RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR 14TH OF APRIL, 2024; BROKEN HOMES

[24]And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.

[25]And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.

[26]And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.

[27]And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.

[28]And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.

[29]And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:

[30]And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.

[31]And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.

[32]And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?

[33]And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.

[34]Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.

INTRODUCTION: Families are the bedrock of society. When families fall apart, society falls into social and cultural decline. The plan of God for homes is for them to remain united in body and spirit (Psalms 133:1). A broken home is a family in which the parents are separated or divorced. So many children and estranged partners have suffered the consequences of a broken home. This has caused society and the church a lot of unrest. It is, therefore, necessary to examine the causes of broken homes and their remedy.

Some factors that bring about a broken home are stated below.

1. Cultural shift – a decline of religion and morality (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Colossians 2:8).

2. A wrong choice in marriage (Proverbs 21:9; Proverbs 19:13).

3. The negative influence of parents, friends, etc. (Genesis 2:24; Proverbs 13:20).

4. Lack of genuine sacrificial love (1 John 3:16; Romans 5: 7-8).

5. Communication breakdown (Matthew 5:37).

6. Sexual unfaithfulness between a couple (Hebrews 13: 4).

7. Stinginess, meanness, or poor economic planning (1 Timothy 6:10).

8. Preference for a child over another child (siblings) Genesis 25:28.

9. Undue attachment to job or other things than the family (Psalms 127:2).

10. Worldly pleasures (1 John 2: 15).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Discuss the role which the husband, wife and children must play to prevent a broken home.

Some effects of a broken home include:

1. Husbands abandon spouses and children.

2. Wives walk out of the marriage.

3. Either or both live alone or with strange fellows.

4. Children suffer emotional stress arising from abandonment.

5. Children may lose interest in relationships and life in general

6. Children are likely to exhibit anti-social behaviours.

7. Complete and unified parental love is lacking.

8. Society witnesses an increase in crime rate.

Those who suffer the pains of broken homes can apply the following solutions:

1. Embrace the love of Jesus through salvation. (Romans 5:8).

2. Commit everything to God in prayer. He is greater than any difficulty. (Psalms 50: 15; Jeremiah 32:27).

3. Ask God to make you a better person in the present circumstances. (Psalms 51:10).

4. Seek the help of other Christians. (Proverbs 11:14).

5. Seek Professional help and counsel.

6. Learn to forgive and seek reconciliation or restoration. (Ephesians 4:32; Romans 12:18; Isaiah 57:18)

7. Be patient to meet your spouse at their point of need. (Ecclesiastes 7:8; 1 Corinthians 7:1).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Discuss other things which you have heard, seen or experienced which have helped to secure an exemplary Christian home.

CONCLUSION: Broken homes can be described as ‘broken lives.’ Do all you can to make your family strong and united.

QUESTIONS:

* What is a broken home’?

* How can it be eliminated?

ASSIGNMENT: State five differences between a broken home and a united home (2×5=10 marks).