“So God caused a deep sleep to all upon the man , and he slept; then He (God) took one of his (Adams) ribs and
closed up the flesh of that place. The Lord God fashioned (made) into a woman the rib which He had taken from
the man, and brought her to the man” Genesis 2:21-22
This lesson was originally written for children , however has been adapted here for more personal use. If you would like the entire children's version complete with games click here.
God Designs the Family
We know and understand that God created the heavens and the Earth, and all that lives and breathes; including mankind.
This lesson is on families. What and who is a family and does God think families are important?
A family is 1 man and 1 woman, their children either by natural birth or adoption. Families also include brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, nieces, nephews, either related by blood or marriage. Families can also include siblings from other marriages. God’s design of family is of vital importance to both His laws and mans. In fact, families are extremely important to God and are an essential building block of human society.
Vital means is it absolutely necessary. Let’s look at the first family God created..
Who did God create first Adam or Eve? Genesis 2:18 says “It is not good for the man to be alone, I will make him a helper suitable for him”
God knew that it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone. Everything else he created, was male and female." Adam was alone, so God decided that he would create Eve. Genesis 2:21-22 “So God caused a deep sleep to all upon the man , and he slept; then He (God) took one of his (Adams) ribs and closed up the flesh of that place. The Lord God fashioned (made) into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man”
God created the first family and in Genesis 2:24 God says that a man leaves his father and mother and to be with his wife and they are to become one. Not literally one person, as you see you each have a mother and a father, but they become one unit, a team. God designed marriage to be 1 man and 1 woman for a lifetime. In today's time, we are in such a rush to love and be loved that we don’t wait on God to give or show us the helper that He created just for us. Waiting of God to give you or show you the right person is how God designed marriage to be. God designed marriage so that the man and woman joined together and become a team, equal in value to God and each other, but have very different qualities, roles, and responsibilities.
God designed Adam and then Eve to help each other, care for and look after each other. Let’s think for a moment what are some differences between a male and a female? A major difference is size. Men are made with broader shoulders, stronger backs and legs. His hands and feet are larger than a woman's Woman are smaller is size. Her shoulder are slender and her back has more a a soft curve and her legs are just a muscular but more slender and formed. Her hands are also smaller and softer.
God designed a man to work hard and protect his family, and He designed a woman to care for and nurture her family. Now, I’m not saying a man can’t be caring, loving or even nurturing they can be, and I’m not saying that a woman can’t be protective and strong, they can be. I wouldn't want to run across a mama bear protecting her cubs. However The Bible says, that God created each one for a specific set of responsibilities within the family. I want you to think about this for a moment. The sheer physical attributes that we mentioned a moment ago. Men are larger widths, have broader shoulders and in general are taller than their female counterpart. The sheer strength of their bodies offer a woman a sense of safety and protectiveness. For a woman, there is no place more comforting than being in the folds of a man's arms. For a man, there is no greater joy and pride than having a woman tucked in the folds of his arms. Even in nature, God designed the male larger and more robust, with a sense of protectiveness and He made the female smaller and more apt to seek shelter when feeling unsafe or threatened,
Have you ever wondered why that might be? Ok, we might not wander so much about the animal kingdom, but what about us humans? Why is it that a woman feels cherished and protected and a man fearless and protective? Let's go back to the verse for this lesson.
“So God caused a deep sleep to all upon the man , and he slept; then He (God) took one of his
(Adams) ribs and closed up the flesh of that place. The Lord God fashioned (made) into a woman
the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man” Genesis 2:21-22
What did God use to form the woman, the helpmate for Adam? He used one of Adam's ribs. A part of Adam himself and a part that comes from the core of his side. Where does a woman feel the safest? So close to her mate that she feels as if shes a part of him; right against the core of his side. God knew exactly what He was doing when He breathed all of life into existence.
He gave everyone in the family a specific role. Not just Adam and Eve. That includes the children too.
Cain and Abel.
Cain was a tiller of the ground. Cain was a farmer. Cain’s responsibility was to help grow the food for the family. Abel was a keeper of the flocks. Abel was a shepherd. Abel’s responsibility was to protect all the animals. Adam and Eve taught both Cain and Abel to give thanks to God for all the blessings that God had given them.
" Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought some
of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions
from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but
on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast."
Genesis 4:3-5
There was a difference when both boys brought gifts to God. Cain brought fruits to God but they weren’t the best of the crops. Abel brought the youngest and the fattest of the animals to God. He brought the best. God blessed Abel. Cain became angry at God and because He couldn’t hurt God, Cain decided to hurt his brother Abel and because of that anger Cain killed his brother.
God commands that we look after and care for each other in our family. How do we know that? The Bible tells us so. God asked Cain in Genesis 3:9 “Then the Lord said to Cain, where is your brother?’ And Cain replied, I do not know. Am I my brothers keeper” God knew what Cain had done but He asked him anyway. God punished Cain by making growing foods and crops even more difficult and even said that he would wander the Earth, never having a permanent home. Cain was not only being punished by God because he had killed his own brother but also because He didn’t love, care and look after him the way God had designed. Therefore, God expects us to look after and care about one another.
What do we know now?
We know that God designed the first family and His design is for us to work together, love and care for each other.
We know that God made both male and female to have different roles that help each other.
Let’s take a look at what those roles and responsibilities are?
God said that both the man and the woman to love each other. When they married, it was a lifelong commitment.
The Man/Father/Husband What does the father/husband do? (Allow kids to answer)
Adam’s job was to till and work the ground for food. Adam also had to protect his family. Adam was also responsible for teaching Eve and their children about God. What does the Bible say? The Bible says that the husband/father is to love his wife and provide for his family.
Ephesians 5:25; 28, 33 “Husbands, love your wife, just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself up for her.” “So husbands, ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself” “Each one among you also is to love his own wife even as himself and the wife must see it”
1 Timothy 5:8 “ But if anyone does not provide for his own, he has denied the faith and is worse than an
unbeliever”
The Bible also says that the husband/father is the leader of the home.
Ephesians 5:22-23 “Wives, be subject to your own husband, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head
of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the Church”
Love will lead a husband to consider the needs and desires of his wife and children. He will make decisions for the good of the whole family unit, not just to make himself happy. Husbands and wives should openly communicate and discuss so that the husband/father understands their concerns, fears, and worries.
God says that the husband/father has the final authority in His home. He also will give an account to God for his decisions. This responsibility is not a privilege it is a burden. Godly men need courage to stand for what is determined and be convinced what is best for His family, even if the wife and children don’t like it.
God gave the man/Father the role of working hard and protecting His family. God also said that he love his wife and children. God also gave the father the responsibility of being the leader in his home.
The Woman/Mother/Wife What does the mother/wife do? (Allow kids to answer)
Eve was to take care of the home Eve was to teach her children Eve was to listen and obey Adam Eve was to help Adam What does the Bible say? The Bible says that women are to love their husbands, their children, and take care of the home.
Woman was created to be a helper and companion. There is no greater honor than becoming a wife and a mother. Nothing is more fulfilling.
Ephesians 5:22-23 once again says, wives obey your husbands.
Titus 2:4 “so that they may encourage young women to love their husbands and children,, to be sensible, workers at home, kind and being subject to their own husbands to that the word of God will not be dishonored”
A woman/wife/mother is to manage the household, love and care for her family. This work is a blessing and should be valued and appreciated.
It is not true that outside jobs and similar activities hinder or prevent wives and mothers from fulfilling the duties that God requires of them. Woman are to help their husbands and in today’s economy both must work to help provide. However, it is the man’s God given primary responsibility to provide for his family.
What does God say about parents? What are they supposed to do?
Parents: If children are never taught and learn to respect you who they know and live with; then how are they ever going to learn to love, honor, respect and obey God; whom they cannot see?
Children are a blessing for God. They are a gift not a burden and should be treated accordingly. Parents who love their children will always do what is best for them. Not what’s easier, less time consuming, but what is best always. Few children are ever taught to truly love God and many do not become faithful Christians. Your responsibility to your children as given by God are
Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord”
You are to bring them up in the training and law of the Lord, which includes teaching them Scripture at Home. (see Deut 6:6-9)
Hebrews 12:5-11 God the father in heaven is your example to discipline your children. It is for their benefit (v10) and it teaches not only respect for you but authority in general (v9) but honor and respect to God in teach them to act righteously (v11)
Proverbs 13:24, 23:13-14; 22:15 19:18 and Luke 15:20-24 says spanking and discipline when properly done is an act of love for the child’s good in teaching them to live right according to God’s word. It should never be done because of lack of control or lust of power.
Eph 6:4 and Matthew 12:25 say that rules and discipline should be consistent. Inconsistency only leads to anger and that both the father and mother should work together in agreement and harmony
James 2:8-9 and 5:12 instruct you to treat your children fairly, playing no favorites, and to keep your promises even when it comes to punishment.
Parents who do not discipline their children are held accountable to God (1 Sam 3:13) As Christian parents we need to deny societies ungodly philosophies about child-rearing and fight those concepts with every upright weapon at our disposal. Families that follow God’s design are the ones that will be truly blessed. (see Col 3:21 and Mat 23:23)
What do we know now? We know that God designed the first family and His design is for us to work together, love and care for each other. We know that God made both male and female to have different roles that help each other. We know that Fathers/Husband are to provide for and protect their families, and lead and instruct them in the ways of God. We know that Wives/Mothers are to honor and obey their husbands, teach their children care for the home, and help their husband in His God given responsibilities. We know that God says that as parents they are to teach their children according to God’s word, discipline them, be fair and to keep their promises.
What about you as the children? What does God say about what you should do in the family?
Proverbs 6:20-23 “Observe the commandments of your father, and do not forget the teachings of your mother. Hold them to your heart, tie them around your neck, they will guide you and watch over you” God tells you also in Ephesians 6:1-3 “Children’obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise) so that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the Earth”
Parents do a lot of us as their children and they have a lot of responsibilities. God will hold them accountable for the way we are taught and the way we live. They deserve our love, honor, obedience and respect.
Remember that parents are not perfect, and the make mistakes. How many of you have ever thought that mom or dad didn’t understand or were just being mean? Maybe not so much yet, but you will. Your parents are commanded by God to teach you to act according to God’s laws and mans. It is your dads responsibility to protect you, which means keep you from harm and if he is trying to do that by telling you no about something or asks you to wait. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you. He loves you so much that he needs to be sure your safe before He allows you to do something.
Your mother, her responsibility to care for you to keep you healthy and loved is she’s trying to do that by telling you no about something or asking you to wait. She is trying to ensure that you will be cared for and will have everything you need. IT doesn’t mean she doesn’t love you. She loves you so much that she needs to be sure before allowing you to do something where you won’t be cared for or loved.
Sometimes, asking you to wait just might mean there is a bigger reward than what you had asked for in the first place… Moms and Dad deserve your love and respect, God has placed such a high important on you as children that they really do have a lot of responsibility. They are not only responsible to you in teaching you, but to each other and to God. They have to make sure that they are always doing what is best and what is right in God’s eyes and that is not always easy.
So what do we know? WE know that God loves us so much that He designed the family so that we can help, love, and respect each other. We know that God has asked my parents to teach me according to His word and to discipline me so that when I am grown I will not leave Him. We know that my parents love me so much that they work really hard to do everything God has asked them to do so that I can live a fully blessed life in Jesus.
This lesson is on families. What and who is a family and does God think families are important?
A family is 1 man and 1 woman, their children either by natural birth or adoption. Families also include brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, nieces, nephews, either related by blood or marriage. Families can also include siblings from other marriages. God’s design of family is of vital importance to both His laws and mans. In fact, families are extremely important to God and are an essential building block of human society.
Vital means is it absolutely necessary. Let’s look at the first family God created..
Who did God create first Adam or Eve? Genesis 2:18 says “It is not good for the man to be alone, I will make him a helper suitable for him”
God knew that it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone. Everything else he created, was male and female." Adam was alone, so God decided that he would create Eve. Genesis 2:21-22 “So God caused a deep sleep to all upon the man , and he slept; then He (God) took one of his (Adams) ribs and closed up the flesh of that place. The Lord God fashioned (made) into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man”
God created the first family and in Genesis 2:24 God says that a man leaves his father and mother and to be with his wife and they are to become one. Not literally one person, as you see you each have a mother and a father, but they become one unit, a team. God designed marriage to be 1 man and 1 woman for a lifetime. In today's time, we are in such a rush to love and be loved that we don’t wait on God to give or show us the helper that He created just for us. Waiting of God to give you or show you the right person is how God designed marriage to be. God designed marriage so that the man and woman joined together and become a team, equal in value to God and each other, but have very different qualities, roles, and responsibilities.
God designed Adam and then Eve to help each other, care for and look after each other. Let’s think for a moment what are some differences between a male and a female? A major difference is size. Men are made with broader shoulders, stronger backs and legs. His hands and feet are larger than a woman's Woman are smaller is size. Her shoulder are slender and her back has more a a soft curve and her legs are just a muscular but more slender and formed. Her hands are also smaller and softer.
God designed a man to work hard and protect his family, and He designed a woman to care for and nurture her family. Now, I’m not saying a man can’t be caring, loving or even nurturing they can be, and I’m not saying that a woman can’t be protective and strong, they can be. I wouldn't want to run across a mama bear protecting her cubs. However The Bible says, that God created each one for a specific set of responsibilities within the family. I want you to think about this for a moment. The sheer physical attributes that we mentioned a moment ago. Men are larger widths, have broader shoulders and in general are taller than their female counterpart. The sheer strength of their bodies offer a woman a sense of safety and protectiveness. For a woman, there is no place more comforting than being in the folds of a man's arms. For a man, there is no greater joy and pride than having a woman tucked in the folds of his arms. Even in nature, God designed the male larger and more robust, with a sense of protectiveness and He made the female smaller and more apt to seek shelter when feeling unsafe or threatened,
Have you ever wondered why that might be? Ok, we might not wander so much about the animal kingdom, but what about us humans? Why is it that a woman feels cherished and protected and a man fearless and protective? Let's go back to the verse for this lesson.
“So God caused a deep sleep to all upon the man , and he slept; then He (God) took one of his
(Adams) ribs and closed up the flesh of that place. The Lord God fashioned (made) into a woman
the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man” Genesis 2:21-22
What did God use to form the woman, the helpmate for Adam? He used one of Adam's ribs. A part of Adam himself and a part that comes from the core of his side. Where does a woman feel the safest? So close to her mate that she feels as if shes a part of him; right against the core of his side. God knew exactly what He was doing when He breathed all of life into existence.
He gave everyone in the family a specific role. Not just Adam and Eve. That includes the children too.
Cain and Abel.
Cain was a tiller of the ground. Cain was a farmer. Cain’s responsibility was to help grow the food for the family. Abel was a keeper of the flocks. Abel was a shepherd. Abel’s responsibility was to protect all the animals. Adam and Eve taught both Cain and Abel to give thanks to God for all the blessings that God had given them.
" Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought some
of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions
from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but
on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast."
Genesis 4:3-5
There was a difference when both boys brought gifts to God. Cain brought fruits to God but they weren’t the best of the crops. Abel brought the youngest and the fattest of the animals to God. He brought the best. God blessed Abel. Cain became angry at God and because He couldn’t hurt God, Cain decided to hurt his brother Abel and because of that anger Cain killed his brother.
God commands that we look after and care for each other in our family. How do we know that? The Bible tells us so. God asked Cain in Genesis 3:9 “Then the Lord said to Cain, where is your brother?’ And Cain replied, I do not know. Am I my brothers keeper” God knew what Cain had done but He asked him anyway. God punished Cain by making growing foods and crops even more difficult and even said that he would wander the Earth, never having a permanent home. Cain was not only being punished by God because he had killed his own brother but also because He didn’t love, care and look after him the way God had designed. Therefore, God expects us to look after and care about one another.
What do we know now?
We know that God designed the first family and His design is for us to work together, love and care for each other.
We know that God made both male and female to have different roles that help each other.
Let’s take a look at what those roles and responsibilities are?
God said that both the man and the woman to love each other. When they married, it was a lifelong commitment.
The Man/Father/Husband What does the father/husband do? (Allow kids to answer)
Adam’s job was to till and work the ground for food. Adam also had to protect his family. Adam was also responsible for teaching Eve and their children about God. What does the Bible say? The Bible says that the husband/father is to love his wife and provide for his family.
Ephesians 5:25; 28, 33 “Husbands, love your wife, just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself up for her.” “So husbands, ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself” “Each one among you also is to love his own wife even as himself and the wife must see it”
1 Timothy 5:8 “ But if anyone does not provide for his own, he has denied the faith and is worse than an
unbeliever”
The Bible also says that the husband/father is the leader of the home.
Ephesians 5:22-23 “Wives, be subject to your own husband, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head
of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the Church”
Love will lead a husband to consider the needs and desires of his wife and children. He will make decisions for the good of the whole family unit, not just to make himself happy. Husbands and wives should openly communicate and discuss so that the husband/father understands their concerns, fears, and worries.
God says that the husband/father has the final authority in His home. He also will give an account to God for his decisions. This responsibility is not a privilege it is a burden. Godly men need courage to stand for what is determined and be convinced what is best for His family, even if the wife and children don’t like it.
God gave the man/Father the role of working hard and protecting His family. God also said that he love his wife and children. God also gave the father the responsibility of being the leader in his home.
The Woman/Mother/Wife What does the mother/wife do? (Allow kids to answer)
Eve was to take care of the home Eve was to teach her children Eve was to listen and obey Adam Eve was to help Adam What does the Bible say? The Bible says that women are to love their husbands, their children, and take care of the home.
Woman was created to be a helper and companion. There is no greater honor than becoming a wife and a mother. Nothing is more fulfilling.
Ephesians 5:22-23 once again says, wives obey your husbands.
Titus 2:4 “so that they may encourage young women to love their husbands and children,, to be sensible, workers at home, kind and being subject to their own husbands to that the word of God will not be dishonored”
A woman/wife/mother is to manage the household, love and care for her family. This work is a blessing and should be valued and appreciated.
It is not true that outside jobs and similar activities hinder or prevent wives and mothers from fulfilling the duties that God requires of them. Woman are to help their husbands and in today’s economy both must work to help provide. However, it is the man’s God given primary responsibility to provide for his family.
What does God say about parents? What are they supposed to do?
Parents: If children are never taught and learn to respect you who they know and live with; then how are they ever going to learn to love, honor, respect and obey God; whom they cannot see?
Children are a blessing for God. They are a gift not a burden and should be treated accordingly. Parents who love their children will always do what is best for them. Not what’s easier, less time consuming, but what is best always. Few children are ever taught to truly love God and many do not become faithful Christians. Your responsibility to your children as given by God are
Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord”
You are to bring them up in the training and law of the Lord, which includes teaching them Scripture at Home. (see Deut 6:6-9)
Hebrews 12:5-11 God the father in heaven is your example to discipline your children. It is for their benefit (v10) and it teaches not only respect for you but authority in general (v9) but honor and respect to God in teach them to act righteously (v11)
Proverbs 13:24, 23:13-14; 22:15 19:18 and Luke 15:20-24 says spanking and discipline when properly done is an act of love for the child’s good in teaching them to live right according to God’s word. It should never be done because of lack of control or lust of power.
Eph 6:4 and Matthew 12:25 say that rules and discipline should be consistent. Inconsistency only leads to anger and that both the father and mother should work together in agreement and harmony
James 2:8-9 and 5:12 instruct you to treat your children fairly, playing no favorites, and to keep your promises even when it comes to punishment.
Parents who do not discipline their children are held accountable to God (1 Sam 3:13) As Christian parents we need to deny societies ungodly philosophies about child-rearing and fight those concepts with every upright weapon at our disposal. Families that follow God’s design are the ones that will be truly blessed. (see Col 3:21 and Mat 23:23)
What do we know now? We know that God designed the first family and His design is for us to work together, love and care for each other. We know that God made both male and female to have different roles that help each other. We know that Fathers/Husband are to provide for and protect their families, and lead and instruct them in the ways of God. We know that Wives/Mothers are to honor and obey their husbands, teach their children care for the home, and help their husband in His God given responsibilities. We know that God says that as parents they are to teach their children according to God’s word, discipline them, be fair and to keep their promises.
What about you as the children? What does God say about what you should do in the family?
Proverbs 6:20-23 “Observe the commandments of your father, and do not forget the teachings of your mother. Hold them to your heart, tie them around your neck, they will guide you and watch over you” God tells you also in Ephesians 6:1-3 “Children’obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise) so that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the Earth”
Parents do a lot of us as their children and they have a lot of responsibilities. God will hold them accountable for the way we are taught and the way we live. They deserve our love, honor, obedience and respect.
Remember that parents are not perfect, and the make mistakes. How many of you have ever thought that mom or dad didn’t understand or were just being mean? Maybe not so much yet, but you will. Your parents are commanded by God to teach you to act according to God’s laws and mans. It is your dads responsibility to protect you, which means keep you from harm and if he is trying to do that by telling you no about something or asks you to wait. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you. He loves you so much that he needs to be sure your safe before He allows you to do something.
Your mother, her responsibility to care for you to keep you healthy and loved is she’s trying to do that by telling you no about something or asking you to wait. She is trying to ensure that you will be cared for and will have everything you need. IT doesn’t mean she doesn’t love you. She loves you so much that she needs to be sure before allowing you to do something where you won’t be cared for or loved.
Sometimes, asking you to wait just might mean there is a bigger reward than what you had asked for in the first place… Moms and Dad deserve your love and respect, God has placed such a high important on you as children that they really do have a lot of responsibility. They are not only responsible to you in teaching you, but to each other and to God. They have to make sure that they are always doing what is best and what is right in God’s eyes and that is not always easy.
So what do we know? WE know that God loves us so much that He designed the family so that we can help, love, and respect each other. We know that God has asked my parents to teach me according to His word and to discipline me so that when I am grown I will not leave Him. We know that my parents love me so much that they work really hard to do everything God has asked them to do so that I can live a fully blessed life in Jesus.