Messy Families

THE BIG IDEA

Let’s face it: there is no such thing as a perfect family. Even those families who appear to have it all together have struggles, anxieties, and tension behind closed doors. Family dynamics can be tricky to navigate.

Why is this? Well, it’s the way it’s been since Adam and Eve. Throughout the book of Genesis, we see strange family situations. But, most importantly, we see God’s grace through it all.

In this series, we’ll explore the messy families in the book of Genesis: Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph. We’ll see what went wrong, discover how God used these families for His plan, and learn how God uses our messy families to show the power of His grace. You’ll also learn about some resources you can use to help you and your family make changes to grow closer to God.

Series Breakdown

February 9, 2020: Abraham: Doubt to Trust

God made some promises to Abraham that seemed too good to be true. His offspring would outnumber the stars. And God made all these promises when Abraham was almost 100 years old without any children! Abraham doubted God’s promises and tried to take things into his own hands. Eventually, however, he came to trust God. When we’re facing family struggles, it can be difficult to be trust that God will keep his promises to bless those who stay close to Him. But, as Abraham discovered, God is always trustworthy.
Scriptures: Matthew 14:22-26
Sermon Text: Genesis 17:15-22

February 16, 2020: Jacob: From Struggle to Embrace

Jacob always fought for his place in the world. From the time he was born until he made his way back to be reunited with Esau, Jacob wrestled with God’s plan for his life. Finally, he wrestled with God himself, finding the blessing he’d been looking for his whole life. If you have struggled to find your place in your family and in God’s family, know that God embraces you and sees you as His child.
Scriptures: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Sermon Text: Genesis 32:22-32

February 23, 2020: Leah: From Unworthy to Accepted

Rachel was the pretty one. And Leah? Not so much. Leah’s father Laban had to trick Jacob into marrying her, and it was a marriage of obligation, not love. But despite how the world saw Leah, God saw her as his princess, blessing her with children from whom the Savior Jesus would come. Whether it’s because of your looks, your place in the family, or your past, you might feel unworthy of love in your family. But you are wholly accepted by God.
Scriptures: Psalm 139:13-18
Sermon Text: Genesis 29:16-30

March 1, 2020: Joseph: From Pride to Humility

Joseph knew he was destined for great things. His dreams were big, and he didn’t hesitate to share them with his family. His father loved him, and his brothers despised him. Eventually, however, God taught Joseph humility and guided him to heal the broken relationships in his family. Pride gets in the way of our family relationships too. But, with God’s help, we can become humble and reconcile ourselves to our families and to God.
Scriptures: Romans 8:28-32
Sermon Text: Genesis 45:4-15