Challenges to Family Unity
(Psalm 51:5; 58:3; Eph. 4:20-32; 5:15-33) Blog May 12-18, 2019
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Human beings were created for companionship as demonstrated in the Deity in whose likeness we were created. Lasting relationships should be built upon covenants. This provides stability and predictability because a person’s obligations and privileges are clearly stated and entered into by making vows in the presence of witnesses. The character and ability of the covenant maker will determine the value of their promises. Only when the Gospel of God’s grace is presented to us are we freed to make good choices so true believers are the most likely to have successful relationships. While sin often disrupts that model God has provided instructions and means for dealing with sin. In regard to marital relationships, Solomon has left us an illustration of how and when to form a family and what to look for in a spouse.
Hindrances to Family Unity (Psa. 51:5; 58:3; Luke 1:35; 2 Cor. 5:21; James 4:1-10; 1 John 3:5)
1. From what two sources is family unity threatened? From without (society) & from within (human nature).
2. What is there in society that threatens family unity? Dress, food, entertainment, media, & general discontent.
3. With what nature were Adam and Eve created? With a perfect sinless nature having no propensity (inclination) to evil.
4. What happened to human nature at the fall? It became depraved & degenerate.
5. What is the difference between depravity and degeneracy? Depravity is the corruption of our spiritual nature making us desire sin, while degeneracy is the weakening of our physical, mental, & moral powers making us weaker to resist evil.
6. Did Jesus have a depraved nature with a propensity to sin like we have? No, there was no sin in him – he was born holy.
7. Did Jesus have a degenerate nature with weakened physical, mental, & moral powers? Yes, his heredity was just like ours except for sin.
8. Where is a depraved, sinful nature found in the family? In the parents & in every child from conception on.
Keys to Family Unity (1 Cor. 7:14; Eph. 1:13-14; 5:15-33)
9. If parents and children are all corrupt by nature and weakened by the fall what hope is there for family unity? The only hope is in the mercy of God who gives his Holy Spirit to everyone who accepts Jesus as their Lord & Saviour.
10. What does the Bible say about if only one parent is a believer? “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.” 1 Cor.7:14.
12. What is the most basic and most important interpersonal ingredient for family unity? That husbands love their wives.
13. How does the Bible say a woman should respond to a loving husband? By submission.
14. What principle of family unity does Paul give in Ephesians 5:21? That of mutual submission.
15. What three things does Paul list in Ephesians 5:18-20 as being prerequisites to family unity? Being filled with God’s Holy Spirit, being joyful in heart, & being always thankful for everything.
16. According to Romans 5:5 what basic ingredient to family unity are believers given when the Holy Spirit comes into their heart? Love.
The Joys of Family Unity (Rom. 3:23; Eph. 4:20-32)
17. What is a dysfunctional family? A family in which conflict, misbehavior, or child neglect occurs.
18. What Bible family would you NOT label as dysfunctional? Maybe that of Daniel, very few indeed would qualify for Scripture says: “All have sinned and continue to come short of the glory of God.”
19. Despite the dysfunction of family members name some Bible families who overcame their dysfunctionality to produce godly children. Abraham & Sarah; Amram & Jochebed; Boaz & Ruth, Elkanah & Hannah, the parents of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Ezra, & Nehemiah; Joseph & Mary; the parents of James & John; Eunice & her husband;
20. According to Ephesians 4:20-32 what are we to do to promote family unity? We are to put off our old lifestyle & take on a new attitude, no longer lying, getting angry with one another, stealing, nor speaking corruptly but rather being kind & tenderhearted one to another, forgiving one another.
21. Will family unity ever be achieved without putting individual effort towards that goal? No, we are to work & God works with us to accomplish this goal.