Family

Mar 12, 2025    Pastor Josh Wootton

Family is foundational—not just to society but to God’s design for human life. Whether your family is a source of joy or struggle, we are all inextricably linked to our families. In this episode of Know and Do, we explore what the Bible teaches about family, why it’s essential, and how Christ ultimately redeems it.


We’ll dive into the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, specifically Article XVIII on the Family, to understand God’s purpose for family and how we are called to live within it. From the covenants of the Old Testament to the teachings of Jesus, we’ll see how family is both a reflection of God’s kingdom and a reality we often struggle with. But there is hope—Christ affirms the family structure and redeems it for His glory.


Key Points:

• Family is the foundation of society, woven into God’s plan from creation.

• Throughout Scripture, family plays a crucial role in God’s covenant promises.

• Despite its importance, families have always faced struggles—from Adam and Eve to the present day.

• Culture often distorts or undermines family, leading to real-world consequences.

• Jesus doesn’t discard the concept of family but fulfills and redeems it, calling us into a greater spiritual family in Him.


I. Family is the foundation of society. Without family, we do not exist.

1.    Family in the Creation covenant (Genesis 2:24)

2.    Family in the Noahic covenant (Genesis 6:18)

3.    Family in the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 17:5-6)

4.    Family in the Mosaic covenant (Exodus 19:3-6)

5.    Family in the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-13)

 

II. As much as we need family, we still fight against it.

    - In each Old Testament covenant, the family fought itself.  

o  Creation Covenant— Adam and Eve, Cain and Able

o  Noahic Covenant— Noah and Ham

o  Abrahamic Covenant— Abraham and Hagar

o  Mosaic Covenant— Israel and idols

o  Davidic Covenant— David and Bathsheba


     - A good way to try to destroy God’s work in the world— destroy families.

  

III. While we may fight against family, Christ redeems it.


Scripture References: Luke 2:49, Matthew 12:48–49, Matthew 10:37, Matthew 3:9, John 3:3, Ephesians 5:31–32, Hebrews 2:11–12, Ephesians 1:3–5


Here is a handout with a sample passage and reflection questions!


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