Introduction

Have you ever wondered, “What shall I do with my life? When I'm finished with high school, 
what should I do next? How should I spend my time?” Many young people (and a lot of older 
people) have these questions. Proverbs 29:18 begins with these words:

Where there is no vision, the people perish.

Without an understanding of God's Word and clear direction for the future, we will die spiritually. 
But the second part of this verse gives hope:

But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

We can know God's will for our lives and do it! His Word gives us inspiration, direction, and the ability
to carry out His plan.

Let's ask the Lord to guide us as we seek to develop godly goals based on Scripture.

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for 
thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day (Psalm 25:4-5).

Read Jeremiah 10:23 and 17:5

Is it possible to get good direction for your life by looking at those around you or by considering your own 
desires and opinions? _______________________________________________________________

Consider Psalm 100:3 & Isaiah 55:8-9

Where should our goals and life purpose come from? _______________________________________
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Our culture, our friends, our personal opinions, our desires, and even our talents (by themselves) are not 
where we find the best direction for our lives. We must look to our Creator to find our purpose.

Read Genesis 1:26-28, Isaiah 45:18, and Malachi 2:15

What was God's stated purpose in creating mankind, marriage, and families? _____________________
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God wanted to fill the earth with people who would love Him. Unfortunately, after man's fall, most 
families were no longer fulfilling this purpose.

Read Genesis 6:1-6

What was the world like when God called Noah? __________________________________________
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But now read Genesis 9:1

Did the wickedness of many change God's purpose in Noah's day? _____________________________

Consider Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8, and James 1:17

Do you think God's purpose is still the same today? _________________________________________

Although cultures, circumstances, and surroundings change, God's purpose never changes.

Read Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Have your parents been raising you and your siblings to love and serve God? Do you plan to fulfill God's 
purpose by passing this legacy on to your own children someday? ______________________________
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Read Galatians 3:7 and Galatians 4:27-28

Of course, one way to fulfill God's purpose is for parents to raise their own children to be godly. This is 
very, very important, but is it the only way we can fill the earth with righteous people? _______________
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According to Matthew 28:19-20 and Matthew 24:14, what is your mission? ___________________
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Do you want to be a part of the fulfillment of God's purpose? Are you willing to accept this commission to 
teach God's truth to the world and prepare people for the Lord's return? _____________________
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Step 2: Choose the Most Effective Method

Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-14

In these verses, Paul compares our mission to the work of a builder. Do you want to use “gold, silver, and 
precious stones” in your work, or “wood, hay, and stubble?” _________________________________
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As daughters of a God who has done so much for us, we want to accept our responsibility and do our very 
best work for Him. We want to be effective in carrying out the mission He has entrusted us with.

Now read Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, and Mark 6:7

Is working alone, as a solitary individual, the most effective way of fulfilling your mission? _____________
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God's plan is for His people to work together in teams. But He doesn't just send out any two people.

Read Genesis 28:14, Psalm 68:6, and Proverbs 17:6

According to these verses, who is best suited to be on your mission team? ________________________
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The family is a mission team organized by God Himself. He chose the members and gave them abilities 
that would complement one another, making the most effective alliance possible. Often family members 
may be tempted to doubt that their personalities and talents really suit them to work well together. But 
this is doubting the wisdom of God. He knows what He's doing! (I do realize that not every daughter 
has a Christian family who shares her mission. You will need to seek the Lord's special guidance in such 
cases.)

Often, we see daughters leaving their parents' homes for the mission field, or engaging in ministry projects 
apart from their families. Certainly, these projects are better than some things they could be doing, but we 
need to consider whether this is really the best way to carry out our mission. Let's consider two reasons 
why the familyis the best mission team.

First, read Matthew 7:15-20, Psalm 128:3, and Proverbs 17:6

Do you think working together as a family allows people to see the fruit of your teaching? ____________
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Look at Isaiah 8:18

A family that truly loves God, loves one another, loves others, and works together is a rare thing. Only the
gospel can produce this kind of fruit. Is your family a sign and a wonder? Do you want to become that?
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When others observe a family working together, they see a practical demonstration of the gospel the family 
teaches.

Second, read Psalm 39:4-5 and 90:12

How long do you think you will live? Are you certain that your life will last until the Lord returns?_______
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Think about 1 Corinthians 3:10-14 again, and read Ecclesiastes 9:10

Since our lives are so short, shouldn't we be doing a work that will outlast us? ____________________
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We want to kindle flames of revival that will not die out at the end of our own lives, but that will continue to 
grow brighter and brighter until the dawn of Christ's return, whether that be in one year or 100.

Read Genesis 22:18 and Isaiah 58:12

What will be necessary in order for your family to raise the foundations of many generations? __________
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If we want our work for Christ to last, there must be someone to continue the work. We must have a 
family-centered mission and a plan to pass that mission on to the next generation.

Now read Malachi 4:5-6, and Luke 1:17

Is a family-centered mission just a good idea, or is it God's idea? What is at stake here? _____________
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According to these verses, we must have a family-centered mission if we want to live for the Lord on this 
earth and be prepared for His return. This is the most effective method of evangelism. A failure to work 
together as Christian families and to pass on our mission to the next generation results in serious 
consequences, which we are already seeing in our society and, sadly, even in the church.

Read Psalm 22:27-31 and Isaiah 66:22-23

What will be the end result of a family-centered mission? Do you look forward to worshiping the Lord in 
heaven together with your family and those you have won to Christ? ____________________________

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Step 3: Know your Role

Read 1 Corinthians 12

Will everyone in your family mission team have the same role? _______________________________

Now look at 1 Corinthians 11:3

With so many different gifts, abilities, personalities and ideas working together, will someone on your 
family team need to be the head? Does even Christ have someone in authority over Him? ____________
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Read Colosians 3:18 & 20

Who is your authority? ______________________________________________________________

Man's primary role is to be a leader. Husbands and fathers have a tremendous responsibility. Think about 
some of the things their role includes. Match the job descriptions on the left with the Scripture passages on 
the right.

Representing Christ                                                                Ephesians 6:4

Being understanding and thoughtful of his wife                         Ephesians 5:25-33

Teaching                                                                               1 Peter 3:7

Standing for right                                                                   Numbers 30:3-5 & 10-14

Providing                                                                              Genesis 18:19

Training & bringing up children                                              1 Corinthians 14:35

Decision making                                                                    Nehemiah 4:14

Disciplining                                                                           Genesis 3:17

Protecting                                                                             1 Timothy 5:8

Leading                                                                                Proverbs 13:24

Can you find more verses that describe man's role? _________________________________________
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Now what about women? The position of wives and daughters is just as amazing. We have a more 
important role than society usually lays out for us.

Read Genesis 2:15-24 and Genesis 1:27-18

In these passages, we find that God created man and started him out on his mission. Then what was the 
next thing God did? ________________________________________________________________
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What did God say was the reason for creating woman? ____________________________________
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Right at the very beginning, God made a difference between men's and women's roles. Eve was created to 
be Adam's helper. This is woman's primary role. We were not created to be wage slaves, working alone 
and pursuing trivial self-fulfillment. Instead, it is our privilege to help our family carry out the mission of saving 
souls and teaching truth.

But read 1 Corinthians 11:11-12 and Galatians 3:26-28

Does the fact that men and women have different roles make one of them less valuable? _____________
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The Bible plainly teaches that men and women were created to be different, but equal.

Read Ephesians 5:22-24

What is the role of man an object lesson of? ______________________________________________
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What about woman? What does her role represent? ________________________________________
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God intends the relationship between men and women to portray the relationship between Christ and His 
church.

Now turn to Titus 2:3-5, focusing especially on the end of verse 5.

What does this verse say will happen if women fail to fulfill their role? ___________________________
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Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines “blaspheme” like this: “To arrogate the prerogatives of God.” In other 
words, to say that you are God or that you can do what only God can do.

God takes this difference in roles very seriously. Think about it: If women step out of the role of helpers 
and try to become the leaders, they are misrepresenting Christ and His church. In fact, they are (in the 
object lesson) putting the church in the place of Christ! Isn't that truly blasphemy?

Let's look at some of the responsibilities woman's unique role includes. Match the job descriptions on 
the left with the correct Scripture references.

Obeying without fear                                                    Proverbs 31:14-15

Homemaking                                                               Titus 2:5

Teaching other women                                                 Ephesians 5:33

Meal preparation                                                         Titus 2:3-4

Gardening                                                                   1 Timothy 5:14 & Proverbs 29:15

Textile arts                                                                  Ephesians 5:22

Helping the needy                                                       1 Timothy 5:9-10

Offering hospitality                                                      1 Peter 3:6

Raising & training children                                           Proverbs 31:16

Submitting                                                                  Proverbs 31:20

Respecting a husband                                                 Proverbs 31:13, 19, 21, 22, & 24

Of course, there is even more we could include. What are some more Bible passages you would add
to the list? _______________________________________________________________________
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Read Psalm 127:3-5 & Psalm 144:12

Do you think daughters have to wait until they are married before they can begin fulfilling their role as 
helpers? ________________________________________________________________________

Read Numbers 27:1-5 and Numbers 36:6

According to Numbers 36:6, were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah married when they asked 
for their father's inheritance? _________________________________________________________

Why were these girls so concerned about this (look again at Numbers 27:4)? ____________________
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What a lovely example of unmarried daughters who take their role seriously. (And these girls were 
orphans!) Zelophehad's daughters were anxious to help their father by carrying on the family name 
and mission, even after he died.

Now read Numbers 27:6-8

What did God say about the girls' request? _______________________________________________
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Not only did the Lord grant their request, but He also said that this should become a law for all Israel. Of 
course, we may have some different cultural circumstances to work with today, but God still commends 
daughters who diligently help their father carry forward the family mission. (And after all, it's good practice 
for helping your husband someday.)

Now you may be wondering, “What if my father (or husband) doesn't have a mission? What if he's not 
even a Christian?” God's Word has the answer to these questions, too!

Read 1 Peter 3:1-6

What kind of men are spoken of in this passage? __________________________________________
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What were the women told to do about these ungodly men? _________________________________
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Whether your father is ungodly, or just doesn't understand that he should be the leader in a family mission, 
the same principles apply. First, make sure you have surrendered to the Lord and are setting an example 
of godly conduct. Then make sure you are showing respect, submission, and obedience to your father 
in every area that does not conflict with God's Word. And finally, you may prayerfully, humbly, and 
respectfully appeal to him to accept Christ (if he's an unbeliever) or to study this topic with you (if he's a 
Christian who doesn't understand family-centered mission). It is not nagging or leaving your father's mission 
to do your own thing that will win him over. Rather, your own consistent obedience to Scripture and your
beautiful, Christ-like character will be the strongest witness he will ever encounter.

Read Psalm 127:4-5 again

What does the Bible compare daughters (and sons) to? _____________________________________
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Do arrows direct themselves? ________________________________________________________

It is the father's duty to take the lead, to lay out the family mission goals, and to make a plan for reaching 
those goals. We daughters must be like arrows, guided on our mission by our fathers.

What are some of your father's goals for your family ? (Ask him, if you don't already know.) __________
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List some specific things you can do to help carry out the family mission. (Again, talk this over with your 
parents, if you haven't already done so. You may find the next section helpful in your discussion.)_______
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Step 4: Get Started

Read John 12:35, 2 Corinthians 6:2, & Ephesians 5:15-17

When do you plan to begin working with your family to carry out your God-given mission? ___________
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Don't know where to start?

Read 1 Timothy 5:4

Where are we told to start learning to show piety? _________________________________________

Read Luke 2:51

Where did Jesus start with His mission? _________________________________________________

Before we can do any good in the world, we must learn to serve our families and work together at home. 
And before we can carry forward our mission, our family must get together and make a plan. You may 
have begun doing this while studying the last section, but if not, now is the time to start. It is best if the 
entire family studies this topic together. Remember to let your father take the lead.

Read 1 Corinthians 12

All families are given the same mission—to spread the gospel. But will all families be called to carry out 
this mission in the same way? _________________________________________________________

Every family is different and will be called to serve in a different way. Think about some of the possibilities. 

Match the ministry methods on the right with the corresponding Bible verses:

Offering hospitality                                              Ephesians 6:18-19

Providing beautiful, modest clothing                     Isaiah 58:7-10, Proverbs 31:14-15,

Writing                                                               2 Corinthians 9:7-13

Praying for others                                               2 Timothy 4:2 & 1 Peter 3:15

Providing healthful, nutritious meals                     Acts 9:39 & Proverbs 31:19-24 & Acts 2:46

Public speaking                                                  Romans 12:13

Caring for widows                                             Exodus 35:30-35

Sharing financial resources                                 Proverbs 22:6

Teaching children                                              Psalm 150:3-5 & Colosians 3:16

Music                                                               Deuteronomy 31:19, Jeremiah 30:2, & Luke 1:3-4

Art                                                                   1 Timothy 5:16

What are some more ministry ideas you can find in Scripture? _________________________________
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Now read 1 Peter 4:10

What is one way you can know the ministry method your family has been called to? ________________
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As a family, make a list of the various gifts, talents, and resources your members have. _____________
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What are some ways these abilities can be combined and used to work together to carry out your mission? 
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Here are a few more Bible passages and questions for your family to discuss as you seek to discover 
God's plan for your mission:

John 7:17

Are you willing to do whatever God wants, or do you have your own selfish plans? _________________
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James 1:5

Have you spent time seriously praying and asking God what He wants you to do? __________________
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Acts 16:6-7, Isaiah 30:21, & John 14:26

Has the Holy Spirit given your father a burden for this work? _________________________________
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Proverbs 11:14 & Proverbs 24:6

Have you asked counsel of godly friends? What kind of mission-method do they think your family is 
suited for? _______________________________________________________________________
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2 Timothy 3:16

What does the Bible say? Are your ideas in accordance with Scriptural principle? __________________
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Luke 24:47 & Galatians 6:10

What opportunities for ministry are right around you? (The disciples were told to start close to home.) 
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God has a glorious plan for each family's mission. Working together with Christ and your family can be an 
exciting, fulfilling adventure. It's what you were created for!

Step 5: Keep Going

In our modern culture, it may be okay to follow your father's lead and be part of a family-centered mission 
while you are a child, but once you reach a certain age, you are expected to strike out on your own—make 
your own plans, fulfill your own mission.

But read Exodus 20:12, Leviticus 19:32, & Proverbs 15:5

Do these verses suggest that we should stop honoring and listening to our parents when we become adults?
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We have already studied the story of Zelophehad's daughters, who were concerned with carrying on their
father's mission. These girls were obviously adults, able to approach the leaders of Israel with their request, 
and ready to consider marriage. Let's look at some other examples of adults who carried on their 
father's mission.

First read 2 Samuel 7:1-13, 1 Chronicles 28:19-21, & 1 Kings 7:51

Whose idea was it to build a temple for God? ___________________________________________

Who did God give the pattern to? _____________________________________________________

Did David actually build the temple, or did his son carry on David's mission? _____________________
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Usually, our parents are not able (for various reasons) to do everything they would like to see done for the 
cause of God. It is the duty of the next generation to carry the work even further than our parents could.

Now read Jeremiah 35:3-19

Why did the Rechabites refuse to drink wine (according to verse 6)? ___________________________
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In verses 18 &19, how did God promise to reward these men for their obedience to their father? 
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It rather reminds one of the fifth commandment, doesn't it? (See Exodus 20:12.) The fact is, by faithfully 
carrying on our parent's mission and then passing it on to our own children, we are ensuring that God's 
church will remain standing as the Rechabites did—that it will have “long life in the land”--until Christ's 
return.

Read Numbers 30, especially verse 3

Where was an unmarried woman supposed to be? _________________________________________
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Where do you think is the best place for unmarried daughters to be today, if we want to help fulfill our father's
mission? _________________________________________________________________________
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Being in our father's house, under his guidance and protection, frees us for ministry. And our mission 
doesn't end with marriage!

Read Esther 2:20

What was Esther's position at this point in her life? _________________________________________
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Do you think we should continue to honor our parents' goals, wishes, and mission even after we are
married? ________________________________________________________________________
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Of course, we must remember the difference between men and women here.

Read Ruth 1:16

Who was Ruth pledging her loyalty to—her father's family or her husband's family? ________________
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Throughout Ruth's story, we see her acting on a principle God's people held quite early in their history (see 
Genesis 38:8), and expressed by the Lord as a law once they became a nation.

Read this law in Deuteronomy 25:5-6

Whose family name and mission was a wife supposed to be concerned about? ____________________
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We are not living in the same culture, so the exact application of this law is no longer binding (widows don't 
marry their brothers-in-law). However, the principle still applies: Young ladies will marry and help husbands 
who lead out in their own family mission, while young men will continue to carry on their father's mission more 
directly. However, we young ladies will still be working toward the same overall goal as our parents—
spreading the gospel and preparing people for Christ's return. We'll just be doing it in new ways and places.

Read Proverbs 30:11

Does this sound like a description of the present generation? _________________________________

Committing to a family-centered mission will not be easy, since our culture despises such things as family, 
respect for parents, and humble service. You may be considered old-fashioned, weak, oppressed, or even 
lazy. But in truth, young ladies (and their families) who choose this counter-cultural way of life are strong in 
the Lord, free, and diligent.

Read Zechariah 4:6

Can your family fulfill this mission on your own? ___________________________________________

Who do you depend on?____________________________________________________________

May the Lord guide your family

as you seek to serve Him together!

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