Bulletins - Rooted Church SWMO

Death Was Arrested
We Will Feast In The House of Zion
Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me
How Marvelous
- - Obadiah 15–21ESV
Ephesians 6:1-4

Intro:
Last week we looked at Ephesians 5 and God’s design for the marriage relationship which is summarized in verse 25 where Paul says:

Ephesians 5:25 ESV
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

Marriage is an incredible gift that includes innumerable benefits. But, in this text we are told that the mystery of marriage, it’s ultimate purpose, it is a living illustration of Christ’s love for His church. Thus, God’s primary purpose for marriage is first His glory, and second our good. To enjoy the gifts of marriage is to enjoy the blessing of God.

This is the foundation of the christian household.

And thus, as the fruit of the church is the making of disciples, the function of marriage is the same.

I am going to make a statement that is going to sound controversial, and initially, your response is going to be “but what about____”, but hear me out (i’ll get there).

The fruit of christian marriage, is making children into disciples of Jesus Christ.

In Ephesians 6:1-3 Paul says:

Ephesians 6:1–3 (ESV)
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

Paul defines marriage as a picture of the gospel, and then he provides instruction for stewarding the fruit, that is the offspring of marriage. In this, we are reminded that God’s original intent for marriage was multiplication.

In the very first chapter of the Bible, Genesis 1:26-28 says

Genesis 1:26–28 ESV
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

So out of the gate, God’s plan for the man and woman He had united, was that they might be fruitful and multiply.

Then, the earth began to be filled, and sin caused spiritual corruption of the line of the Adam to such an extent, that God wiped man from the face of the earth and began again with Noah and his family. And in Genesis 9:1 He repeats His instruction:

Genesis 9:1 ESV
And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.
In God’s original design, His intention was for a man and a woman to first love Him, and then, as a gift, He would give them to one another. Their love and the way they lived and functioned together would serve as a daily display of God’s story for the world to see. But the world only catches a glimpse—a sliver of what the couple allows them to see.

It’s within the home, however, that God does something even more miraculous. He multiplies their love, giving them children who have a front-row seat to witness this beautiful relationship unfold. What was once just a testimony to the world now becomes a living, breathing example of daily discipleship, as these little blessings grow up watching the story of God’s love play out in their parents’ marriage.

And because this multiplication is God’s means of discipleship, in the church, big vans an absolute blessing to the earth. Consider the words of the psalmist:

Psalm 127:4–5 ESV
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

So, having established God’s intent for marriage and multiplication, let me acknowledge the obvious, not everyone has children biologically. I understand this full well. I know the pain of infertility, I know the frustration of praying a prayer and God choosing not to answer it.

Whether God has given you the gift of singleness in this season, or He just hasn’t provided offspring for whatever reason. It is my firm conviction, that His design for marriage remains the same, even if it plays out differently in your context.

It seems to me, that with the birth of the church, God’s expanded family, the intended path in Genesis, is now longer the absolute.

Consider the example of marriage. In Genesis 2:18 God says:

Genesis 2:18 ESV
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

And so it’s clear in Genesis, marriage was necessary. It was not good for Adam to be alone, He needed a wife.

But then, fast forward and in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he writes of his singleness:

1 Corinthians 7:7 ESV
I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.
Then in verse 26:

1 Corinthians 7:26 ESV
I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is.

In this example we see that the original intent of marriage, is not only no longer necessary for all, but Paul’s conviction is actually the opposite. Through Christ, the companionship that was necessary for Adam, can be found in a sole devotion to Christ, and the companionship of His Spirit.

And thus, Christ superceded the primary purpose of marriage, and thus, the same is true for multiplication.

What I mean is this. It is still God’s design that the fruit of marriage be making children into disciples of Jesus, marriage is intended to tell the story that Children need to see and hear. But, through Christ, this is no longer limited to the bounds of one’s household, for any of us. Last week we had a child dedication and parents brought their children in front of you, and I asked you to acknowledge your responsibility to these parents and their children as members of this gospel family, and you responded saying “we will with the help of the Lord.”

Jesus Christ, and the gift of His Church, changes everything. Consider the picture He paints in Mark 10:29-30 when He says:

“Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.”

With these words, Jesus broadens the concept of family, shifting our focus from simply having children biologically to stewarding the gospel family He has made us part of in Christ. And so now, the testimony of a gospel marriage (biological kids or not), as well as the testimony of gospel singleness, are all equally intended to testify of the sufficiency of Christ to not only the world, but the children God has put in our care, as His church.

So, this might include adoption, fostering, or simply opening your home as a place of hospitality where every kid in the community feels welcome.

It includes serving in the church nursery, teaching a Sunday School class, helping with the youth group, or sewing gospel seeds in the lives of your nieces and nephews.

The point is this: The fruit of marriage is no longer solely about producing children; through Christ, it’s about making disciples—raising up followers of Jesus—whether directly as parents or indirectly through the relationships and opportunities God places before us.

And this goal is seen in Paul’s admonition to parents in verse 4:

In Ephesians 6:4, Paul says, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

This verse specifically addresses fathers as the spiritual leaders of the home, emphasizing their role in creating an environment of grace that flows from the head of the household. However, the Greek word translated as “fathers” is also used in Hebrews 11:23 to refer to both parents, suggesting that this command extends to both mothers and fathers.

And this command caps the instructions given to parents in verses 1-4 where we see a divinely ordained structure for the family. Parents are called to model God’s love and wisdom, shaping a child’s understanding of the gospel through their marriage and parenting. A child should grow up witnessing a picture of God’s covenant love for His church in the way his parents love and serve one another, and in the living testimony of all the adults placed in their life through the church.

But this testimony isn’t just for show—it’s meant to be a source of guidance, protection, and wisdom.

As parents follow Jesus and grow in their love for Him and one another, they become wiser with each passing year. At the same time, the stakes rise in a child’s life as they grow and face new challenges. Paul, therefore, instructs children to obey their parents and honor them by submitting to their guidance. This is more than just a call to outward obedience—it’s about respecting and valuing the wisdom God has placed in their lives through their parents.

Paul also reminds his readers that this command isn’t new. It reaches all the way back to God’s original design in the Ten Commandments: “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise: “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Exodus 20:12). This promise is twofold:

“That it may go well with you” — Honoring parents often leads to a life marked by stability, peace, and well-being. Respecting the authority and wisdom of those God has placed over us helps prevent the chaos that comes from a rebellious spirit.

“That you may enjoy long life on the earth” — While this isn’t a guarantee of a specific lifespan, it suggests that living according to God’s design—respecting authority and pursuing godly principles—results in a healthier, more stable life that avoids many of the pitfalls of sin and broken relationships.

So, as parents, we’re called to create a home that reflects God’s grace, not one that frustrates or discourages our kids. We’re to raise them in a way that points them to Jesus. And as kids, we’re called to listen and learn, trusting that God gave us our parents for a reason.

When we get this right, the family becomes a real-life picture of God’s story—a testimony to the world of His love and purpose.

When we get this wrong, the consequences are dire.

Years ago, a well-respected minister in our community passed away, and his funeral was filled with people eager to share stories of his devotion and faithfulness. One by one, they stood and spoke about how deeply he impacted their lives. But when his grown son stood to speak, his words were startling. He shared that he didn’t have nearly as much to say as those who had spoken before him—because he hadn’t known his father nearly as well as they had.

This heartbreaking moment should hit close to home for every parent. It’s a sobering reminder that we can serve in ministry, volunteer tirelessly, and be seen as strong examples of faith in the eyes of others, yet still fail to love and invest deeply in the people who matter most—our own family. We might project an image of holiness, but it’s what happens in the quiet moments at home, in the everyday interactions, that truly shows where our heart is. That’s what God cares about far more than the opinions of others or any recognition we might receive.

If what we do publicly doesn’t match the way we love privately—especially in our own homes—then we’re giving a picture of something less than the gospel. God isn’t looking for busy schedules or praise from the crowd; He’s looking for authenticity. He wants hearts that are so full of His love that it naturally overflows into every relationship, starting with our spouse and kids. If our love for God doesn’t begin at home, then it’s missing the mark. And if we’re not loving and leading our own families well, then we need to pause and take stock, because the people under our own roof are our first ministry.

One of the great dangers of preaching, is that each week you can easily portray something less than authentic. When I was growing up, I assumed that the preacher had it all figured out. Each week he spoke with authority on every topic and I just assumed, that each sermon reflected what each area of his life surely modeled. And because of this, I have repeatedly felt devastated each time that I learn the opposite to be true.

Because of this, I want to be transparent about the difficulties associated with following Jesus. If you feel convicted when I preach a text like this, make no mistake, I felt that same thing before I shared this word with you, and this week that was particularly true. Lately, parenting in a way that reflects Jesus, has been a great challenge for me.

Even in the process of preparing this sermon I felt that conviction. Our church is different now, a lot different. I used to spend multiple days a week doing nothing but writing sermons and because the church was so small, that was easy to do because many weeks there wasn’t much else to do. But lately, there have been so many other things, and this past week was one of those weeks where I found myself kicking sermon prep down the road as other things presented themself throughout the week.

Now, this isn’t a whoa is me story, I did this because I enjoy these other things whether opportunities to meet with people, or work on projects or teams, nobody forced my hand. But, the result of my decision was having to look the tension of parenting right in the face as I got to the end of the work week and just was not finished preparing for this sermon. And what made this more difficult, is that we had family plans for Saturday that we set weeks ago, and I found myself trying to figure out where I could steal time.

I hate that feeling, that tension, but the irony wasn’t lost on me. I was preparing to preach on the priority of gospel parenting while internally was trying to figure out how to steal time from my kids in order to preach a better sermon.

That’s pretty messed up right? My name is Rodney, nice to meet you…

By God’s grace this conviction took, and yesterday I let it be and enjoyed a day of getting lost in corn mazes with my family.

My point in sharing that story, is that I understand the tension, and I don’t have it all figured out. My simple, humble point this morning, is not to portray having all the answers, but to point you and I to the one who does!

And so, I want to close by reminding you of the verses that led up to these family instructions:

Closing:

Ephesians 5:15–21 ESV
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

I would encourage you to take some time this week to meditate on this passage and it’s context as a picture of the gospel household.

It’s packed with implications and wisdom. Consider the implications of each of these phrases for the parent

“Watch carefully how you live; be wise, not foolish.” Remember, the little ones God has entrusted to you are watching your every move. Your actions set a powerful example.

“Make the best use of your time.” Our days are numbered, and children grow quickly. The opportunities you have today will soon be gone, so cherish each moment.

“Don’t be foolish; understand God’s will and prioritize accordingly.” Life is full of distractions, but focusing on what truly matters is essential for both your family and your faith.

“Don’t get drunk with wine.” Instead of seeking escape from the challenges of home, rely on the Holy Spirit to empower and comfort you as both a spouse and a parent.

“In the home, use scripture, sing songs together, and let the worship of Christ take center stage.” Create an atmosphere of worship that fosters spiritual growth.

“Be thankful, and lay down your lives for one another out of your love for Jesus!” Embrace a culture of gratitude and selflessness in your family.

This path isn’t easy, as it often stands in contrast to the world’s values. However, it is the work that Jesus longs to do in your home. It begins with a man and woman of God committed to loving and growing in Him, which naturally extends to loving one another in the Lord. That kind of love—nurtured by Christ—will overflow into your household and the life of the church, creating a beacon of hope and life for all to see.

This morning, I pray that each of us would embrace our call to make disciples of the children God has placed in our life.

For the childless - I assure you your not. You may not have kiddos in your home, but you certainly have them in your life. Whether your single, a college student, or a married couple without kids in the home, God has placed many children in your midst. I would challenge you to prayerfully consider where He would have you to invest in their life. If you want an easy avenue, we need you in Lil’ Sprouts (college students appeal) and in the Learning Center!

I would also say, that for some, lacking biological children is an invitation to be united, through Christ, with children who lack biological parents. This is good and costly, and beautiful and agonizing, but is absolutely the will of God for many. Beyond any government or municipality, Orphan care is the responsibility of the church. As marriage and multiplication model the gospel, so to does the welcoming of the fatherless into our homes. But this isn’t the call of everyone.

For the Kids - I am glad you’re here in the gathering with us, because this text is proof that God’s word is intended for you also. Back when this letter was written, kids were seen like property, they had no rights or value until they were about 13. But that’s why this text was so profound, Paul wrote these words addressing you directly! He is writing on behalf of God, and He tells you to listen to your parents, and treat them with respect. This doesn’t mean they are always right, in fact sometimes their wrong, but you can still respect them not because they have it all figured out, but because God gave them to you as a gift. So respect your mom and dad, not because they are perfect, but because God is so good.

At the same time, let me tell you this. This verse doesn’t mean that just because someone is your parent means they have the right to abuse you or physically harm you in a way that is inappropriate. Because of sin, some people use the bible to do evil things. I am not talking about a spanking or discipline, but I am talking about a parent who hits you or your sibling, or touches you in anyway that is inappropriate. Just because they are your parents, doesn’t mean you should let that happen. In fact, God wants you to get help, it will actually help you parents if you do. So tell someone in the church, or someone at school, and trust God, because He’s not like that, I promise.

For the Parents - Like me, you probably feel less than adequate some days for the work God has called you too, that’s not all bad. The truth is, you are inadequate and it’s only through Christ that you can accomplish this glorious task you’ve been called to. Again, that’s why we dedicate children to the Lord, because in part, we need to publicly acknowledge our need.

Make Jesus a priority. Live in His word, prioritize time in His presence. There is nothing your child needs more, than for Dad to start His day in the presence of His Savior, and for Mom to find her strength in the power of His word. Your can’t chalk good parenting up to coaching little league or having a cute pintrest board. These things will make for a great instagram story, but they do nothing to change hearts, neither for the child or the parent.

Make one another a priority. Your marriage cannot be put on the back-burner. Your children need to witness there mom and dad loving one another more than they need to learn an instrument. Holding hands, showing affection, and treating one another with kindness, matters more than just about anything else you do, not just for your marriage, but for your children.

Lastly, Make the Church a priority. We need each other, more than your child needs to play travel baseball (spoiler alert, the pro’s aren’t calling). God placed you in this community, this family, for the good of your household. Be transparent, lean on their wisdom, and let them pour the gospel upon the seeds you plant each day.

Join me in praying that God would give life to those seeds.
How Deep The Father's Love For Us
- - 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17ESV
- - Genesis 12:2–3ESV
- - Hebrews 12:15–17ESV
- - Ezekiel 35:5ESV
- - Numbers 20:18ESV
- - Obadiah 10ESV
- - Psalm 137:7ESV

Obadiah 15–21ESV

Ephesians 6:1-4

Closing:

2 Thessalonians 2:16–17ESV

Genesis 12:2–3ESV

Hebrews 12:15–17ESV

Ezekiel 35:5ESV

Numbers 20:18ESV

Obadiah 10ESV

Psalm 137:7ESV