Households of the Bible Genesis 18:19 I. Introduction. A. What is a household? 1. Another word for a family, including members and servants. 2. First mention: Genesis 18:19. a. House: Genesis 7:1. b. Can be interchangeable. 3. Not all households fit the pattern of parents and children. 4. Could even be as Caesar's household: Philippians 4:22. B. Discuss "house" as a residence. 1. When Israel left Egypt: dwelt in tents. 2. Hebrews took the houses of conquered cities(overhead). 3. Stone and wood used in building. 4. Roofs were flat(covered by tents or booths sometimes). a. Grass grew on some. b. Used for recreation and even sleeping at night. C. The important points about a household are those who compose it, nurture it, and grow in it. D. We are acquainted with the households of today: usually parents and children(sometimes other kin). E. Obviously the first household was the house of Adam. II. Body. A. Consider these households during the periods before Christ. 1. Noah: Genesis 7:1. a. This man of God had a family that respected and honored God and His standards. b. Paul would say: Hebrews 11:7. c. In a world that deserved destruction, Noah and his family were spared. d. Lesson: Respect the laws, ways, and commands of God: preserve your family. 2. Joseph and his father's household: Genesis 47:12. a. Joseph had been denied full access to this household. b. Received gross mistreatment by his brothers. c. Even when not with Jacob, the Lord blessed him. d. Now--Joseph will ease their fears and meet their needs. e. Lesson: Learn to forgive in your own house. 3. Moses: Hebrews 3:2, 5. a. Another strong leader of his household. b. Note: "Faithful in his house."(Pleaded with others to be faithful.) (1 Still human/made a mistake. (2 But--faithfully took Israel to the edge of Canaan. d. Lesson: In spite of problems, adversities, and opposition, be faithful in your household. 4. The Shunammite woman's household: II Kings 8:1-2. a. Elisha restored her son to life(II Kings 4:32-37). b. Hospitable to the prophet. c. Elisha told her she would have a son: it happened. d. The lesson: A household needs to be hospitable. 5. Job's household: Job 1:1-2. a. Richly blessed of the Lord. b. Was referred to as "the greatest." c. Into this house comes death and disease(Satan is the culprit). d. Job loses his wealth, his children, and his health: but he never abandoned what was left: his trust in God. e. Lesson: Be loyal to God no matter what occurs; Job would recover and have a strong household in the end. 6. And--never forget the role of the woman of the household: Proverbs 27:27; 31:15, 21, 27, etc. B. Households of the New Testament. 1. Mary and Martha: Luke 10:38-40. a. Households contain different personalities. b. Lesson one: Do not be anxious(worry) about lesser things. c. Lesson two: Take care of the things that matter. 2. Mary, the mother of John Mark: Acts 12:12. a. No father mentioned. b. Obviously, a strong religious influence--they prayed. c. Also, guided John Mark in the ways of truth and right. d. Lesson: Every household needs to be religiously inclined. 3. Cornelius, a Gentile: Acts 10:1-2, 7. a. No doubt about his desire to please God. b. Though a Roman soldier, he wanted to please God. c. When he is taught the gospel, he obeys. d. Lesson: Be willing to receive the truth when it is presented. 4.Lydia, a businesswoman: Acts 16:14-15. a. A readiness to listen to and respect the truth. b. Immediately--insisted Paul come to her house (hospitable). c. Later: Acts 16:40. d. Lesson: Never be too busy to listen to the truth. 5. Paul, a prisoner in his own house: Acts 28:30-31. a. House arrest: given freedom to teach and have visitors. b. Did not let sorrow or despondency overwhelm him. c. Lesson: Take advantage of opportunities to teach and learn, even in trying times. And...never give up. III. Conclusion. A. There is one household in which all should be a part: Galatians 6:10. B. How is it in your household?-jy