INTRODUCTION

In order maximize God’s glory in our families. We are using the Cornelius’ family as our case study. He feared God with his heart (Acts 10:1-2). He is a centurion who has 100 men under him. He was good in humanity. He was intimacy with God in prayer and generosity. Cornelius family’s devotion attracted God’s attention (Psa. 20:1-3).
We need God’s glory in our family.we can experience His glory in our family if we are willing and ready to do whatever He tells us (John 2:5).

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In this lesson we are going to consider four issues in connection to achieving the glory of God in the family.

GOD’S GLORY IS POSSIBLE NO MATTER HOW SPIRITUALLY LOW WE HAVE GONE (HAGGAI. 2:7).

The nation of Israel was as spiritually as anyone can go. After many years God stirred up King Cyprus who issued a decree permitting them to return to their country (Jer. 29:10-14; Ezra 1:1-4). The people gave up their lives in Babylon, risked the dangerous and difficult journey across the desert and were back in their land. There was nothing happen spiritually. But God had promised of His glory in this desolated ghost land (Jer. 33:10-11).

We can experience the glory of God anew in our family just as: the fallen but repentant King David, the prophet said, “The Lord has taken away your sin” (2 Sam. 12:13).

The disobedient but chastised prophet Jonah, “The word of the Lord came the second time” (Jonah 3:1).

The weeping and broken, Peter, the risen Savior appeared privately to restore him (Luk. 22:62). The aforementioned things are privileges one can derive. He offers us equal privilege or opportunity even now. Obed-Edom welcomed the ark in His family. If we welcome the King of King your family will not remain the same.

GOD’S GLORY IN THE FAMILY FOCUSES ON JESUS CHRIST (John 2:4).

In Ezra 3:2 we discovered that the first thing the leader of the Jews did was to rebuild an altar. Even though the foundation of the temple is not laid, yet the sight of the altar (i.e. Jesus Christ) gives the people hope.

So setting an altar, means “making Jesus Christ the center of the home”. Why did they begin with an altar? For us to draw closer to God, there is need for the forgiveness of our sin (Lev. 1:3).

If you have not began with God, it must start with the cross. Your own goodness can never earn you salvation, only Jesus Christ can (Rev. 20:14).

GOD’S GLORY IN THE FAMILY FOCUSSES ON OBEDIENCE TO HIS WORD (Hagg. 2:6; John 2:5).

How did the people know how to set the altar? They went back to the Bible and obeyed it (John 2:5). That is the only way to achieve God’s glory. We must obey the Word of God as to bring His glory to us in our families (Ezra 3:4).

The only measure we use is as follows: ### “Does this thing line up with the Bible?”

“Does this thing promote holiness?”

“Does this thing glorify God?”

The glory of God in our families is possible when we start with Jesus Christ and obey the Word of God. David and his people enjoyed the glory of God. David saw the fullness of His glory during the dedication of the temple (2 Chron. 7:1-3).

THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE FAMILY FOCUSES ON BUILDING HIS HOUSE (Hagg. 2:8-9).

One remarkable about us is that we are God’s temple. He dwells in us, works through us and walks in us (1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:19-22).

Building God’s house requires the followings:

Courage to stand against this hostile world (Ezra 3:3)

Giving resources (Ezra 3:7). Your willingness to give and your proportion of giving is a clear indication that Jesus Christ is the Lord of your heart.

Working in unity under godly leadership (Ezra 3:1,9). Any significant work for God is the work of many members working together in harmony under leaders.

A renewed emphasis on corporate worship (Ezra 3:11-13). Family altar must be revived. When the foundation of the temple was laid, the people worshipped together with great shout of praises.

A spirit of co-operation and understanding between the old and the new.

Between the aged and the youths or teenagers.
“the young people were captured with great joy at the sight of the foundation of the temple”, while “the aged, old men and women, who saw the former temple built by Solomon cried bitterly”.
Both experiences does not create a gap rather an atmosphere filled with excitement and seriousness.

REFLECTIONS

Do you pray together as a family?

Revive your family altar.

A family that prays together, stays together.

Is there an inter-play of the zeal of the young and the experience of the aged?

Do something for the Lord and experience God’s glory (1 Sam. 7:1).

CONCLUSION:

The glory of God in the families is possible and must focus on the cross, on obedience to God’s Word, and on the building of His house. Wherever you are, God’s door is opened.
He invites and draws you to an awesome experience with His glory in your family.