The Home As God Would Have It

Ps. 127:1 [1] Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it:

Ps. 127:1 could refer to: A. the building of a temple – like the one Solomon built B. the building of a dwelling for a family C. the establishment of a family consisting of a husband and wife then children later

What are some of the characteristics of THE HOME AS GOD WOULD HAVE IT? In establishing a home God should be the center and focus of our efforts What are some of the characteristics of THE HOME AS GOD WOULD HAVE IT?

I. Design or Plan

Blueprint or plan for a dwelling place

God’s plan for the home is found in His word – the Bible

Gen. 2:18-24 [18] And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. [19] And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.

[20] And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.

[21] And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; [22] And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

[23] And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. [24] Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Gen. 4:1-2 [1] And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. [2] And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

Men have foolishly attempted to change God’s design for the home: Living together without being married Homosexual “marriages” Trial marriages

II. Materials necessary for the home

A. Built upon the foundation of God’s Word

Jn. 17:17 [17] Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

2 Pet. 1:3 [3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

1 Pet. 1:25 [25] But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

B. Surrounded by walls of love

1 Cor. 13:4-7 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

C. Instruction

Instruction, training, correction, and self-discipline Eph. 6:4 [4] And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord

Nurture = (chastening in ASV) --- includes corrective discipline, correction, chastening, “The word here used means training of a child; hence education, instruction, discipline.” (Albert Barnes)

Children should be trained in the way the Lord approves

Admonition = a putting in mind --- warning, admonition, instruction Children need to be aware of God – His existence, word, power, will for man, etc.

Self-control

Self-control

1 Cor. 9:27 [27] But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

D. Atmosphere of respect

Ps. 127:3 [3] Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. [3] Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward

Eph. 6:1-2 [1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. [2] Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

Eph. 5:33 [33] Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

E. Insulated from outside threats by commitment

“Success in marriage is more than finding the right person, it is being the right person” Trust is something to be developed and it should never be betrayed. Don’t do anything you wouldn’t want your spouse to do

The husband and wife need to protect their marriage and also protect your children!

III. Those responsible for building Christian Homes

We are responsible YOU and Me

Gen. 2:21-24 [21] And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; [22] And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

[23] And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. [24] Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Leave father and mother Cleave unto his wife They shall be one flesh