Build Your House – Part 3

Destiny Church sermons

August 4, 2024

• Proverbs 3:11-12
• Proverbs 3:1
• Proverbs 13:24

In Pastor Gene’s sermon “Build Your House Part 3,” he addresses the complexities of parenting and the importance of building a strong, godly home. He emphasizes that while modern advice can be overwhelming, the Bible offers timeless wisdom, especially in the Book of Proverbs, written by King Solomon. Solomon’s request for wisdom over riches pleased God, resulting in him becoming the wisest and wealthiest king. Pastor Gene draws from Proverbs to outline key elements of parenting and home-building.

He begins by highlighting the importance of having mentors and seeking advice from those who have successfully raised god-fearing children. He stresses that not everyone is qualified to give parenting advice, especially if they haven’t demonstrated success in their own family life. Pastor Gene acknowledges that he and his wife were not perfect parents but benefited greatly from the mentorship of others and his experience in youth ministry.

The sermon focuses on three main ingredients for building a godly home:

1. Instruction: Pastor Gene stresses the need for clear and consistent instruction in the home. He uses Proverbs 3:1 to illustrate the importance of teaching and storing wisdom in the hearts of children. He compares building a home to following a detailed plan, emphasizing the necessity of intentionality in creating a family culture that prioritizes faith, trust, and commitment. He encourages parents to be deliberate in their planning and to create traditions that foster family bonding and communication.
2. Correction: Correction is essential for healthy child development. Pastor Gene references Proverbs 3:11-12 and 13:24 to underscore that loving correction is a sign of genuine care. He advises against overly harsh or lenient discipline, advocating instead for a balanced approach that teaches children about consequences and the value of hard work. He warns against disciplining in anger, sharing personal anecdotes about the importance of calming down before correcting children. He emphasizes that correction should be about redirecting bad behavior rather than labeling the child as bad.
3. Modeling: Parents should model the behavior they want to see in their children. Pastor Gene stresses the importance of kindness, respect, and integrity, showing that children learn more from what parents do than what they say. He encourages parents to demonstrate the values they want to instill, such as treating others with respect and handling conflicts with grace.

Pastor Gene concludes by reassuring parents that it’s never too late to start building a godly home culture. He acknowledges that mistakes are part of the journey but emphasizes the potential for growth and improvement at any stage. He calls on parents to embrace their role with intention and love, using biblical wisdom to guide their efforts.