Memory Verse
“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works…
BIBLE PASSAGE: Titus 2:1-14
INTRODUCTION
A Christian family is an institution where parents are bound together by Christian love, where children are happy and spiritually instructed. It is a home Where the Lord Jesus is the supreme head of the home. A Christian family is one that radiates Christ, welcomes strangers and dispenses hospitality. A Christian family consists of God- fearing parents and children. The Christian family is the bedrock of the nation and the glory of the Christian church. May God grant us Christian families.
OUTLINES
1. DUTIES OF THE FATHER
2. DUTIES OF THE MOTHERS IN THE HOME
3. DUTIES OF BOTH PARENTS
4. DUTIES OF CHILDREN IN THE HOME
DUTIES OF THE FATHER
It is ordained by God that the husband should be the head of the home Ephesians 5:23. For example, Abraham commanded his household faithfully - Gen. 18: 19. This is not to say that the wife is a slave but a help meet taken from the man's side to remain a companion. It is the duty of the husband to love his wife as himself - Eph 5: 25, CoL3:19. This is the love expressed in 1 Corinthians 13, i.e. loving in health, sickness, poverty and prosperity. The husband is required to be faithful to his wife. God demands honesty, frankness and faithfulness between partners in a marriage.
It is the husband's duties to comfort his wife in-times of sorrows-I Samuel 1:8. He ought to consult with his wife on business matters and issues that affect the home, for they are a team. By the virtue of marriage, they have become one Mark 10:8. The Christian husband should always put God first in his life - Luke 14: 26. He is the priest of the home and he is responsible to establish a family altar for daily worship. He is to listen and lead his wife with wise counsel - 2 Kings 4:8-10, Eccles. 4:9-11.
DUTIES OFTHE MOTHERS IN THE HOME
Mothers are tremendous assets; hence, the major duty of a wife is to love to serve Jesus Christ Luke 14: 26. The wife is to obey her husband - Eph 5: 22. Sarah is a good example to follow - 1 Peter 3:6. Wives are not only to respect their husbands but they are to love them too - Titus 2:4. Husbands need a great deal of affection, too. The woman is not to be adorned with ornaments -1 Tim. 2:9-10. Instead, wives are to be adorned with good work, including modesty and sobriety, meekness and have a quiet spirit - 1 Peter 3:4-5. A Christian wife must be trustworthy, hardworking and be an early riser Proverbs 31: 11, 13, 15. The responsibility of the wife is great but Jesus will give grace to those who ask Him.
THE DUTIES OF BOTH PARENTS
Parents are to realise that their children really belong to God Psalm 127:3-5. Therefore, parents who love their children shall find favour with God Titus 2:4. Parents should bring their children to the Lord at an early age- Matthew 19:13-14 - to train and discipline them for the Lord- Proverbs 22:6. One way of making their task easy is to bring the children to Sunday school and church. Teach them Bible stories at home and give them a part in family prayers. Teach them to obey God and the law of the country - Deut. 32:46. Parents are to provide for their children- 1 Tim.5:8 - and should be careful not to provoke their children to wrath - Ephesians 6:4. Above all, let godly parents pray for their children. Pray that they would be saved to overcome sin.
THE DUTIES OFTHE CHILDREN
Children are to honor their parents - Exodus 20: 12, obey them - Luke 2:51, and pray for them. They must also return their parent's love, for love is a two-way traffic. They must be sober and show good examples in all things - Titus 2:6-7. Children must constantly remember that the children of today shall be the parents of tomorrow.
CONCLUSION
The secret of a successful Christian home is in the family altar, where Christ is crowned the Head of the home. Love is the second secret. Parents should also remember they are all children with a loving Father above who constantly demonstrates His love.
QUESTIONS
1. What are the duties of the children in the family?
2. Mention the duties of fathers in the home.
BLESSED WEEK WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
MONDAY: Matthew 22:37 - Love of God is the greatest commandment. Obey it.
TUESDAY: Mark 12:3 -Do you show love to your neighbours? If not, you are a disobedient Christian.
WEDNESDAY: 1 John 4:7 -If you do not practise love, you are not born of God and do not know Him.
THURSDAY: Hebrews 13:1 - Brotherly love should not cease.
FRIDAY: John 3:16 - Love is sacrificial. Such a love as that which induced God to give His only begotten Son to die for the world cannot be described.
SATURDAY: Ephesians 5:25 - Love with a pure, ardent, self-sacrificing love as Christ loved the church.
SUNDAY: Titus 2:2 -Be sound in love, whether old or young.
