The Ultimate Ride: “The Ideal Family”
Today, we conclude the series, The Ultimate Ride. Over the past 7 weeks, we have been talking about things necessary to make sure our families and lives are transformed by the amazing power found in God. Today, we continue our discussion on this topic.
To help me illustrate our final sermon topic, let’s bring out the car for today…
Lamborghini Diablo
Lamborghini began developing the Diablo (which means "Devil" in Spanish) in 1985 as a replacement for the Countach model. Introduced for sale on January 21, 1990 at a base price of $240,000. The vehicle could reach 60 mph in slightly over 4 seconds. Top speed of 202 mph. A few options that are available:
1) The driver’s seat can be molded specifically for the buyer,
2) A rear spoiler
3) A factory fitted luggage set (priced at $2,600), and,
4) An exclusive clock for the dash (priced at $10,500)
This car LOOKS like it would be the IDEAL CAR…well, let’s see about that…
I enjoy “people-watching.” Whether I am in an airport, on campus, at a b-ball game, I enjoy watching people. When I do, I often wonder about where there from, where are they going, are the happy, do they know the Lord. I am sure you think about these and other things when you people watch.
I feel pretty sure, though, that many of us look at couples and families and wonder, “They look like they have it all together.” You see them dressed neatly in the finest clothes… they intelligently articulate their thoughts…the kids are smiling… the husband is courteous…the wife seems to be really sharp…and you’re thinking, I bet they never fight, the kids always obey, and they have it all together! Truly, this must be the IDEAL FAMILY!
I want to share with you from God’s Word about what the IDEAL FAMILY looks like. Are you ready for this world changing, earth-shattering answer! You want to know what the ‘Ideal Family looks like?
Here it is!!! “The Ideal Family is the Family that brings joy to the Heart of God”
NOTICE that it has NOTHING to do with:
1) Money
2) Looks
3) Fame
4) Position
5) Family History
It has everything to do with how that family relates to God! So, what can a family do to “brings joy to the Heart of God?”
Let me give you FOUR BASIC VALUES that IF a family commits to them, they will be God’s version of an ‘Ideal Family!’
#1 – AS A FAMILY, WE VALUE SPIRITUAL GROWTH!
How can you ‘encourage each other to grow spiritually every day?’
1. Hold each other accountable.
In love do what James 5 states:
James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
2. Support each other when mistakes are made.
Gal. 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
3. Walk the path of spiritual growth together!
2Cor. 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Eccl. 4:12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Prov. 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
NOTICE: God is not asking for perfection! But the ‘Ideal Family’ falls, they get back up again and says, “no matter what, we’re going to live life – God’s Way!
Value #2 – AS A FAMILY, WE VALUE PRAYER!
Prayer is one of the most intimate things that can be done in the presence of people.
It is also a wonderful way to demonstrate to your spouse and family that you are leaning on God for every step of your life.
Jesus often withdrew with his disciples to pray. IN FACT, the night before Jesus was captured & crucified, Judas Iscariot was with the Sadducees planning Jesus’ betrayal…and when they finalized all the details, they turned to Judas and said, ‘so, where can we find him?!”
And Judas said, “No worries, I can tell you exactly where he is…because at about this time, Jesus always took us to this garden to pray with Him.” In other words, Jesus scheduled his prayer times so frequently and regularly, that you could actually predict where he was based on his prayer schedule!!
John 18:2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.
How wonderful would it be if your family began a time to pray and chat about spiritual things that carried over into your children’s homes, and your children’s children’s homes?
Value #3 – AS A FAMILY, WE VALUE THE WORD!
Let me take you to a portion of scripture that speaks to making priorities in our lives and families:
Psa. 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
Value #4 – AS A FAMILY, WE VALUE EACH OTHER!
1Tim. 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Gal. 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
All of the above can be summed up on one verse – THIS heart attitude will make sure all of the above will occur:
Mic. 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
You see, the “Ideal Family” can look any which way…
A family can be happy in that car
A family can be happy in that car
A family could definitely be happy in this car
A family can be happy in any car!
It doesn’t matter what kind of car your family represents, your family can still be the ideal family! I hope you have seen that it has NOTHING to do with:
1) Money
2) Looks
3) Fame
4) Position
5) Family History
But about acting right, loving mercy, and walking humbly with your God. My friends, I am so burdened when I hear of homes that are breaking up…kids emotionally scarred…lives ruined…
It is time that we focus on the family to make sure our own homes never, NEVER become a negative statistic!
And it can begin today.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
