HOLINESS IN FAMILY LIFE

Title: HOLINESS IN FAMILY LIFE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 5:22-33
Supporting Texts: Colossians 3:18-21, 1 Peter 3:1-7, Proverbs 22:6, Deuteronomy 6:6-7

INTRODUCTION:
Holiness in family life is essential for a Christian home. The family is the basic unit of society and the first place where godly values are nurtured. Ephesians 5:22-33 lays out principles for maintaining holiness in marriage, as well as the roles of husbands and wives. This study explores how families can reflect Christ through their relationships and actions.

1. HOLINESS IN MARRIAGE

"Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22).

Marriage is a covenant relationship that requires mutual respect, love, and submission to Christ.

a) Submission and Love
Wives are called to submit to their husbands, while husbands are to love their wives sacrificially (Ephesians 5:22-25).

b) Unity and Partnership
Marriage reflects the unity between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32).

c) Commitment to Holiness
Both partners should encourage each other in their spiritual growth (1 Peter 3:7).

d) Forgiveness and Patience
Cultivate an environment of forgiveness and patience (Colossians 3:13).

e) Biblical Example:
Aquila and Priscilla worked together to serve God (Acts 18:24-26).

2. HOLINESS IN PARENTING

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).

Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's spiritual and moral lives.

a) Teaching God’s Word
Instil godly principles in your children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

b) Discipline in Love
Correct with love, not anger (Proverbs 13:24).

c) Modeling Holiness
Set an example through your own godly conduct (Titus 2:7).

d) Encouragement and Affirmation
Encourage and affirm your children to build their confidence in God (Ephesians 6:4).

e) Biblical Example:
Timothy’s faith was influenced by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5).

3. HOLINESS IN SPOUSAL COMMUNICATION

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6).

Effective communication is vital for maintaining holiness in family relationships.

a) Speak with Love and Respect
Use words that build up, not tear down (Ephesians 4:29).

b) Active Listening
Listen to understand, not just to reply (James 1:19).

c) Resolve Conflicts Peacefully
Avoid anger and bitterness; seek reconciliation (Ephesians 4:26-27).

d) Pray Together
Make prayer a central part of your communication (Philippians 4:6).

e) Biblical Example:
Hannah communicated her distress to God and her husband in a godly manner (1 Samuel 1:8-10).

4. HOLINESS IN FAMILY WORSHIP

"But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15).

Family worship strengthens spiritual bonds and aligns the household with God’s purposes.

a) Daily Devotions
Set aside time for prayer and Bible study as a family (Psalm 119:105).

b) Teaching Biblical Values
Reinforce godly values through stories and discussions (Proverbs 22:6).

c) Celebrating Spiritual Milestones
Mark important spiritual events together (Exodus 12:26-27).

d) Encouraging Service
Serve God together as a family in the church and community (Romans 12:11).

e) Biblical Example:
Cornelius’ household feared God and worshipped together (Acts 10:2).

5. HOLINESS IN EXTENDED FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18).

Holiness extends beyond the immediate family to relationships with extended family members.

a) Honouring Parents
Show respect and care for your parents (Exodus 20:12).

b) Setting Boundaries
Maintain healthy boundaries while preserving love and respect (Proverbs 25:17).

c) Demonstrating Forgiveness
Forgive family members who may have wronged you (Matthew 18:21-22).

d) Serving Extended Family
Be a source of support and help to relatives in need (1 Timothy 5:8).

e) Biblical Example:
Joseph forgave and cared for his brothers despite their earlier betrayal (Genesis 50:20-21).

CONCLUSION:
Holiness in family life glorifies God and serves as a powerful testimony to others. Whether in marriage, parenting, communication, worship, or extended family relationships, believers are called to reflect Christ. By applying biblical principles, families can experience peace, unity, and God’s blessings.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to reflect holiness in my family life.

2. Father, teach me to love and honour my spouse as You have commanded.

3. Lord, grant me wisdom to raise my children in Your ways.

4. Father, sanctify my speech and communication within my family.

5. Lord, establish daily worship and devotion in my home.

6. Father, give me the grace to live in peace with extended family.

7. Lord, let my family be a light in our community.

8. Father, help us to resolve conflicts in a godly manner.

9. Lord, strengthen our commitment to serve You as a household.

10. Father, bless my family with unity and love.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. Your family will be a model of godliness and holiness.

2. Peace and unity will reign in your home.

3. Your children will grow in the fear and knowledge of the Lord.

4. God will use your family to impact the lives of others.

5. Every conflict in your family will be resolved by the power of God.

6. Your household will serve the Lord all your days.

7. The Lord will bless your marriage with love and understanding.

8. God’s presence will fill your home continually.

9. You will experience supernatural breakthroughs in your family life.

10. Your family will enjoy divine favour and blessings.