The Families of Righteous Men I. Introduction. A. God's order: the family: Psalm 68:6: "God makes a home for the lonely." B. From the beginning, the basic family unit has endured. C. Characteristics are same--whatever the age. D. Problems and accomplishments found in all families. E. Let us consider some families of righteous men of Old Testament. II. Body. A. The first family. 1. Name: Adam: Genesis 5:2. 2. The beginning of the human race. a. Husband, wife, children. b. God created one woman for one man. 3. Given work responsibilities. 4. Problems within: Sons. 5. But: the family continued. B. Noah: Saved his family. 1. Because: Genesis 6:9. 2. Consisted of: Genesis 6:10. 3. The example: Genesis 6:22. 4. Thus: Genesis 7:7. 5. Difficulty: drunkenness and Ham. C. Abraham: Moved his family. 1. Because God commanded: Genesis 12:1. 2. His family supported him! 3. Perhaps too much family?(Lot) 4. Lot: extended family--rescue... 5. Even called: Romans 4:16. D. Isaac: Deceived by family. 1. Servant brought wife: Genesis 24:67. a. Good beginning! b. Essential element: love. c. Note: comforted. 2. Children: Genesis 25:27. 3. A problem: Genesis 25:28. 4. Note on Esau: Genesis 26:34-35. 5. Rebekkah and Jacob's deception. E. Jacob: Sacrificed for his family. 1. Perhaps reaped what sowed. 2. Given Leah: worked for Rachel. 3. Note: Genesis 29:20. 4. Jacob's sons were individualists. 5. Multiple wives caused difficulties. 6. Families experience good and bad. F. Joseph: Family betrayed him. 1. Can you imagine? 2. Jealousy and envy are powerful. 3. Such emotions hide righteousness. 4. It all returned to haunt them. 5. Joseph was not bitter! G. Moses: Left his foster family. 1. For righteousness: Hebrews 11:24-26. 2. One must make a choice when necessary: Mark 10:29. 3. Family ties are strong: should be so! 4. Being righteous is not an easy choice. 5. Did people(Miriam) appreciate Moses' sacrifice? H. Joshua: Devoted family to God. 1. And let others know: Joshua 24:15. 2. Every reason to believe his family followed his example. 3. Was this his influence? Joshua 24:31. 4. A righteous family has a positive effect--over time. I. David: Disappointment in family. 1. This man--after God's own heart. 2. Even David had his weaknesses. 3. Sons did not get along as should. 4. Solomon started out strong--had his heart turned from David's influence. 5. Teach, guide, and encourage while you can--pray for them to turn out right! III. Conclusion. A. The family is still God's order.-jy