Mystery – The Church as Family (2)

We all deal with multiple players on the field of relationship.  Roles and rules are clearly established in the relationship game.  A successful game is dependent upon remaining consistent with those rules and constant with those relationships.

This lesson looks at the importance of the family relationship within the church.  First we set out to illustrate that the “family principle” concerning the church is clearly taught within the pages of Scripture.

Secondly, we find the Bible portraying God as the “Father” of a spiritual family or household, which is identified as the church (1Tim. 3:15).

The lesson concludes by looking at the nature of “family relationship” which should exist within the church.  Too often the church is not considered by its members to rise to the significance of family.  Some consider it nothing more than a club which demands meeting attendance but little else.  Others view the church from a “work” perspective,  doing their spiritual job along side others but making little social connection with fellow workers.   Still others may see the church as a recovery group where individuals meet for mutual support and encouragement.  These and other ideas concerning the nature of the church, fall far short of the family concept.

As family, the members of a congregation know:

• they are siblings
• treat each other respectfully
• honor each other
• are sensitive toward one another
• how to disagree without hostility
• love unreservedly

This lesson ends with a principle which enables the church to function as a family.

 

Click on the play arrow to begin this study.

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