Made for Relationship
Pastor Tim, explores the biblical concept of family, beginning with God's original design in Genesis. He explains that God's initial intention was for a covenant relationship between one man and one woman, designed for companionship and procreation.
Deep Dive Podcast
Understanding the Biblical Purpose of Family
Study Guide
This study guide is designed to help you review and deepen your understanding of the provided source material, focusing on the biblical perspective of family as presented by Pastor Tim.
I. Core Concepts and Themes
The Nature of God and Relationships:
God's inherent nature includes a pursuit of humanity for relationship.
This pursuit extends to both relationship with God and human-to-human relationships.
God is described as all-powerful, all-loving (benevolent), and all-good.
God's Original Design for Family (Pre-Sin):
Genesis 2:18 - "It is not good for the man to be alone." This is the first instance God declares something "not good" after creation.
The creation of Eve for Adam establishes the foundation of human relationships.
Foundation of Marriage: One man and one woman for their earthly lives (Genesis 2:24 - "leave and cleave").
Intimacy: The Hebrew word "yada" signifies profound physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual knitting in marriage, going beyond mere physical intimacy.
Procreation and Cultivation: The command to multiply and fill the earth with God's image-bearers, who are to "cultivate" the planet as "under shepherds" (like cultivating a rose garden).
Absence of Children Before Sin: The sermon suggests there's no biblical reason to think children existed before sin entered the world, implying families expanded after the fall.
The Impact of Sin on Family:
Genesis 3 and the Fall: Sin "shattered" the world and all families, leading to universal brokenness.
No Perfect Families: All biblical families after Genesis 2 are depicted as broken or imperfect (e.g., Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph). This offers "relief" and "freedom" in recognizing shared human struggle.
God's Continued Purpose Despite Brokenness: Despite sin, God does not abandon the family system but continues to work through it, bringing redemption. His design for one man, one woman, covenant relationship, and children remains.
The Greater Purpose of Family (Biblically Speaking):
Pointing to God: The overarching purpose of family is to "point one another to God."
Analogy of the Car: Practical aspects of family life (like car maintenance – oil, gas, lights) are important, but not the ultimate purpose. The car's purpose is to take you somewhere (a bigger purpose).
Abraham as an Example (Genesis 12): God called Abraham and his family to be a "great nation," blessed them, and made their name great so that "all the peoples on the earth will be blessed through you." This signifies a family used to point the world to God.
Nation of Israel: The expansion of Abraham's family into the nation of Israel had the purpose of displaying God's splendor and being "a light for the Gentiles" (Isaiah 49).
Expansion of God's Family in the New Testament:
"Our Father": Jesus teaches his disciples to pray "Our Father" (Matthew 6:9), indicating a communal, relational understanding of God as Father, not just an individual one.
Spiritual Family: Jesus defines his true family as "Whoever does the will of my father in heaven is my brother and my sister and my mother" (Matthew 12).
Broader and Bigger: The family of God expands beyond biological lineage (Abraham, Israel) to include "anyone and everyone who comes to trust in Jesus."
Heirs with Christ: Believers become "heirs and co-heirs with Christ," making Jesus a spiritual brother and God the Father a personal Father.
Mission of the Expanded Family: This broader family continues the mission of pointing the world to God.
Application Points:
Higher Vision: When considering family matters, ask "What will most effectively point my family member to God?" rather than just what I want for them.
God's Sovereignty: Your family situation, however challenging, is not an accident; God has a purpose in it and is working through it (with the caveat that this does not condone violent or abusive situations).
Intercessory Prayer: Actively pray for specific family members, particularly for them to know Jesus, trusting that God hears and works through prayer.
II. Key Biblical References Mentioned
Genesis Chapter 2: God's creation, "not good for man to be alone," creation of Eve, "leave and cleave."
Genesis Chapter 3: Sin entering the world, expulsion from the Garden.
Genesis 12: God's call to Abraham, promises of blessing and being a blessing to all nations.
Isaiah 49: Israel as God's servant to display splendor and be a light for the Gentiles.
Matthew 6:9: Jesus teaching "Our Father" in prayer.
Matthew 12: Jesus defining his spiritual family.
III. Quiz
Instructions: Answer each question in 2-3 sentences.
According to Pastor Tim, what is the first instance in Genesis where God states that something is "not good," and what does this revelation lead to?
Explain the significance of the Hebrew word "yada" as used in the context of Adam and Eve's relationship, beyond simple physical intimacy.
How does the sermon explain the concept of "cultivating the planet" as it relates to God's original design for families?
Why does Pastor Tim suggest there were likely no children before sin entered the world, and what implication does this have for understanding biblical families?
Provide two specific examples from the Book of Genesis that illustrate the "brokenness" of families after sin entered the world.
Using the analogy of a car, how does Pastor Tim distinguish between the practical aspects of family life and its greater biblical purpose?
What was God's dual purpose in calling Abraham and promising to make him a "great nation," as described in Genesis 12?
How does Isaiah 49 expand on the purpose of the nation of Israel regarding its relationship with other nations?
When Jesus teaches his disciples to pray "Our Father," what is the significant communal implication Pastor Tim draws from the word "Our"?
What is the "more profound question" Pastor Tim encourages us to ask when making decisions about our families, shifting from individual desires to a higher vision?
Answer Key
God states "it is not good for the man to be alone" in Genesis 2:18. This revelation leads to the creation of Eve, establishing the foundation for human-to-human relationships and family.
"Yada" signifies a deep spiritual, emotional, psychological, and physical knitting together between Adam and Eve. It describes a profound intimacy and unity that goes far beyond a mere physical act.
God intended humans, as "under shepherds," to expand and enhance the beauty of creation, much like cultivating a rose garden yields more roses. This meant filling the earth with His image-bearers, whose creativity would make His plan even more beautiful.
The sermon suggests there's no biblical account of children before Adam and Eve's expulsion from Eden, implying all humanity experienced the fall. This means we have no examples of perfect families in the Bible after Genesis 2, as all are impacted by sin.
Two examples of broken families from Genesis include Cain murdering his brother Abel (fratricide), and Noah getting drunk and experiencing conflict with his children, leading to a curse within the family. Abraham also denied Sarah was his wife multiple times.
Just as a car's working parts (lights, oil, gas) are essential but not its ultimate purpose, the daily tasks of family life (groceries, schedules) are important but should not overshadow the grander purpose. The car's purpose is to take you somewhere, and the family's purpose is to point one another to God.
God's dual purpose in calling Abraham was to give him land and bless him, so that in turn, he and his family (who would become a great nation) would be a blessing to all the peoples on the earth. This meant using Abraham's family to point others to God.
Isaiah 49 declares that Israel, as God's servant, would display His splendor and be a light for the Gentiles. This means their purpose extended beyond themselves to bringing God's salvation to the "ends of the earth," thereby pointing the world to Him.
The word "Our" in "Our Father" highlights the communal nature of the relationship with God, establishing a family of believers. It signifies that it's not just an individual's relationship with God, but a collective "us and God," forming a spiritual community.
The more profound question is, "What will most effectively point my family member to God?" This question elevates the vision for family beyond day-to-day desires or material well-being, focusing instead on their eternal spiritual welfare.
IV. Essay Questions
Analyze Pastor Tim's argument that "family is a mixed bag," incorporating his biblical rationale for this statement and how it offers "relief" to those experiencing family struggles.
Compare and contrast God's original design for family in Genesis 2 with the realities of biblical families after the fall, discussing how God's purpose for family endures despite widespread brokenness.
Using the analogy of the car, explain how Pastor Tim illustrates the difference between the practical aspects and the greater biblical purpose of family. Discuss how a focus on the practical can obscure the grander purpose.
Trace the expansion of God's family purpose from Abraham (Old Testament) to Jesus' teachings (New Testament). How does the concept of "family" evolve, and what remains consistent in its overarching mission?
Discuss the three application points given by Pastor Tim at the end of his sermon. Explain the significance of each point for an individual living in a contemporary context and how they contribute to fulfilling the biblical purpose of family.
V. Glossary of Key Terms
Benevolent: Characterized by or expressing goodwill or kindly feelings; loving. (Used to describe God as "all benevolent," meaning all-loving).
Biblical Family: The concept of family as presented and understood through the narratives, commands, and principles found in the Bible.
Covenant Relationship: A sacred, binding agreement or promise, often implying a deep commitment, used here to describe the intended lifelong bond of marriage.
Cleave (to one's wife): To adhere firmly and closely or loyally and unwaveringly. In Genesis 2:24, it signifies a deep spiritual, emotional, and physical bond in marriage, replacing the primary bond with parents.
Cultivate: To prepare and work on (land) in order to raise crops; to foster or improve the growth of. Used metaphorically in the sermon to describe humanity's role in filling the earth with God's image and enhancing His creation.
Fratricide: The killing of one's brother or sister. (Referenced in the story of Cain and Abel).
Gentiles: A term used in the Bible for people who are not Jewish. (Referenced in Isaiah 49 as those to whom God's salvation would reach through Israel).
Guardianship: The legal right given to a person to care for and manage the property of a minor or an incompetent person. (Mentioned in the context of parental planning).
Image Bearers (of God): Humanity, created in the "image of God" (Genesis 1:27), reflecting His characteristics and nature.
Intercede: To intervene on behalf of another. (Referenced as Jesus interceding on behalf of believers).
"It is not good for the man to be alone": A foundational statement from Genesis 2:18, highlighting God's intention for human companionship and relationship.
"Leave and Cleave": The biblical principle from Genesis 2:24, stating that a man will leave his parents and cleave to his wife, forming a new primary family unit.
Paper Cut Sunday: Pastor Tim's humorous term for a sermon that requires listeners to "hop around the scripture," flipping or scrolling through many biblical references.
Redemption: The action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil. (Referenced as God bringing redemption into the world despite sin's impact).
Sovereignty (of God): The supreme power and authority of God over all creation and events.
Under Shepherds: A metaphor for humanity's role in creation, suggesting they are to care for and manage the earth and its inhabitants under God, the "Great Shepherd."
Yada (Hebrew): The Hebrew word for "to know," used in Scripture to denote deep, intimate, experiential knowledge, including sexual intimacy, but also profound connection (e.g., Adam "knew" Eve).
