Stable Foundations
Prepare for Launch
get ready with these Helpful Resources
Luke 1:46-56; 2:22-52
“Almost Ancient”
Most kids don't like watching anything black-and-white. When a film from the '90s is an "old movie," the family of the '50s seems almost ancient. What'd they do with their free time without the internet? As outdated as it may sound, many families invested in quality time, eating meals together, going to church every week, and studying the Bible regularly. No, life wasn't perfect. But are these "old-fashioned" priorities a thing of the past? Maybe with all our distractions, the foundation of our families has weakened. Adrift in a sea of activities, perhaps we've lost touch with the value of deep devotion to God together.
Worship isn't just what we do as a family — it's who we are.
THE BIG IDEA
The "Lord builds the house" (Ps. 127:1) when he's the heart of the home.
Jesus grew up in a home where honoring God was the norm. The family "went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover" (Luke 2:41) — it wasn't a question; it was just what they did. They were poor, but they sacrificed what little they had to God, as he commanded (Luke 2:22-24). Before Mary and Joseph ever had kids, they were worshipers at their core. Listen to the beautiful words of devotion Mary spoke before Jesus' birth — "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior ... for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name" (Luke 1:46-49). It's only fitting that when Jesus was twelve, he continued the legacy, planting himself in the temple to discuss God's word (Luke 2:49).
So make devotion the core of your marriage from the earliest moments, before the kids come. Lay those habits and commitments deep, like concrete footers beneath your house. Serve, pray, and consistently assemble with the church, never too busy to show up for the One who showed up for us. Just imagine what might happen if more families took the "old fashioned" approach of Jesus' upbringing.
Is glorifying God the soul of your family?
THE BIG QUESTION
Devotion to God
Deepen Your Devotion to God as a Family
INTRODUCTION
Launch the study with a CONVERSATION STARTER on the Big Idea.
Read or watch “Almost Ancient” (above). What do you take from that Big Idea and Big Question? ICE BREAKER — Get everyone engaged and talking.
Have you ever wanted to pull a "Ferris Bueller" with worship and take a day off?
ACT I
FINDING JESUS — Luke 1:46-56; 2:22-52
What’s the main point of this passage?Does the passage mention or reference Christ? What does it say about him?What insights and applications do you take from these words of Christ? What do we need to get from these words that — if understood and applied — has the power to bless and strengthen us?What parts of this passage remind you of the character and actions of Christ?How can reflecting on and applying this passage draw us closer to Christ?
ACT II
POETRY IN MOTION — Psalm 127 & 128
These psalms are designed as a pairing, expressing together God’s blessing on the family that prioritizes him. Prepare to move through them quickly, drawing out an insight from each section. When studying in a group, consider having one person assigned to each section, and then having a brief group discussion for that section. (For example, one person shares their thoughts on Psalm 127:1-2, then the group discusses, followed by another person sharing their thoughts on Psalm 127:3-5, etc.)Psalm 127:1-2
Main Point: Key Word: Insight/Application: Psalm 127:3-5
Main Point: Key Word: Insight/Application: Psalm 128:1-2
Main Point: Key Word: Insight/Application: Psalm 128:3-6
Main Point: Key Word: Insight/Application: ACT III
REACH OUT — Connect with each other with this question.
What have you done to keep worship from feeling like a chore, rather than a privilege?WRAP UP
THE CHALLENGE — Ready to put it into practice?
Sing a song of praise to God as a family.REQUEST — Go to God in a closing prayer.
For example: "Oh God, please accept my sacrifice of praise to you today"
(cf. Luke 2:22-24).
NEXT SESSION — Integrity
Prepare by reading Luke 16:10-13; James 5:12; Heb. 12:3-12