Family Foundations – Part 1 – A legacy of righteousness
Noah’s story challenges us to live with integrity and faith in the midst of a corrupt society. In Noah’s time, God grieved over humanity’s wickedness, and that grief continues today as sin and moral decay persist. Pastor Mark encouraged us not to conform to the dysfunction around us but to stand apart, just as Noah did. He lived righteously, was blameless, and walked with God, even when no one else did. How might we live like this and build a solid foundation for our lives and families?
Read: Genesis 6
Discuss
Living righteously
- Read Genesis 6:5-8. Noah stood apart from his generation, showing great courage and conviction. As Christians today, we are called to live differently from the world, individually and within our family life. How is your life different from the society around you?
- From Matthew 10:16-20, what can we expect when we follow Jesus and live righteously? Like Noah, we’re called to go against the grain. Have you experienced ridicule or resistance for living righteously?
A blameless life
- Read Genesis 6:22 and Genesis 7:5. How did Noah live a blameless life? Read Philippians 2:12-16. How might we live a blameless life?
- Read Genesis 7:20-23. How did Noah let his guard down? Read 1 John 1:8-9 and James 5:15-17. What should we do when we slip up and sin?
Walking with God
- Read Genesis 6:11-22. How would you describe Noah’s relationship with God? According to Hebrews 11:7, what kind of legacy did Noah leave?
- Read John 10:27. What does it look like to have a relationship with God where we hear His voice? Then read Acts 2:42-47. How can we grow deeper in our walk with Him?
Respond
Pastor Mark quoted Governor of NSW, David Hurley, “The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.
” Reflecting on Noah’s life challenges us to live righteously, remain blameless, and walk closely with God – even when the world does not. We’re called to model, speak, and pray for righteousness in our lives and families. Consider: who will you pray for to encounter Jesus in a life-changing way that leads them to live righteously? What’s one area you need to confess where you haven’t been blameless this week? And what’s one specific step you can take this week to live righteously, even when it goes against the world’s ways?
Family Foundations – Part 2 – Lessons from a Household Divided
Although they were a godly couple, Isaac and Rebekah lacked unity and trust in God’s plan. Their favouritism towards their sons had a far-reaching impact. The story serves as a lesson for families, emphasizing the importance of personal intimacy with God, speaking life over children, honouring parents, forgiveness, and praying together as a family. When we repent, seek God’s restoration and trust in His plan, a house built on the Rock (Jesus Christ) can weather any storm life brings.
Read: Genesis 25:22-34
Discuss
- What was Rebekah’s reaction to the struggle within her womb? How can we relate to internal struggles in our lives? Why is it important to seek God’s insight during such times? (Genesis 25:22)
- What was the significance of God’s prophecy about the twins? How does this challenge societal norms? In what ways can we trust God’s sovereignty in our decisions? (Genesis 25:23)
- How did Isaac and Rebekah’s favouritism affect their family? How can we promote fairness and unity? (Genesis 25:27–28)
- Why did Esau despise his birthright? What are some of the modern equivalents of a birthright? How can we ensure we don’t undervalue our spiritual inheritance? (Genesis 25:34)
- What motivated Rebekah and Jacob’s deception? How did this impact their family dynamics? (Genesis 27:1–10)
- What did Isaac’s blessing entail? How do blessings influence our lives today? How can we be a source of blessings to others? (Genesis 27:28–29)
- How did Esau react to the stolen blessing? What does this teach us about forgiveness? How can families navigate conflicts and maintain unity? (Genesis 27:30–39)
Respond
Over the next week, take time to intentionally speak about life and offer encouragement to a family member. Share something you appreciate or admire about them, and pray together as a family, asking God to bring unity and love to your relationships. Take note of any changes or shifts in your family dynamics and be prepared to share your experiences with the group.
Family Foundations – Part 3 – Judah & Tamar
Genesis 38 tells one of the most scandalous and often overlooked stories in the Bible: the account of Judah and Tamar. Brooke’s message challenges us to pay attention to stories that seem messy, uncomfortable, and complicated, because they point to deeper truths about God’s redemptive plan.
Though Joseph seems to be the likely heir to God’s promise, the lineage of Jesus is ultimately traced through Judah, a deeply flawed man who makes selfish, sinful choices. Through Tamar, a marginalized and desperate woman, God continues the line that will lead to Jesus. This story highlights both human brokenness and God’s sovereign grace. It’s a call to reflect on our own lives, and whether we’re living for our own comfort and pleasure or participating whole-heartedly in God’s Kingdom legacy.
Read: Genesis 38 & Matthew 1:1–3
Discuss
- What do we learn about Judah’s character and decisions from Genesis 38? What consequences do we see unfold?
- How does Tamar respond to her situation? What does her boldness reveal about her understanding of justice, family legacy, and survival?
- The passage uses the word “examine” both when Judah and his brothers deceive their father (Gen 37:32) and when Tamar exposes Judah’s hypocrisy (Gen 38:25). What do you think the author is trying to highlight with this repeated word?
- Judah says, “She is more righteous than I.” How does this moment reflect conviction, repentance, or transformation in Judah’s life? Have you experienced a similar moment of confronting your own failure?
- Tamar is a Canaanite, a widow, and seemingly an outsider, yet she becomes part of Jesus’ genealogy (Matt 1:3). What does this tell us about who God uses to carry out His purposes?
- Brooke shared, “You can build a life for your pleasure or you can build a life for the Kingdom.” In what areas of your life are you tempted to choose comfort or self-protection over Kingdom legacy? What might building a Kingdom life look like practically for you this week?
Respond
Judah’s story reminds us that God is not deterred by human mess. He is always working through imperfect people to bring about His perfect plan. Tamar’s story reminds us that courage, resilience, and a longing for justice are not forgotten by God. Through these two unlikely people, God brings forth the lineage that will eventually lead to Jesus. We are challenged to pay attention to our decisions and ask: are we building a life for comfort or for God’s Kingdom? What is one decision or habit you can examine and shift this week to more intentionally align your life with God’s Kingdom rather than personal comfort?