As a service and encouragement to our families to spend time in Bible Study, your elders and ministers are providing the following lessons to use as topics for your family devotionals. Your elders and ministers encourage reading the Bible together each day and discussing the things that you read with one another. We also encourage you to take time together to go through the lessons below. The lessons are broken down into several parts. Each part should take 15 – 20 minutes to read, discuss, and pray. The lessons can be done daily, on Wednesdays and Sundays during the Bible Class Period or as often as you can. Please let your elders and ministers know if this service is helpful to your family. May God bless you, protect you, and guide you as you seek to abide in Jesus Christ. A Father’s Charge to His Son (1 Chronicles 28:9, 10, 20) Part 1 (20 – 30 Minutes) b. But the most important truth to know is God. INTRODUCTION A. This was a very solemn occasion. B. What did he need to know about God? 1. He needed to know that He is holy, pure, ever- 1. David was near death. present, and all-observing. 2. He had called the young and tender Solomon to him. 2. He needed to know He claims our reverence, love, obedience, and submission. 3. He wanted Solomon to carry on the work he had begun. 3. He needed to know He condemns our ingratitude, our departure from Himself, and 4. David’s deepest concern was that Solomon be our sin. a faithful servant of God and do the special work which awaited his care. 4. He needed to know He is ready to receive, forgive, and restore all who return in B. Let us focus on what this father advised or penitence and faith. charged his son to do. C. How can we learn these truths? I. “KNOW THOU THE GOD OF THY 1. The best way is on our own. FATHER” (V. 9). A. I am sure David realized that Solomon needed to 2. This is the direct approach. know many truths if he was to successfully rule 3. We must study our Bibles and see Him in over Israel. nature. 1. He needed to learn all he could about the D. Parents, can you give this same advice to your affairs of state. children? 2. He needed to know where he could turn for 1. What if your children knew the God of their counsel and advice. parents? 3. He needed to know whom he could trust and 2. What would they know about Him? on whom not to turn his back. a. Would they conclude He is too weak to 4. But, more than anything else, he needed to help? know God. b. Would they conclude He can be deceived? a. We need to know much too. (Galatians 6:7, 8). c. Would they conclude your God is gold, a c. We are not to serve God grudgingly or of job, recreation, or your family? necessity (2 Corinthians 9:7). d. If your children knew your God, would it d. This is loving service. prepare them for eternity? e. This comes naturally when you obey E. Parents, may God help you to be able to say to Matthew 22:37. your children, and say it without fear, “Know D. How long must you serve God? thou the God of thy father.” 1. We must serve God all of our lives! Part 2 (20 – 30 Minutes) 2. Begin in youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1) and never II. “SERVE GOD WITH A PERFECT HEART cease (Revelation 2:10). AND WITH A WILLING MIND” (v. 9). E. What is the scope of this service? A. God deserves our service. 1. It involves every area and all particulars of B. Think of all God has done for you life: the school, the job, the home, play, and (James 1:17; Matthew 7:11). vacation. 1. He gave you Christ on the cross. 2. It involves every human relationship. 2. He gave you a plan of salvation. a. God comes before the family 3. He gives you all spiritual blessings in Christ (Luke 14:26). (Ephesians 1:3). b. God comes before a girlfriend or boyfriend. 4. He gives you the hope of eternal life. c. God comes before sports and entertainment. 5. He gives you good friends and wonderful F. Are you serving God right now? companions. G. Are you serving God with a perfect heart and a 6. He gives you good health and good minds. willing mind? 7. Truly, God is worthy of your service. Part 3 (20 – 30 Minutes) C. How are you to serve God? III. REMEMBER THAT NOTHING IS 1. We are to serve with “a perfect heart.” HIDDEN FROM GOD (v. 9). a. This means you are to serve God with a A. Read the last part of verse 9. heart that is attuned to His will. B. Other Scriptures emphasize this truth: b. We are not to give halfhearted service. Genesis 6:5; Numbers 32:23; Hebrews 4:13; c. I have known so many people who have Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14; 2 Corinthians 5:10. tried to hold on to God with one hand and C. Young people, do not ever forget this truth and the world with the other. you will be likely to please God. d. Read 1 John 2:15–17 and James 4:4. 1. One cannot “pull the wool” over God’s eyes. e. I would urge young people to give God He knows every bad joke you tell, every wholehearted service, with no turning back. unkind word you say, when you cheat on a test, and when you disobey your parents. f. You may live to regret many decisions in life, but one decision you will never regret is 2. God even knows your thoughts. the amount of time, money, and talents you D. But, this knowledge of God is also good. have expended in the Lord’s service. 1. God never misses a good deed you perform. 2. We are to serve God “with a willing mind.” 2. Revelation 2:19 says, “I know thy works.” a. This means our service is to be voluntary. 3. God will give you credit for all the good you b. You are not drafted into the service of the do. King of kings. IV. “SEEK GOD AND YOU WILL FIND HIM” 5. Be a soul-winner for Jesus. (v. 9). B. Do not ever forget: Whatever you do for God, do A. Isn’t it wonderful knowing that we can find it with all your might. (Colossians 3:23, 24) God? VII. “BE STRONG” (v. 10). 1. We can have God’s assistance any time A. David knew that if Solomon were to accomplish because He can be found. all he had to do he would have to be strong. 2. God is a friend who sticks closer than a B. You, too, will need strength. brother. 1. Strength to live the Christian life. 3. Read Acts 17:27. 2. Strength to say no to evil companions and 4. “Can any hide himself in secret places so that I sinful pleasures. shall not see him? says Jehovah. Do not I fill heaven and earth? says Jehovah” (Jeremiah 3. Strength to say yes to the service of God. 23:24). 4. Strength to deny yourself. 5. Read Matthew 7:7. C. Christianity demands strength. B. Yes, you can find God if you seek Him 1. The weak fall by the wayside. (James 4:8; Isaiah 55:6). 2. The strong continue to live for God even until C. Have you been looking for God? death (Revelation 2:10). Part 4 (20 – 30 minutes) VIII. “DO IT” (v. 10). V. “IF YOU FORSAKE GOD, HE WILL CAST A. This is a great charge! YOU OFF FOR EVER” (v. 9). B. Too many of us listen well but do nothing. A. This sounds harsh, but it is still true. C. Look at these passages: Matthew 7:21; B. Other passages teach us this truth: Luke 6:46; James 1:22. Exodus 32:32, 33; Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23; Matthew 25:30. D. What this world and the church greatly need are doers. C. Young people, do not ever cast God aside. E. Do not just talk about the Lord’s work, do it! 1. The risk is too great. F. Do not just talk about soul winning, do it! 2. You may eventually come back and find God, but you may die while you are in that G. Do not just talk about building a dynamic condition. church, do it! 3. The best advice is to stay with God and He H. Do not just talk about helping others, do it! will stay with you. CONCLUSION VI. GOD HAS A MISSION FOR YOU (v. 10). A. Consider 1 Chronicles 28:20. A. You also have a mission in life. What is it? 1. “Be strong.” 1. Do all the good you can and as little harm as 2. “Be of good courage.” you can. 3. “Do it.” 2. Make the road of life smoother for others. B. Solomon is reminded that God will not “fail thee, 3. Practice the golden rule. (Matthew 7:12) nor forsake thee” and will always stand by and 4. Let your light shine before others. assist. (Matthew 5:16) ©Copyright, 1984, 2003 by Truth for Today ALL RIGHTS RESERVED The Church as a Family Part 1 (15 – 20 Minutes) 3.