God’s Design for Family
Opening Scripture:
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
— Joshua 24:15 (ESV)
Family – God’s Original Blueprint
Family is one of God’s greatest gifts to humanity. In a world that often devalues or redefines the family, we are called back to God’s original blueprint—a household built on love, respect, service, and faith.
From the very beginning, God designed the family not only for companionship and protection, but also as the primary place where faith is taught, nurtured, and passed on to the next generation.
When families thrive in the Lord, communities are strengthened, children are blessed, and God is glorified.
God Created Family with a Purpose
“Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’”
— Genesis 2:18 (ESV)
The family unit began with Adam and Eve. God created man and woman to complement each other, to partner in life, and to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28).
The very first human relationship was not a government or business partnership—it was a family.
Modern application:
Our families today may look different—single parents, blended households, grandparents raising grandchildren—but the purpose is the same: to glorify God, to serve one another, and to raise up godly generations.
A Family That Serves God Stands Strong
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
— Joshua 24:15 (ESV)
Joshua’s declaration was bold. In a time when many were turning to idols, he drew a line in the sand: “My house belongs to the Lord.”
Modern application:
In a culture full of distractions and divided loyalties, our families must make intentional decisions:
- Will we worship together?
- Will we pray over our children?
- Will we speak words of life in our homes?
God is looking for families who say, “We will serve the Lord—even if no one else does.”
God Gives Roles and Responsibilities in the Family
“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives… Children, obey your parents… Fathers, do not provoke your children…”
— Colossians 3:18–21 (ESV)
God doesn’t leave the family structure to guesswork. He gives us clear guidance—not to create hierarchy, but to bring order, unity, and love.
- Husbands are called to lead with sacrificial love (Ephesians 5:25).
- Wives are called to walk in respect and support (Ephesians 5:22).
- Children are called to honor and obey their parents.
- Parents are to train up their children without anger, but with patience and godly instruction (Ephesians 6:4).
Modern application:
Every role in the family matters. When each member lives with Christ-centered humility, families grow strong in grace.
Families Are Where Faith Is Passed Down
“You shall teach them diligently to your children…”
— Deuteronomy 6:7 (ESV)
The home is the first church. Long before children hear a sermon, they watch their parents. Faith is more caught than taught.
- Do we speak of God’s Word at the dinner table?
- Do we model repentance when we fail?
- Do we create a culture of prayer and worship?
Modern application:
Schools can educate, churches can encourage, but only the family can disciple daily. It’s our divine calling to raise children who know and love Jesus.
Even Broken Families Can Be Redeemed
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
Not every family looks like a picture-perfect portrait. Some carry the weight of divorce, grief, betrayal, or prodigal children.
But God specializes in restoring what has been broken.
He healed Joseph’s broken family. He brought reconciliation to the Prodigal Son’s home. He turns mourning into dancing.
Modern application:
There is no family too far gone for God to redeem. Bring your brokenness to Him. Pray over your loved ones. Keep the door open for grace to walk in.
Closing Scripture
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”
— Psalm 133:1 (ESV)
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of family. Thank You for the love and comfort we find in our homes. Where our families are strong, may they remain faithful. Where they are weak or hurting, may Your healing hand touch and restore.
Help us to lead our families with humility, to love each other as You have loved us, and to be faithful in passing Your truth from generation to generation.
Lord, where there is brokenness, bring wholeness. Where there is distance, bring unity. And above all, let our homes be houses that serve You with joy.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior,
Amen.