A Christ Centered Home: A Place Where Sinners Live

Theology Girl-ReformedWomen Studies
Study Notes: “A Christ Centered Home”
Title: “A Place Where Sinners Live”
Author: JacyJoyPals
“ReformedWomen-Theology Girl”
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“What does a Christian home look like? Is it an idyllic place where peace and quiet, tranquility and joy continuously reign? Definitely not! The first and most important fact to remember about a truly Christian home is that sinners live there.” (Dr. Jay Adams)

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good
works.”  II Timothy 3:16-17

As I prepared this post of my “Summary Notes” excerpts from Chapter 1 of my “A Christ Centered Home” study, it was again a reminder of the importance of God’s Word in the daily life of the believer and why, without God’s Word, prayer and help, we cannot, as redeemed sisters, live a life that is pleasing to God and in love to our neighbor.  It is my prayer that the Summary Notes and supporting documentation will help you as you press forward in your walk with Christ and grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ while living in a sinful world.  Thus,

1. A “Christian home is a place where sinners live” — “a place where sinful persons face the problems of a sinful world.”

2. We are sinners, both of original sin and actual sin. That our sins are covered in Christ as a result of our salvation; that our salvation is complete in Him, but that He has given us commandment to live a godly, sanctified life and to seek His kingdom first in everything.

3. Christians admit their sins, know what to do about their sins and that they progress out of their sins.

4. That God’s Word, the Bible, is the guidebook for our lives and thus all matters pertaining to our life and godliness are applied by it. As Christians, it gives us the answers on how to live, how to love, how to serve each other in love and humility. It teaches us of forgiveness, righteousness, and grace and strengthens us to live a life that is pleasing to Christ. It strengthens our faith and gives us hope; it protects us from evil, wrong-thinking, worldly philosophy and psychobabble. The Bible shows us how to be “preventative” in solving matters of the Christian life.

5. We are reminded that as Christians we are not perfected in this life and that we must battle sin in ourselves as a “warrior” for Christ every moment of the day. That we are to “present ourselves as a living sacrifice to God” daily and make “no provision for the flesh” and the “old man and his deeds.” We are to confess our sins, seek forgiveness from Christ and our neighbor, be it husband, children, family member or neighbor. We are to press on to godliness in our relationships and to desire a godly home where Christ reigns.

6. That we are “in training” for our own personal walk with Christ but also for our children. We are to train them “in righteousness” in everything, every day, 24-7. We are “women of the Book” (the Bible) and we are to teach our children to be “children of the Book” as God has commanded us in Deuteronomy 6:7-8.

7. That we progress in our growth as Christians “out of sin into righteousness” by daily “Bible study, prayer, witness, and the fellowship of the saints.” That the Holy Spirit enables us by bringing conviction of sin, comfort, helping us in our infirmities, and by working in our lives to produce the fruit of righteousness.

8. That God has given us His Word and wonderful tools, leaders, churches, and brethren to help us in our personal walk and in guidance on how to have a godly home. He has given us “a standard” — the Bible — by which to live that our unsaved neighbor does not have. We are people of grace and faith.

9. We have learned by the verses quoted, the WCF and additional study materials about sin, sanctification, holiness, and family life. That God has provided, in Christ and His enabling Holy Spirit, the provision and perseverance of living the Christian life.

10. Dr. Adams sums it up best this way: “The Christian home then, is a place where sinful persons face the problems of a sinful world. Yet, they face them together with God and His resources, which are all centered in Christ (cf. Col. 2:3). Sinners live in the Christian home, but the sinless Saviour lives there too. That is what makes the difference!”

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Study Helps:

KEY WORD:

“sanctification” Strong’s Number: 38
Original Word Word Origin aJgiasmovß from (37) Transliterated Word
“Hagiasmos”
Phonetic Spelling Parts of Speech “hag-ee-as-mos’ ” Noun Masculine
Definition:
consecration, purification
the effect of consecration
sanctification of heart and life

WCF: (Westminster Confession of Faith)
CHAPTER XIII
Of Sanctification
I. They, who are once effectually called, and regenerated, having a new
heart, and a new spirit created in them, are further sanctified, really and
personally, through the virtue of Christ’s death and resurrection, by his
Word and Spirit dwelling in them: the dominion of the whole body of sin is
destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and
mortified; and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving
graces, to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the
Lord.

II. This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man; yet imperfect in
this life, there abiding still some remnants of corruption in every part;
whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against
the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.

III. In which war, although the remaining corruption, for a time, may much
prevail; yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying
Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome; and so, the saints grow
in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
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[1]  Jay Adams, “Christian Living in the Home” Chapter 1
[2]  ReformedWomen-Theology Girl Book-Bible Study: “Christian Living in the Home, Summary and Commentary on A Christ Centered Home”  (2001-2019)