THEME: THE GODLY FAMILY (GEN 18:19)

TOPIC:   FAMILY APPROVED ON GODLY FEAR TEXT:    PSALM 128, ECCL 8:13  
TEACHER: Pastor SAMSON ADEYIGA                                                                                                                                                                                        DATE: 04/09/2016

                                                                                                                         STUDY 01 
                                                                                                      FGCFZHQ/BSC/0001                                                           

INTRODUCTION

 You cannot enjoy God’s approval for godly fear without deliberately choosing to fear God. A happy and approved family does not happen by chance; you must deliberately desire and invest towards it. Are you ready?

TYPES OF FEAR WE COULD MANIFEST

Ø  Due to dread or possibility of harm or punishment from the object - someone or something.

Ø  Reverence or deep loving respect out of acknowledging the greatness and goodness of the object, or / and ability to definitely favour, implement reward or punishment over you.

Our study focus is the 2^nd one. The definitions make it clear that all types of fear are based on some form of knowledge – correct/wrong, truth/lies. We need to guard or barricade our hearts jealously with the truth of God.

Ø  A story of someone who regretted toying with his marriage; Paul Getty – a very well-known and respected billionaire in the oil industry. However, he did not consider himself completely successful later in life.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE FEAR OF GOD

·         The fear of God is the beginning of knowledge/wisdom. (Prov 1:7,9:10)

So a major characteristic of a truly wise man by God’s standard is that he or she allows the fear of God to guide decision-making.

Note the following 4 types of goodness to us and our families when we fear God mentioned in Psalm 25:12-14. As Christians we must always remind ourselves that our true and ultimate rewarder is God, and not man.

·         To fear God and to respond to Him accordingly is the primary call of man (Deut 10:12, Eccl 12:13)

·         The fear of God is fundamental to true success in the church, family and market place (Prov 8:13-21 KJV)

·         It is a key ingredient for guaranteed divine protection for you and your family (2 Kings 17:38-39). Our love for God and others should provoke us to fear God.

·         We bring hurt and avoidable difficulties to our families when we choose not to act and live in the fear of God (Deut 28:58-59)

·         Genuinely fearing God gives us confidence about God’s response in our joint prayers. (Prov 15:29)

SOME CHARACTERISTICS THAT SHOW I AM WALKING IN THE FEAR OF GOD IN MY FAMILY?

ü  With own life, with spouse, children and dependants?

·         Running away from sin & Opportunities that yield only material wealth, honour and satisfies the flesh at the expense of God. (Jer 17:11 if God calls a man a fool he is a fool indeed (Prov 9:10))

·         Exodus 18:21: trustworthy, hate bribe, place such men over the people.

An important qualification to be a successful leader in your home as husband/father, wife/mother or amongst children is the fear of God.

·         Also proverbs 8:13-21 hate evil, pride, arrogance and forward mouth.

·         The story of prophet Eli, his sons, and Samuel (1 Sam 2:21-36)

HOW CAN I BEGIN TO EFFECTIVELY PROMOTE & EXERCISE THE FEAR OF GOD IN MY FAMILY?

·         It starts by seeking and obeying God on who to marry (Prov 16:6(ESV Strong’s), Eph 5:21-22,25

·         Parents teach yourselves and your children the fear of God, in Word and action.

God’s will is that we all learn to fear God 1^st from within our families (Deut 6:2-3; Gen 18:18-19)

·         Know that it is not enough to speak the bible and what you know is good to your family.

To be effective in impacting it, you must model it.

·         As children, desire, pray and act in ways that will make your parents bless you directly and indirectly (refer Eph 6:1-2)

CHALLENGES OF PROMOTING GODLY FEAR IN OUR HOMES

When our spouses and children appear not to be responding to Godly fear.

·         It takes God’s help to instill the fear of God into ones family. Don’t look down on those currently challenged – especially those who genuinely fear God themselves.

·         To start the journey of effectively promoting the fear of God in your home, you must 1^st be known and seen as someone who fears God.

·         Why does it sometimes happen that way? Parent can only carry children to the point of accountability, i.e. when you as a child have to own your relationship with God.

·         It’s not all bad news – refer Prov 22:6

·         An important warning about preserving your relationship; Gen 20:11 (ESV Strong’s)

CONCLUSION

Isaiah 8:12-13 say ye not, A confederacy, to all them……

Job 5:19-27