How is church family?
Is church an institution or a family? From the Lord’s perspective we are his children
and so we are family.
What does the Bible say about the family of believers? -
- Related spiritually - 1 John 5v1-3
- What is God's perspective of his family? Psalm 133
- How should leadership work in churches? 1 Peter 5v1-7
Related spiritually
1 John 5v1-3
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- Who are members of God’s family?
- How do we relate as family?
Thoughts to consider
Our primary motivation for being a part of God’s family is our love for the Father. We can
overcome many issues and pressures within a family when we are willing to love.
What is God's perspective of his family?
Psalm 133
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!
For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe.
Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion.
And there the LORD has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How does this writer value family relationships?
- What are the outcomes of family harmony expressed here?
Thoughts to consider
The anointing oil is a symbol of the pouring out of God’s holy Spirit. So, although many seek God’s Spirit through forms of ministry, the Lord delights to pour out his Spirit on those who are united together in him.
How should leadership work in churches?
1 Peter 5v1-7
And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am
an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in is glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What attitudes are asked of the leaders and those who are led?
- How are leaders to relate to those they lead? How are those who are led to respond to
those who lead them?
Thoughts to consider
Families are about relationships. Sometimes relationships are tense in other situations harmonious. It seems that the Lord is far more concerned about our humility and focus on him than our organisational competence.
Overview Questions -
- Why is there such a focus on attitude in these passages?
- How can we work to develop such an attitude?
Thoughts to consider
Families have their difficulties, but through every situation the Lord encourages us first and foremost to love one another.
