“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him” (Gen. 18:19).

Family Culture

Though they might come in various configurations, families are the building blocks of society; thus, many distinct cultural traits of various societies are directly tied to family. For instance, in one ancient culture it was deemed a man’s responsibility to eat the corpse of his dead parents; in another, a man who wanted a bride had to bring her father a dowry of shrunken heads from a rival tribe. Even in modern times, ideas relating to children, courtship, divorce, marriage, parents, and so forth vary widely. As we spread our message to these various cultures, we have to learn how to relate to them in ways that, while not compromising our beliefs, don’t cause unnecessary problems. At the same time, and closer to home, we have to be very aware of just what cultural influences impact our families.

In what ways did culture impact family life in the following examples? What principles can we learn from these examples?

Gen. 16:1-3

Gen. 35:1-4

Ezra 10:1-44

1 Kings 11:1

None of us live in a vacuum; all of us and our families are impacted by the culture in which we live. Our responsibility as Christians is to exist within our culture the best we can, keeping that which is in harmony with our faith, while shunning, as much as possible, that which conflicts with it.

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As the gospel circles the globe, Christians encounter different cultures and practices, many of which pertain to family and social relationships. One of the great questions for Christian missionaries regards how they should relate to various cultural norms about many things, including family relationships they might personally find uncomfortable.

Read Acts 10:1-28, Acts 10:34-35. What can we learn here about our need to overcome our own barriers and prejudices when dealing with other cultures?

Family

Christ’s death was for the sins of every human being, everywhere. Many people simply do not know this great truth yet. To bring this news with an invitation to respond is the evangelistic mission of Christians. Because God shows no partiality, Christians are called to treat everyone with respect and integrity, giving them a chance to embrace the good news that is for them, as well.

What conclusions did early Christian missionaries reach regarding the presentation of the gospel to other cultures? What principle can we draw from these texts? Acts 15:19-20, Acts 15:28-29; 1 Cor. 2:2; 1 Thess. 5:21-22.

Though every culture mirrors the fallen condition of the people within it, cultures may also have beliefs that are compatible with Scripture, even useful to the cause of the gospel. The value placed upon close relationships in family and community in many parts of the world is an example. Christians can uphold and strengthen that which is good and in keeping with biblical principles.

At the same time, God’s truth must not be compromised. Church history sadly shows that compromise and accommodation to cultures has yielded a patchwork of pseudo-Christian beliefs posing as authentic Christianity. Satan claims to be the god of this world and happily spreads confusion, but Jesus has redeemed this world, and His Spirit guides His followers into all truth (John 16:13).

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Image © Pacific Press

Read for This Week’s Study: Acts 10:1-28, Acts 10:34-35; 1 Cor. 2:2; 1 Thess. 5:21-22; John 1:12-13; John 3:7; 1 John 5:1.

Memory Text: “Therefore … let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV).

No matter what stage of life we are in, or what we have been through or will face down the road, we exist against the background of culture. Our parents, our children, our homes, our families, even our church—all are impacted by the culture in which they exist, and greatly, too. Though other factors were at play, the change of the Sabbath to Sunday was a powerful example of how the culture of the time, powerfully and negatively, influenced the church. Every time we drive by a church and see a sign for Sunday services, we are given a stark reminder of just how far-reaching the power of culture can be.

Christian families confront cultural challenges all the time. Sometimes the cultural influences can be good; most times, though, the influence is negative.

The great news is that the power of the gospel gives us light, comfort, and strength to deal with the challenges that culture can bring. This week we will look at how we can be “families of faith”, as we seek to “become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15, NKJV).

Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, June 15.

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Key Thought: We are told to love one another and to live in peace and harmony. We are to be patient and kind. And yet this is a challenge even in our own families.

June 8, 2019

1. Have a volunteer read Proverbs 19:11, 17:14.

a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. What are the principles here that can help us avoid conflict with others?
c. Personal Application: Have you ever had conflicts that now seem silly and insignificant? What can we learn from these experiences that could help prevent similar things from happening in the future? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “I have a relative that disagrees with everything I say. I’m beginning to think they just like to argue and disagree. What can I do with someone who always has a negative for whatever I say?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 4:26,27 Ecclessiastes 7:9.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. What is the difference between anger as an emotion and anger as a sin?
b. Personal Application:: Has anyone ever made you angry? Or have you ever gotten angry with someone? How did you get over it? What if you don’t get over it? Share your thoughts.
c. Case Study : One of your friends states, “What does it mean not to let the sun go down upon your anger? What if we get angry at night? Some things naturally cause us to get angry. Does this mean we aren’t supposed to stay angry or carry a grudge?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read I John 4:7,8 Colossians 3:19.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What does it mean not to be “bitter” against your spouse?
c. Personal Application: How would you deal with a spouse who is hostile, keeps a record of wrongs, and may be violent? Share your thoughts
d. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Is anger always a sin? My wife and I get angry with each other at times. We don’t always agree with each other on everything, and sometimes we have clashing personalities. We still love each other, but sometimes it’s hard to get along.” How would you reply to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Matthew 7:12

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. Why is trying to understand the other person and their position and feelings such a help in relationships and in dealing with conflicts?
b. Personal Application: Think of the way you treat others. Is it always the way you would want them to treat you? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” Ministry of Healing, p. 148)

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You can view an in-depth discussion of “Times of Loss” in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. You may download an MP4 video file, and audio file or a PDF lesson outline from the HopeSS site.

With thanks to Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

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