Lead Scripture: Ephesians 5:20-33
Introduction:
In our previous studies, we established that Humility could be defined as being “LOWLY” — liberated from the consciousness of self – a form of temperance that is neither having pride (or haughtiness) nor indulging in self-deprecation.
Today, we will be looking at how humility portrays God’s plan for the family. A family is a group of people related by blood, marriage, adoption or ideology, often living together and providing support and a sense of belonging. Families are established by God and are meant to reflect His nature and serve as a foundation for society and personal growth. This involves understanding God’s design and plan for marriage, parenting, and relationships within the family unit, emphasizing love, respect, and faith.
God established His plan for families right from the beginning when He made Adam and Eve and gave them the commandment to multiply and fill the earth. Family has always been important in God’s plan – Genesis 1:28, Mark 10:6-9.
How does humility portray God’s plan for the family? In our anchor scripture, we see a picture of God’s intention for the family. It started by saying the husband and the wife should submit themselves to one another. And went on to explain the model of that submission – In the fear and REVERENCE of God. Ephesians 6:1-4 further extended to children and parents. This kind of submission is only possible when every member of the family has a clear understanding of why God originally designed the family.
1. Teamwork – Genesis 2:18 | Matthew 18:19-20 | Hebrews 10:24-25 | Ephesians 4:32.
2. System of Support and Advantage – Romans 12:4-5 | Psalm 133:1 | Philippians 2:3-4.
3. Source of Comfort and Strength – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 | Ephesians 4:32.
4. System of Authority and Dominion – Genesis 1:26-28.
5. A place for Learning and Development – Deuteronomy 4:10 | Ephesians 4:16 | Deuteronomy 6:6-9.
Amos 3:3 summarizes all these together by saying … Can two walk together except they agree? Humility fosters unity, whereas pride brings division – James 3:13-16.
Discussion:
1. From today’s study, in what ways does humility portray God’s plan for the family?
2. Is Humility a weakness or a strength? Explain understanding humility as total submission to the will of God.
3. 1 Peter 5:5-7 – what can we learn from this passage?
4. Meek is another word for humble. Matthew 5:5 talks about the inheritance reserved for the humble. What do you understand this verse to mean?
Prayer
