By Afolabi Olajuwon
Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu’s sermon offers profound insights into how divine guidance can transform families, emphasizing the importance of upholding godly values. Through his teachings, he illustrates how families can be strengthened and enriched by aligning their principles and actions with spiritual direction, fostering environments of growth, harmony, and moral integrity.
Location: Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria
On May 4, 2025, the Foursquare Gospel Church in Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, witnessed a profound spiritual gathering as Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu delivered an impactful sermon titled “A Family With Godly Values.” This sermon, part of a month-long series across all Foursquare Gospel Churches in Nigeria, offered deep insights into the essence of family life grounded in divine principles. Drawing from key biblical texts, Rev. Idowu emphasized the transformative power of divine direction in shaping families that honour God.
Understanding “A Family With Godly Values”:
Rev. Idowu began by defining the concept of family, using the acronym FAMILY:
F = Father, A = And, M = Mother, I = I, L = Love, Y = You.
“Father And Mother I Love You” encapsulates the nucleus of a family. He stressed that love and cohesion are foundational to a godly family, and that values, though dynamic, must align with God’s standards. Quoting Proverbs 22:1, he highlighted that a family’s esteemed values must mirror what God esteems.
Biblical Foundations: Acts 10:1-7 and Ephesians 6:1-4:
Rev. Idowu drew from Acts 10:1-7 to illustrate the life of Cornelius, a man of Godly values who, despite his status, remained humble and sought fellowship with God. This passage underscored the importance of continuous spiritual growth, regardless of one’s position in life. Ephesians 6:1-4 was also referenced to emphasize the roles of parents and children in fostering a God-centered family.
Godly Principles for the Family:
Rev. Idowu outlined five key principles essential for building a family with Godly values:
1. Purity:
Citing 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7, he emphasized the call to holiness and the need to avoid temptations. He urged families to cultivate sexual satisfaction within the bounds of marriage, steering clear of modern-day Jezebel influences.
2. Prayers:
Rev. Idowu reminded the congregation that God created marriage and is the ultimate solution to family problems. He encouraged families to pray together, quoting Daniel 6:10, and stressed that prayer should be both a duty and a delight.
3. Participation:
Drawing from Acts 10:2, he highlighted the importance of togetherness and active involvement in family activities. When everyone participates, a strong bond is formed, fostering unity and mutual support.
4. Promptness:
Rev. Idowu urged families to be prompt in responding to God’s business and instructions, supported by relevant Scriptures that emphasize diligence and obedience.
5. Passion:
Using Cornelius as an example, he described how generosity and a passion for helping others reflect Godly values. Acts 10:2 was dissected to show how Cornelius’s almsgiving exemplified a life of faith and compassion.
Rev. Idowu concluded the sermon by leading the congregation in singing the hymn “God Give Us Christian Homes,” a heartfelt plea for divine intervention in family life. He followed this with fervent prayers, asking God to make every home a Christian home, rooted in love, purity, and Godly values.
Key Takeaways
Family as a Divine Institution: A family must be built on love, cohesion, and Godly values.
Holiness and Purity: Families are called to live holy lives, avoiding temptations and fostering intimacy within marriage.
Prayer as a Foundation: Prayer strengthens family bonds and brings divine solutions to challenges.
Active Participation: Togetherness and involvement in family activities create unity and mutual support.
Generosity and Compassion: A passion for helping others reflects Godly values and enriches family life.
Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu’s sermon served as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of divine direction in shaping families that honour God. His message echoed deeply with the congregation, inspiring a renewed commitment to building homes rooted in Godly values.
As the month-long series continues across Nigeria, the impact of this sermon is expected to ripple through countless families, fostering spiritual growth and unity.
Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Institute of Management Consultants, Chronicle Business School, Abuja, Researcher and resource person at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.
