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Having seen the blessings of family worship, we now turn to some encouragement in the endeavor. There are several books written that are helpful. However, I find nothing like being encouraged by another who is in the battle with you. I pray that the encouragements below are a blessing to you. If you are out of this season of life, may these be an encouragement to you as a grandparent, aunt/uncle or in any capacity that the Lord may have you in to influence the next generation of Christ followers.

  1. Raising the Next Generation of Christ-followers

The greatest encouragement of family worship is knowing that you are following the command of God. Moses tells the people of Israel to tell of the statutes, judgments, and commands of Yahweh to their sons and grandsons (Deuteronomy 6:1-2). I am convinced that the Scripture speaks to the passing along of gospel truths to the next generation as a command. This does not mean that it all looks the same. Nor does it mean that if it is not done in a particular way it is no good. The encouragement here is that the core or foundation of family worship is the Word of God.

The Scripture tells us that “no prophecy was ever made by the will of man, but men being moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:21). What does this mean for you and me? It means that the only message worth sharing is that which is divine. The divine Word of God is the Bible. So, if you have been redeemed by Christ you are indwelt with the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). The same Holy Spirit that inspired the writers of Scripture. As you lead family worship you do not do so on your own accord or power. When you feel insufficient (which you will) and/or physically exhausted at the end of a long day, it is the Holy Spirit who gives you the strength to continue.

It is with the help of the Spirit that you and I can raise the next generation of Christ-followers. It is not only a command of God, but it is an incredible and blessed privilege to be chosen to pass the torch of truth to the next generation.

  1. Christ cares for your children more than you do

As parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles we must always remember that our children are not necessarily our own. They were not created in our image, but in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). This being said, God will always love our kids more than we ever can. How so? Consider Jesus’ example in Matthew 19:13-15. These are children that He created (Colossians 1:16) and He does not shun them. He invites them to come to Him so that He may bless them richly. Not only does Jesus take these children unto Himself, but He commands that they not be “hindered” in any way in coming to Him. Although there is not much said of Jesus’ interaction with children, it is undeniable that He loves children immensely. Another example of His love for children is the raising of Jairus’ daughter in Luke 8:54.

Since Jesus cares for our children more than we do, He will ensure that as we teach the truths of the Scripture to them that the message will come across clearly. Remember, Yahweh God used people who supposedly were handicapped by speech and youth (Moses and Jeremiah). Since He was able to use these men, He can use anyone. Therefore, be encouraged amidst the times when you trip up with your words, or aren’t as on fire, or seem as though you totally messed up. You are not at work alone, for God Himself who loves your children the most is with You every step of the way.

  1. The Local Church as a Means of Help

Being a part of a local church is a means of encouragement. Seeing and hearing from others how family worship was done in their families is of great help. Every Christian needs to be encouraged, helped, and challenged. This is needed especially in terms of family worship. We face a culture that hates the family and will attempt to dismantle it at every turn. We live in a culture that calls good evil and evil good and sees itself as wise in its own eyes (Isaiah 5:20-21).

We are given the historical sections of the Word of God for our encouragement and admonition (warning). The same is true as we apply family worship. We need to be reminded by the Word of the consequences of not passing the Gospel down. Consider Solomon’s son Rehoboam who was a fool being the son of the wisest man on earth. What a paradox!

As we come to the local church, she must encourage us primarily by the Word of God, and then by example. The power of prayer cannot be understated. We must be in prayer for our children and for the generations that follow. This is true that our world is getting increasingly wicked with every passing generation. Therefore, we must be in prayer that the Word of God as taught in family worship would cling to the hearts of the listeners.

  1. Family Worship is for the Parents too

Every member in the family sits under the authority of the Word of God. The parents are included and our children will take note of whether this is true in our lives.

Collectively being under the Word of God brings a glorious unanimity between us. Parents and children are not equal in terms of authority, but we are equal with not being above the Word of God. No parent has exceeded the Word of God.

An example of this is found in Titus 2:6-8. Paul commands Titus to both implore the next generation to live godly and for he and the elders to model it before them. How else will they learn? This principle is implied in Romans 10:14 “How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?” We must remember our place as under the Word of God and as faithful family ministers of the gospel.

In conclusion, the task is daunting. It is hard for we have a real adversary (Satan and his demonic forces) who hates the gospel. He and his minions will do everything possible to discourage you from giving the gospel to your family. Yet, greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4)! Let us take heart for Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33, 1 John 5:4-5). We share the gospel with boldness, trusting that God will bless our efforts.