We use “crisis” to define a critical or dangerous situation. And when we look at families today… men, women, marriages, parents, kids… that definition would be right on target. “The Crisis in the Family” is real, and we’re in a situation that seems hopeless.
But make no mistake; it’s only hopeless if we sit back and do nothing and let the outside world call the shots… when we don’t go to battle for ourselves, our spouse, and our kids.
See, the crisis in the family means we’re not only in a critical situation but it’s also defined as a turning point… for better or worse.
Key Scripture
Discussion Questions
Don’t be afraid to add to this list, skip questions that don’t work for your group, or branch off with additional questions as discussion unfolds. Conversation is key! This is the time to work through the application of scripture and have group members figure things out together.
- God’s opinion is the only opinion that counts. How is this knowledge helpful when explaining to someone why God’s original design for marriage—one man and one woman for one lifetime—is the only option?
- God created woman for man for companionship, cooperation, and completion. Brainstorm with your group all the things that these three words encompass in a husband/wife relationship. On the flip side, what does the husband provide for the wife in a godly marriage?
- Apart from your salvation, there is no greater decision you will make than who you choose to marry. How do you (or did you) determine who is the right one God has for you? What biblical attributes should be paramount in the search for a spouse? Based on knowing God’s Word and heart, what should you do if you have already married an unbeliever?
- We learned this week that the parent-child relationship is temporary, while the husband-wife relationship is permanent. How does knowing this change your approach to these relationships? Have you ever found that the vast responsibilities of raising children—especially young ones—can overshadow the husband-wife relationship? How can we prioritize our spouse when efforts from work and child-raising duties take up so much of our time and energy?
- Has your marriage become somewhat routine? How do you continue to build intimacy with your spouse and add wood to the fire of your marriage? How do you invest in your marriage? How can we ensure that our spouses are our top priority and greatest love (right behind the Lord)?
- Read 2 Corinthians 10:5. Evil thoughts occur when the devil puts something into our minds, whereas evil thinking occurs when we dwell on those thoughts and allow them to take root. What can we do to ensure that evil thoughts don’t become evil thinking? How can we specifically guard our minds in relation to our marriages?
- Read Genesis 2:24. Pastor Harrell discussed how different husbands and wives are in terms of what they need to develop intimacy. Has it been difficult to become “one flesh” and “die to yourself” in your marriage? How have you and your spouse put the other’s needs first?
- Go back in your notes and review the 6 points detailing how to build a wall of protection around your marriage. Are you and your spouse doing well with these? Are there any specifically where you need to focus your attention, prayer, and effort?
Accountability
- Where are you reading in the Bible this week? What has God been revealing to you through your quiet time with Him?
- Discuss any struggles you may be going through with your group.
- How can you pray for your group this week? How can they be praying for you?
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