Godly Homes in an Ungodly World - 14 Maintaining Godly Homes

WE have discussed What is the home The purpose of marriage Preparations for marriage Various roles within the home Lessons are available at:

Problems Problems WILL arise – clashes in personalities, with society & needs How we handle these situations will determine how strong and godly our homes will be God’s word gives guidance in dealing with problems

Types of problems Poor communication – 1 Pet. 3:7 Finances – Matt. 6:24 Worldliness – 1 John 2:15-17, Jas. 4:1-4 Improper attitudes – cf. Eph. 4:26 The “rut” – everyday routine Infidelity – Heb. 13:4

Types of problems Poor communication – 1 Pet. 3:7 Finances – Matt. 6:24 Worldliness – 1 John 2:15-17, Jas. 4:1-4 Improper attitudes – cf. Eph. 4:26 The “rut” – everyday routine Infidelity – Heb. 13:4

Dealing with problems Each problem has its own unique solution Seek first the kingdom of God – Matt. 6:33, Psalm 127:1 Address them – ignoring problems usually makes the worse cf. 1 Cor. 5:6

Dealing with problems HONESTLY evaluate yourself – few problems are unilateral. How are you handling the problem? Note: I am not to blame yourself when others are guilty (i.e. being manipulated) – just acknowledge your part if it is there!

Dealing with problems BE accountable – take responsibility for your conduct – Rom. 14:12, Gal. 6:5 Maintain a godly attitude – meditate on things that are godly. cf. Eph. 4:26, Phil. 2:14, 4:8

Dealing with problems Build on your strengths – find the good in yourself and others and start there – 1 Cor. 13:5-6 Be patient – marriage/parenting is a marathon, not a sprint! Solutions take time 1 Cor. 13:4, Jas. 2:4, Luke 21:19

Dealing with problems Learn to fight fair – Don’t “pile on” or “save up” problems, know where the line is you cannot cross, cool off, etc.

“As unto the Lord” At times we will ALL fail. Not everyone wants to do right. What if my spouse/child/parent is not doing their part? Realize that YOU are accountable for you! Do your part “as unto the Lord” Eph. 5:22, 25, Col. 3:23

“As unto the Lord” In the home: Do what you are supposed to do with all your might Often times our conduct is a RESPONSE to what we expect of the other person Someone has to stop the cycle of trouble - what not me?

“As unto the Lord” Their sin - Does not excuse your accountability – Rom. 14:12, 2 Cor. 5:10 Let THIS be your motivation to do the right thing! Often times this conduct leads to a good response by the other party

“As unto the Lord” BUT, if everyone lives “as unto the Lord” there is NOTHING that can keep a home from being godly and THRIVING!

A taste of heaven Gen. 2:24 – The home began with God’s institution Much of what we read about our relationship with God is equated to the home

A taste of heaven Eph. 2:19, Gal. 6:10 - The “household of God” “Children of God” – Phil. 2:15, 1 John 3:1-2 He is our Father – Matt. 5:16, 6:9, 14 He chastens us as children – Heb. 12:5-11

A taste of heaven “Adoption as sons” - Gal. 4:5, Eph. 1:5 Husband/wife compared to Christ and His church – Eph. 5:22-33 “Betrothed” to Christ– 2 Cor. 11:2 The New Jerusalem, bride of the Lamb – Rev. 21:2, 9, 19:7, 22:17

God’s directions for the home is no accident! In heaven, we will experience relationship with Him and one another. We will be “one big happy family”

May we strive to make our homes as close to God’s will as we can!