Series: FAMILY MATTERS (Nov. 11th - Dec. 9th)

Session 1 God’s Design | Genesis 2:18-24; Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (11/11/15)

Why did God create the family? The family is God’s unique environment for nurturing our development. When God created man, He did not want him to be alone. Family is a natural part of the order of God’s creation. Every family has the capability of having relationships within their family unit. God created the family unit to be close and enjoy intimate relationships. Not all families are perfect, but they are still family relationships. But God desires the family to help their children grow spiritually as individuals—and as a family unit. Parents are the primary spiritual developers of students.

Session 2 Planned for You | Romans 8:28; Genesis 37:1-11; 45:4-15 (11/18/15)

Why am I in this family? God is working out His purposes through your family circumstances. You may not understand why some things happen within your family, but God can and will take those things and use them for the good. God always has a plan in mind for you and your family. There is no such thing as a perfect family. Jacob’s family is one example of an imperfect family in the Bible. Every family has its own share of problems. Granted, there are some really difficult family situations in the world today. Problems within the family are opportunities for God to work. There is no problem within a family that God cannot fix and ultimately restore the family once again. Every family is different—with different circumstances and problems—but God has a great plan for each family.

Session 3 Your Responsibility | Ephesians 6:1-4; Exodus 20:12; Genesis 4:1-9 (12/2/15)
What are my responsibilities to my family? God calls you to honor and respect your family.  Children and teenagers alike are to obey and honor their parents—it is a command from God. Obedience pleases God and has blessings/rewards attached to it. Every family member has God-given responsibilities within the family. We are to show respect toward each other within the family. Respect can include: caring for; being responsible for; being committed to; and respecting their personhood. We are to be committed to each other in the family desiring the best for each other. Each family member should always be looking out for the other family members. The story of Cain and Able represents what can happen when we do not respect one another.

Session 4 Choices Matter | 1 Samuel 2:12,22-25,31-36; 2 Timothy 1:3-9 (12/9/15)

Your decisions have lasting impact. Every choice you make in life impacts not just you but your family as well. Family members must choose wisely keeping in mind their choices affect more than just themselves. Some choices we make carry negative consequences as well as punishment. The negative result of our choices can impact our family. The negative choices of Eli’s sons carried consequences for them and impacted their family. Some choices we make carry positive consequences and will allow us to reap rewards. The positive result of our choices can impact our family. Timothy’s spiritual heritage had a positive impact on his life—and the lives of others. Bottom line is that while we are free to make choices, we must keep in mind the affect it will have on us and on our family

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Parenting Teens is a monthly magazine designed to provide relevant information, practical ideas, and biblical encouragement to parents of teenagers. Go to www.lifeway.com/parentingteens.