Favouritism To Any Child

Gen. 25:28; 27:1-10

There is no way that all the children given to you will have the same peculiarities, but different ones. There are some who will perfectly obey your instructions and some that will violate them ever before you finish giving the instructions. If care is not taken, one will tend to show love, affection, special attention, sweet words, etc to those obedient children and the opposite to those not cooperating. This must be avoided. Be a wise parent. Do not love a child above the other. Doing so could be disastrous. Esau hated Jacob and was planning to terminate Jacob’s life, were it not for God’s intervention. As a matter of fact, it is those children that are disobedient that you should give special attention to through prayers, advice and encouragement.



Point of Emphasis: Watch your actions, don’t sow discord among your children.

Prayer Point: Lord, give me the wisdom to unite my children in love.