1. The Family & the Home Lesson 11: Problems Facing Families

2. Family Problems  Family problems are as old as Adam, Eve, Cain, and Abel (Gen. 3-4)  Why problems? When sin enters into the family there will be a problem one way or the other!  Today, we hear of many “broken homes,” “dysfunctional families,” “fragmented families,” etc. Family problems lead to nation problems!

3. Family Problems Problem with unbelief (Heb. 11:6)  This is the most fundamental of all problems  Many will not obey the gospel and become a true, NT Christian (Mk. 16:16); many will not put God first in their life (Mt. 6:33)  Many will not follow God’s blueprint and design for marriage and the family (Psa. 127:1); they leave God out of their life

4. Family Problems  Many will not prepare and plan for a proper marriage (see Lessons 1-5)  Many will not fulfill their roles given by God (see Lessons 6-8)  Many will not discipline their children (Lesson 9)  Many will not follow God’s plan concerning marriage, divorce & remarriage (see Lesson 10)

5. Family Problems Problem with time (Psa. 90:12; Eph. 5:16)  Many are too busy with the less important things of life (work, hobbies, etc.)  Many do not make time to take care of their marriage & family (more than just working)  Many do not make time for serving the Lord: worship attendance, personal growth, and other Christian duties

6. Family Problems Problem with money (1 Tim. 6:9-10)  Work is important (Eph. 4:28; 1 Thess. 4:11-12)  Many are not content; they are too busy making money to buy more things (1 Tim. 6:6ff)  Many are covetous (Lk. 12:15ff)  Many are in debt (Prov. 22:7)

7. Family Problems Problem with money (1 Tim. 6:9-10)  Many are overspent and overloaded; little to no money left for the Lord’s work (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7) or to share with others (Acts 20:35)

8. Family Problems Problem with discipline (Prov. 13:24)  Many parents will not discipline their children which leads to family problems (29:15)

9. Problem Solving  What is the real problem we face?  What obstacles prevent our solving the problem?  What are the possible solutions to the problem?  What definite steps will we take to solve the problem?

10. Review Questions 1. Who was the first family with problems and what was the root cause of their problems? 2. What are the family problems discussed in this lesson?