LESSON 40 SANCTITY OF LIFE AND FAMILY VALUES
Deuteronomy 21:1-23; 22:1-30
Sanctity means being holy or sacred. To be holy is to have a clean heart and a clean life. Every child loves clean things – clean clothes, clean teeth, clean shoes. Do you like clean things? The second part of our topic is Family values. Family values mean good and godly standard maintained in the family. It is expected that holy and good morals are seen in the life of every boy and girl in order to ensure a bright future and to be a responsible citizen.
Children that are still doing bad things should repent and become friends of Jesus and thereafter pray for grace to live a holy life. In the Bible, we have people like Abraham and Sarah, Aquila and Priscilla, Zecharias and Elizabeth couples whose lifestyles were examples of good family values and holy living.
- COMMAND TO MAINTAIN SANCTITY OF LIFE AND HOLY LIVING:
Deuteronomy 21:1-17; Leviticus 11:44; John 17:17; Romans 12:2,3; Hebrews 12:14
Our main Bible passage shows that God is against killing of fellow human beings or shedding of innocent blood. This makes the killer unclean.
God considers the life of every human being sacred and of great value. He is our Creator, Who made us in His image. Therefore, He desires that we have right to abundant life that will enable us serve Him in holiness. This is the main subject of the instructions in Deuteronomy 21. God is not interested in the death of anyone, rather, He wants us to be free from sin and live a happy life. He hates killing of innocent person and require that restitution be made for the killing of innocent souls. This was why the cleansing ritual was prescribed when a person was found slained.
Today, we do not need any ritual because the word of God is very clear. “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13). No one should kill either through physical means, abortion, slander, false accusation or hatred of fellow human being. Children must seek to maintain peace and holiness as they relate with others in their day-to-day activities.
When a boy or girl is holy, it will reflect in every area of his or her life. The fruit of the Spirit will be seen in such life and it will radiate the beauty of Christ. To live a sanctified life:
a) A sinner must repent of his/her sins and accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour
b) Saved boys and girls must pray for a sanctified life.
c) There must be daily study of and meditation on God’s word.
d) Separation from the world (1 John 2:15).
Jesus Christ prayed for our sanctification. He wants all His friends to be united and to experience the glory of God. There are blessings from God if we live a sanctified life.
CALL TO CONSECRATION AND BUILDING OF FAMILY VALUES: Deuteronomy 21:18-23; 22:1-30; Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-4.
Every child belongs to a family and God has set rules and guidelines by which families are expected to live. These rules and regulations determine the values for each family. Our Bible passage outlines the core values that we must build and live by in order to enjoy God’s covenant blessings.
There must be mutual love between parents, children, siblings and every member of the family. If you love your parents, you will obey and honour them. You will also seek the good of everyone in the family.
This is a very important virtue that all the children must cultivate, build and live by. In fact, obedience to your parents is very important. Do not be a stubborn or rebellious child.
Honour and Respect Children are commanded to honour their parents to enjoy long and abundant life.
Submission and Humility – You must be subject to parental control and authority if you want to enjoy your life.
Diligence – Children must work hard and assist their parents in doing house chores and family business. There should be no room for laziness.
Purity Every member of the family should maintain purity and righteousness in their daily life. Do not engage in any immoral relationship. Your dressing should be decent. Boys should not wear girls’ attire neither should girls be in boys’ garments. Everyone must remain a virgin till marriage.
Children are expected to obey the rules and regulations in their families as long as they do not go against the word of God. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). Children should take part in family devotions, run errand for their parents, do their house chores, and respect and love every member of d their family. If you have been disobedient to your parents, you have I to repent and ask the Lord to help you so that your life can be a good example to others.
COVENANT BLESSINGS FOR THE OBEDIENT:
Deuteronomy 22:6,7; Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:3
Our God is faithful. He promises to bless every child who will obey His word. As God blessed the families of old who lived holily and kept the family values, He will also bless you if you obey His word. Some of the blessings are:
(i) Good health.
(ii) Divine provision of all good things that you desire.
(iii) Long life on earth.
(iv) Answers to prayers.
(v) Good success
(vi) Protection and preservation from all evils.
(vii) Eternal life in heaven.
QUESTIONS:
- What do you understand by the words, sanctity of life?
- Sanctity of life is a command from God. Yes or No?
- Mention three family values maintained in your home.
- Mention four blessings for obeying the Lord.
- How can a sinful child live a sanctified life?
MEMORY VERSE: “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God” (Deuteronomy 22:5).
LESSON: God wants us to be holy.
THOUGHT: I will be holy and obedient at all times.
ACTIVITY: Children should mention names of at least two girls and three boys who lived a life of sanctity in the Bible, and pray to be like them.
CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 189 -TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY
CHORUSES:
(1) Peace, purity, power.
(2) Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.
(3) Make me a good child like Samuel.
HOMEWORK: Children should write in their homework book five blessings of living a holy life.
BIBLE WORD SEARCH
Find the meanings of these words. You can use your dictionary.
- Sanctity 2. Values 3. Errands 4. Responsible 5. Citizen.
