1. The Family Represents The Basic Model Of God’s Kingdom or Reign On Earth
· Genesis 1:26-28
· “Image of God” = “male and female” exercising “God’s rule” on earth
o Represents God’s Rule as His “Tselem” or “Image” – Functional meaning: Humanity as God’s Agent of His Benevolent Rule Over the Lower Orders of Creation (Genesis 1:26,28; 1 Corinthians 11:7)
o Represents God’s Functional Likeness: Man as WORKER to meet the needs of creation (Genesis 2:5-7,15); Woman as a RELATER to meet the need of the Man (Genesis 2:18-23)
· Man and Woman in Marriage To Propagate By Bringing Up “Godly Offspring/Seed” Who Will Model God’s Rule Through Their Future Generations (Genesis 1:28; 18:17-19; Malachi 2:15; Ephesians 6:4)
2. The Fall Brought Divisions Within The Human Family And Subjected Man To The Rule of The Serpent
· Relationship With God
o Violation of the Covenant through Disobedience
(Hosea 6:7)
o Fear and Shame (Genesis 3:8-10)
o “Serpent” is now “inside” man to dominate him: Genesis 4:7 (Heb. words robets, teshuqah, mashal) – compare John 8:44
o Since then, the serpent now rules humanity – Luke 4:5-7; John 12:31
· Relationship With One Another
o Shame (Loss of Transparency) (Genesis 3:7)
o Blame-Shifting (Loss of Moral Responsibility) (Genesis 3:11-13)
o Envy & Murder (Loss of Human Love and Care) (Genesis 4:4-9)
3. The Coming of the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ Brings Division Into The Human Family As Loyalties Are Polarized
· Matthew 10:32-38; Luke 12:51-53
· Luke 14:26-27
· Luke 18:28-30
· The context of these Scriptures is SALVATION: the necessity of faith and obedience in following the Messiah against those who reject His rule / kingdom because they refuse to recognize Him as the promised Messiah (“anointed king”)
4. The Acceptance of God’s Kingdom Restores God’s Original Plan For The Family
· As a Married Couple – Unconditional Love and Submission; Mutual Respect (Ephesians 5:21-33; Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7)
· As Parents – Instruction and Discipline Without Abuse (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21)
· As Children – Honor and Obedience (Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20; Malachi 4:5-6)
5. In The Ministry of the Kingdom, The Family Is Given Its Original Priority as Representing The Basic Model of God’s Kingdom on Earth
· 1 Timothy 3:2-5
· Titus 1:6-7
· 1 Peter 3:1-7 (Enhancing the effectivity of the ministry of the Word and Prayer)
· PAUL: “If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?”
Reflection and Application
· What is my greater priority now – my family or ministry/work?
· What course of action should I take now to correct any wrong priorities?
Ezra Renewal Ministries International 