CHALLENGES THAT A CHRISTIAN HOME MAY FACE

CHALLENGES THAT A CHRISTIAN HOME MAY FACE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Joshua 24:15

Key Verse: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15b)

Supporting Texts: Romans 12:2, Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 5:21–33, 2 Timothy 3:12

Description:
A Christian home must stand firm on Christ as its foundation to overcome pressures, preserve godliness, and shine as a light in a dark world.

INTRODUCTION:
The Christian home is the foundation of godliness, designed by God to raise generations that honour Him. It is the place where Christ is exalted, children are nurtured, and love binds the family together in unity. However, in today’s world, Christian homes are facing many battles from visible and invisible forces seeking to weaken their faith and disrupt divine order.

These challenges come in many forms: worldly influences, breakdown in prayer life, struggles in parenting, marital disharmony, and even persecution for standing firm in Christ. The enemy knows that if he can destroy the home, he can weaken the church and pollute society.

Despite these challenges, the Christian home can thrive and stand as a testimony of God’s faithfulness when Christ remains the foundation. By choosing to honour God in every area of family life, believers can overcome pressures and shine as lights in the midst of darkness.

1. PRESSURE FROM WORLDLY INFLUENCES

Worldly values constantly compete with godly standards, and if not resisted, they can gradually weaken the Christian home.

a) The lure of worldly culture (1 John 2:15-16)
The world promotes values that contradict Christian living, pulling families away from holiness.

b) The influence of media and entertainment (Psalm 101:3)
Many Christian homes unknowingly allow ungodly messages through television, internet, and music.

c) Peer pressure on children and youth (Proverbs 1:10)
Young people are daily tempted to conform to ungodly standards.

d) The danger of compromise (Daniel 1:8)
Without a firm stand, families drift away from God’s standard.

Biblical Example: Lot’s family in Sodom (Genesis 19:1-29).

2. SPIRITUAL LUKEWARMNESS IN THE HOME
A home without prayer, devotion, and hunger for God becomes spiritually weak.

a) Neglect of family devotion and prayer (Colossians 3:16)
Many homes lack consistent worship and the study of God’s Word.

b) Busyness and distractions (Luke 10:40-42)
Work and daily pressures often push God aside.

c) Decline of faith and holiness (Revelation 3:15-16)
Lukewarm faith weakens spiritual authority in the home.

d) The need for consistent spiritual discipline (Psalm 119:105)
A Christian home thrives when the Word of God is central.

Biblical Example: Eli’s household neglect (1 Samuel 3:11-13).

3. PARENTING IN A GODLY WAY
Parents must intentionally guide their children in the fear of the Lord.

a) Raising children in God’s fear (Proverbs 22:6)
Parents are commanded to train children in the right way.

b) Balancing love and discipline (Ephesians 6:4)
Too much leniency or harshness can lead to rebellion.

c) Protecting children from corrupt influences (Psalm 127:3-5)
Children are gifts from God and must be guarded.

d) Teaching children to obey God’s Word (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
God commands parents to pass His Word to the next generation.

Biblical Example: Timothy’s upbringing by Lois and Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5).

4. MARITAL FAITHFULNESS AND UNITY
Strong marriages are vital for a strong Christian home.

a) Husbands and wives loving sacrificially (Ephesians 5:21-25)
Marriage thrives where mutual submission and love exist.

b) Overcoming financial and emotional pressures (Philippians 4:19)
Many marital conflicts arise from unmet needs and stress.

c) Avoiding temptations that lead to unfaithfulness (Hebrews 13:4)
The sanctity of marriage must be preserved at all costs.

d) Resolving conflicts in a godly way (Matthew 18:15-16)
Forgiveness and communication preserve unity.

Biblical Example: Priscilla and Aquila’s united ministry (Acts 18:2, 26).

5. PERSECUTION AND SOCIAL STIGMA
Every Christian home must be ready to endure trials for Christ’s sake.

a) The reality of persecution for believers (2 Timothy 3:12)
All who live godly lives will face persecution.

b) Facing ridicule for biblical convictions (1 Peter 4:14)
Christian homes may be mocked for their stand on holiness.

c) Refusing to compromise with the world (Romans 12:2)
Christian homes must remain set apart for God.

d) Encouragement in times of trials (John 16:33)
Christ has promised peace and victory.

Biblical Example: The household of Stephanas, devoted to Christ (1 Corinthians 16:15).

CONCLUSION:
The greatest challenge facing a Christian home is not external attack but internal compromise. A home that gives in to worldly influences, neglects prayer, fails in parenting, or allows disunity will struggle spiritually. But a home that stands firm on Christ as the foundation will prevail against pressures.

When Christ reigns in the home, love, peace, and holiness abound, and such a home becomes a shining testimony to the world. Every Christian family must therefore commit themselves afresh to build on Christ, who is the solid Rock that cannot fail.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, establish my home on the solid foundation of Christ.
2. Father, deliver my family from worldly influences.
3. Every spirit of lukewarmness in my home, be destroyed in Jesus’ name.
4. Lord, give me wisdom to raise godly children.
5. Every plan of the enemy against my family, scatter in Jesus’ name.
6. Lord, let love and unity reign in my marriage.
7. Preserve my household from the evil and corruption of this generation.
8. Father, help us to be consistent in prayer and the Word.
9. Lord, strengthen us to stand firm in the face of persecution.
10. My family shall be a light to our generation, in Jesus’ name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Your home shall not fall into the trap of worldly influence!
2. Spiritual lukewarmness shall not take over your household!
3. Your children will grow up in the fear and wisdom of the Lord!
4. Your marriage shall be strengthened with love and unity!
5. Every satanic attack against your home is destroyed in Jesus’ name!
6. Your family shall be preserved in holiness and righteousness!
7. You will not compromise your faith in the midst of trials!
8. Your home will be a place of prayer and divine presence!
9. God’s blessings will overflow in your family!
10. Your household will shine as a testimony of Christ in this generation!