Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School Class Sabbath August 7, 2021.

Main Theme: Our family life prepares us for great accomplishments.

Read Together Hebrews 11:17-22. Ask the class what the main theme is in this passage.

Study: Glancing through Scripture and/or reciting portions of the story of Abraham and his descendants highlight signs this family showed faith as well as other sings which showed dysfunction.

Apply: How does the faith Abraham and his descendants have give you hope? How do the signs of their dysfunction give you hope? You may want to explore “I Have Questions About the Story of Joseph.”

Share: A friend blames all of her failures on the family she grew up in. How do you encourage your friend? Does it help to know Joseph trusted God instead of blaming his family for the bad breaks he experienced? See Genesis 45:5.

Read Together Deuteronomy 4:29. Ask the class what the main of this text is.

Study: Its been said there is no story of a lost sheep searching for the shepherd, only the shepherd searching for the sheep. So how does one search for God?

Apply: How does our family encourage or discourage us from seeking God? How was Jesus’ family encouraging or discouraging? How was Joseph’s family encouraging or discouraging?

Share: Your cousin tells you he tried looking for God but God never reveals Himself to him? What do you tell your friend?

Read Together 1 John 3:1-2. What is the main idea of this passage?

Study: What is the hope that purifies and keeps us pure?

Apply: Why is it so important to know we are children of God?

Share: Think of a time when you were single, divorced or widowed or just alone. What were some things the church did to make you feel you were a part of their family?

Read Together Ephesians 6:1-13. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: Whether husband and wife or child and parent or boss and servant, what is the main attitude we have towards each other that makes our family a happy home?

Apply: What habits did you learn in your birth family that have helped you to be comforting and supportive in the family you married into?

Share: Think of an immediate or extended family member you have not talked to in a while. Can you contact them this week and let them know they are loved? Maybe even share some encouragement from God’s Word?

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 NLT