A Better Covenant: Zac Poonen - Part 3 of 6 - A Godly Family
Austin CFC 2015 Conference - July 11 and 12 visit our website at austincfc.com
Summary
The message emphasizes that a godly family life is foundational for spiritual leadership, citing 1 Timothy 3 which requires an elder to be above reproach in their home. The speaker stresses that fathers bear the primary responsibility of raising their children through instruction and discipline according to God's Word, not solely relying on Sunday school. He encourages fathers to actively teach biblical facts and principles to stimulate their children's interest in scripture.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why family life matters in the New CovenantUnlike the Old Covenant where a leader's family life was often overlooked, the New Covenant places a leader's family reputation and household management as the primary qualification for spiritual leadership.
Learning from the failure of SamuelEven great prophets like Samuel failed to manage their households because they were too busy traveling and serving, resulting in corrupt sons who took bribes.
The father's personal duty to instructFathers are explicitly commanded to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, making sure not to neglect them for ministry or leave teaching entirely to Sunday school.
Teaching biblical facts and spiritual valuesChildren should be stimulated to learn scripture facts and core values—such as humility, kindness, and eternity—over mere academic achievements.
Communicating living faith through the SpiritIn homes without printed Bibles or in times of hardship, mothers and grandmothers communicate a living faith in God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Teaching children respect and truthfulnessChildren must be taught the foundational commandments of honoring elders, speaking respectfully to everyone, and always telling the truth.
Guarding against the perils of the last daysThe Bible warns that disobedience to parents and self-love will characterize the last days, requiring parents to be strict and vigilant against societal influences.
The marriage relationship as the foundationChildren absorb how parents treat one another, meaning a healthy home starts with the husband and wife maintaining a pure, transparent Eden-like relationship.
Becoming one fleshGod views husband and wife as a single entity rather than two separate people, making conflict between them a very serious matter.
Asking for and granting forgiveness immediatelyCouples must practice asking for forgiveness and granting it immediately, just as God in Christ has forgiven believers, treating each other with grace.
Not letting the sun go down on angerIf anger arises, it must be resolved before sunset or bedtime so that Satan is given no foothold or opportunity to gain an advantage in the home.Ephesians 4:26
Inheriting the blessing of AbrahamChrist became a curse on the cross so that the blessing of Abraham—whereby all families of the earth are blessed—might come to believers through the Holy Spirit.Galatians 3:13–14
Growing strong through spiritual resistanceJust as muscles grow through resistance in a gym, God allows satanic attacks and opposition so that individuals and families can grow strong by resisting back.
The power of marital agreement in prayerWhen a husband and wife live in musical symphony and agree in prayer, Jesus is in their midst, and they possess the authority to bind satanic forces and rescue their children.
