Discipleship Lesson 13

WITNESS AT HOME

I. INTRODUCTION:  

There are two primary places where our witness will have the most impact: with our family and where we work. We will spend most of our time with these two groups of people, and we will either bring credibility to the gospel or cause others to doubt Christ’s claims. The Bible has much to say about both of these areas. Our first focus is going to be on our witness at home. 

Today we want to focus on three things that should characterize our homes as born again disciples of Jesus Christ. We will briefly examine the role of the Father, the role of the Mother, and the role of a child. Our focus is not on what others may or may not be doing but on what we should be doing to be a Godly example in our homes.

II. THE ROLE OF THE FATHER.

According to EPHESIANS 5:23, God has placed man as the head of the home. 

While this may sound like a great job in God’s eyes, it also comes with great responsibility. When God confronted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, he started and finished with Adam. The primary role of the man is in leadership in the home, which covers several areas.

In DEUTERONOMY 6:7-9, God commanded the man to be diligent in teaching his children the laws of God and making sure that the Word of God was spoken frequently in the home to the point of writing them on your doorposts and gates. God’s intention was for the man to be the primary spiritual instruction for his family.

EPHESIANS 5:23 states that the husband is to love his wife in a sacrificial way that resembles Christ’s love for the church. Remembering that Jesus gave His life for the church, this sets a very high bar for the man. In verse 29 of the same chapter, the man is encouraged to nourish and cherish his wife. 

A sacrificial love that seeks the best for the wife speaks clearly of the love of Christ. It’s easy to say we love someone when things are well, but when sacrifice and putting the other person first is required, then it becomes a witness.

PROVERBS 13:24 reminds us that it is also the responsibility of the Father to discipline his children. The Bible never teaches “spare the rod, spoil the child.” It explains, “spare the rod, hate the child.” 

A Biblical view of discipline has the end goal in mind. Discipline reinforces the idea of teaching and correction, not punishment. 

Discipline in a Christian home should have a long-term vision for the child’s future in mind.

III. THE ROLE OF THE MOTHER.

EPHESIANS 5:22 is the most powerful verse on being a woman in the home. Unfortunately, there is so much misunderstanding around this verse. This verse does not create a permanent subservient state for the woman. The concept in the Bible is that of two equals working together for a purpose. For the sake of that purpose, one is agreeing to work under the leadership of the other. 

So the woman is called to be a witness by placing herself under the leadership of her husband.

I PETER 3:1-4 states that the woman should focus on inner beauty as a witness to her unbelieving husband. The Scriptures make it clear that a quiet inward focus on submission and character is the best witness by which her husband may be won.

PROVERBS 31:15-25 reveals the work ethic for the woman. The focus of all of these verses is the benefit of the home. It also shows a balance between work inside and outside the house, and her commitment to the success of her husband and family are recognized and praised by others. 

IV. ROLE OF THE CHILDREN.

EPHESIANS 6:1-3 puts the focus on the role of children into obedience. This is often very difficult for children who have unbelieving parents. A change in the heart and character of obedience will speak louder for Christ’s cause than many sermons. It also promises future blessings in your life upon this earth.

PROVERBS 20:11 reminds us of the importance of reputation. Our actions form our reputation. Our families will have more opportunities to see this than anyone else. While this can seem like a huge burden, it also is an opportunity to demonstrate the change that God is making in our lives. People will notice, and this will give you an opening to share your testimony of what God is doing in your life.

V. CONCLUSION:       

One of our most significant and most effective opportunities for being a witness is in our family relationships. The change that Christ makes in our lives will be evident to those who are closest to us. 

Our witness should begin at home.  

SPIRITUAL NOTEBOOK

BIBLE STUDY:  Use the process of Observation, Interpretation, and Application with the following verses.

1. Colossians 3:18-20

2. Titus 2:4-5

3. Proverbs 31:10-12

4. Proverbs 31:27

5. Proverbs 22:6

PRAYER: Write down the person or things for which you prayed for today.

FELLOWSHIP: Write down the name of the believer you had fellowship with and what you did.

WITNESSING: Write down the name of the non- believer you witnessed to and how you did it.