Lesson 1:

The Church Is A Family!

The Church Is a Family!• The Church Is An “Institution”– Definition: An organization or

establishment founded for and devoted to a specific purpose

– As related to the church:• The Lord’s church is to be organized• The Lord’s church is to have purpose • The Lord’s church is to abide by laws

– “Institution” emphasizes organization

Introduction

The Church Is a Family!• The Church Is A “Society”– Definition: A voluntary association of

individuals for common ends; especially an organized group working together and meeting together because of common interests and beliefs

– As related to the church:• The Lord’s church is made up of people• The Lord’s church, comprised of real people, have ONE thing in common• The Lord’s church, comprised of real people, all have the same goal

– “Society” emphasizes people

Introduction

The Church Is a Family!• The Church Is A “Family”– Definition: Any group of persons closely

related by blood, united by certain convictions or a common affiliation

– As related to the church:• The Lord’s church is a family!• Each member of the family has been bought with blood (Eph. 1:4-7)• Every member of the family is to be of one mind (1 Pet. 3:8)• 1 Timothy 3:15; cf. v. 4-5• Ephesians 2:19• Hebrews 3:6• 1 Peter 2:5

Introduction

The Church Is a Family!• Relationships in the “Church Family”– The Father:

God is our Father• Matthew 6:9; cf. 23:9• Ephesians 4:6• Ephesians 3:14-15• Our Father:

– Provides love (1 John 3:1; 4:7-19)– Provides needs (Matt. 6:8, 33; Heb. 4:14-16)– Provides protection (1 Cor. 10:13)– Provides comfort (2 Cor. 1:3)– Provides correction/discipline (Heb. 12:5-6)– Provides inheritance (Rom. 8:16-17)

The Church Is a Family!• Relationships in the “Church Family”– The Older Brother:

Christ Jesus is our older Brother• Hebrews 3:6• Hebrews 2:17-18• Hebrews 2:11-12• Romans 8:16-17

The Church Is a Family!• Relationships in the “Church Family”– The Children:

All Christians (and only Christians) are God’s children• Only two possible families of which to be a part

(John 8:42-44; 1 John 3:10)• It is a great manifestation of His love to call Christians His children

(1 John 3:1-2)• God wants all to be in Christ and to be one of His children

(Eph. 1:4-5)• But only certain ones have been given a right to become children

(John 1:12-13)• Even among those who have been given the right, only certain ones will

exercise that right and become a child of God (Gal. 3:26-27; Rom. 8:15-17).

• Being a child of God is an “exclusive” relationship (God draws a line)

The Church Is a Family!• Relationships in the “Church Family”– The Siblings:

All Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ• “Brethren” 193 in NT;

“Brother, -s, -ly, -hood” 165 times in NT (1 out of every 340 words in NT; 0.3% of words in NT)

• There is a special relationship between brothers & sisters in Christ• There are special blessings for brothers & sisters in Christ• There are special responsibilities of brothers & sisters in Christ• Every member of God’s family is important!