Building a Home That Lasts Series Keys to a Godly Home Ephesians 5:18-22 Building a home that honors God, strengthens relationships, and passes faith to the next generation. “How do I faithfully follow Christ in whatever family season God has given me?” A strong family is not built by accident—it is built intentionally around God. What we allow to influence our homes today can shape the spiritual direction of our families tomorrow. Single - Build a life that honors God now. Married - Establish your spiritual priorities together. Teen/YA - Choose God's way even when your peers choose differently Parent - Model the faith you want your children to have 1. Be controlled by the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 Colossians 3:16 Filled with the Spirit = Walking in the Spirit Filled = Controlled Filled with the Spirit - The Spirit of God using the Word of God to help me act like I am in the presence of the Son of God 2. Be characterized by praise. Ephesians 5:19 • Worship flows from a heart directed toward God. • Our words and attitudes should reflect the truth of God. • Worship should be part of everyday life. 3. Be cultivated in gratitude. Ephesians 5:20 • Gratitude begins with recognizing God's goodness. • Gratitude changes how we view others. • Gratitude should become part of our family culture. 4. Be committed to humility. Be Submitting ourselves one to another I will “out serve” you • Submission is rooted in reverence for Christ. • Selfishness destroys relationships. • Spirit-filled people seek the good of others. • Spirit-filling changes our hearts. • A changed heart produces worship. • A worshiping heart becomes a thankful heart. • A thankful heart is less consumed with selfishness and better able to serve others. Points to Ponder A healthy Christian family begins with Spirit-filled individuals who allow Christ to govern their attitudes, actions, and relationships. You cannot control everyone in your family, change everything about your past, or determine how others will respond. But you can surrender your own life to the control of the Holy Spirit. Being Spirit-filled means living under the influence and direction of the Holy Spirit. God's Spirit uses God's Word to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Spiritual maturity is demonstrated by how we respond to everyday circumstances. Ask yourself: Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to control my words, attitudes, reactions, and decisions? Worship should be more than something we do at church. What fills our hearts will eventually influence what comes out of our mouths. Fill your mind and home with things that honor and glorify God. Ask yourself: Does my conversation, entertainment, and attitude reflect a heart that worships God? Gratitude begins with recognizing God's goodness. A thankful heart changes how we view the people around us. Make appreciation a regular part of your relationships. Three phrases that can strengthen relationships: Thank you. I'm sorry. I love you.