Topic: Living as a Family (2)
Dear Reader,
You are welcome to the second series of our teaching. May the almighty God enrich you as you pay attention to His Word in Jesus’ name!
Last week I taught on Family and Family Life. This week, I shall be exploring, the Family structure. The Bible says in Hebrews 3:4: For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.
The word “house” in the above passage is not referring to a physical structure, but to a family structure; the individuals who make up the home. It is man’s responsibility to build his/ her house. You build by organising and administering the individuals under your roof.
1 Timothy 3:12 says: Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
The family structure requires effective administration. When this is lacking, families in turn produce individuals who tear down and destroy the society. The essence of the family, therefore, is to create an atmosphere or environment for effective administration and preparation of individuals, so they can grow and pursue the plan of God for their lives.
“Charity” they say, “begins at home”. It doesn’t end there though; it only begins from there. This means the home is where the character and destiny of an individual should begin and take shape properly. The Biblical example of this is the case of Abraham. In the Book of Genesis 18:19, God speaking about Abraham said: For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
Abraham had a grasp of God’s purpose for the family, and by that understanding he was able to order his household aright. As a result, God was pleased with him and ensured that Abraham and his household were successful in all that they did. Till today, Christians all over the world still identify with Abraham.
If God were to comment on your marriage or family today, would He say something positive about it?
The family is the foundational block for the society, while marriage is the foundational block for the family.
Satan always targets marriage to destroy it. God established the family as the first and most fundamental element of the human society. Marriage is a foundational institution that existed before all other institutions. It is the oldest institution in the world.
The family existed before nations, governments, schools, or businesses and marriage was instituted before the family. Marriage is foundational because it is on this relationship that God began to build the society.
Marriage is also the foundation upon which the church, community of believers, and God’s special society rests.
Although, every house and family is built by some man or woman, but for any house or family to stand the test of time, an understanding of what the family stands for must be grasped. Also, each family must be founded and built on the principal and master plan of God, the Originator.
For you to have a good and a stable family structure, you must first of all surrender your life to Christ, because He is the Originator and the Institutor of the family and marriage. Are you willing to give Him a chance in your life? Are you ready to let Him have His way over you? If you do, please say this prayer in faith: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.
Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).
With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 OR 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).
Pastor Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’ Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.