1 John 2:7-11
Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.
9Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. 10Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. 11But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.
Family life is in crisis in our world today. God designed the family to be the primary child-raising agency and human-nurturing institution. Unfortunately, family life has entered into a time of instability and confusion. This has caused the erosion of our values in America.
Family Life Has a Divine Origin: Mark 10:6-8
But at the beginning of creation God made them male and female. 7 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one.
1. Marriage is the total commitment of the total person for the total life.
Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
2. Children are a blessing from God. Mark 10:13-16
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. 16And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
Family Life Priorities Are Developed Through the Employment of the Following Words: 1 John 2:7-8
Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.
1. Love . Ephesians 5:1-2
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
2. Patience . Proverbs 15:18
A hot‑tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.
3. Prayer . Matthew 7:7-8
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
4. Communication . Proverbs 4:10-13
Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. 11I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. 12When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.13Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.
5. Time . Hebrews 1:1-3
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.3The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
6. Forgiveness . Matthew 6:15
But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
7. Legacy . 1 Peter 2:11-12
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
