Q.  What are some characteristics of a strong physical family?

-atmosphere of love, warmth, peace, security, and fun

-a place that is a refuge from the world

-strong leadership from dad and mom

-children are open and honest with the parents

-clearly defined boundaries

-each child equally important and valued

-great memories and family traditions

1)  We are Spiritual Family

Ephesians 2:12-14, 19

Apart from God there are divisions among us.  There is not natural closeness.  Look around at this group --apart from Jesus would we all be hanging out together tonight?  But Jesus is what pulls us all together!  Jesus' blood is what makes us brothers. 

Q.  What does verse 14 mean, "He himself is our peace"?

-There can be no disharmony between us when you consider Jesus and all he did for us.

Hebrews 2:11, 17-18

Imagine being a kid going to a school a few years behind your big brother who was the coolest, the smartest, the stellar example kid --how confident would you be?

Q.  How does it make you feel that Jesus is "not ashamed to call you brother"?

Jesus, as our big brother, is our perfect example

Matthew 12:48-50

Q.  What does this scripture show about how Jesus felt about his disciples?

Q.  What does Jesus say makes us family?

-obedience to God makes us brothers.

If we are not being obedient to God's will, there is distance between us.  But if we all have the same purpose of walking with God and mission of obeying his will, we will truly be family.  We have true fellowship with one another (I John 1:7).

2)  Atmosphere of Love and Forgiveness

Ephesians 4:31-32

Q.  What does this verse say about how we are to treat one another?

-kind and compassionate, forgive as Christ forgave you

Colossians 3:12-14

Q.  What does this verse say about how we are to treat one another?

-compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love

Q.  What does it mean to "clothe yourselves" with these attributes?

-Clothing is the first thing you see about someone.  It affects how you view them.  You make the decision what clothes to wear, and for what occasion.  We can decide how to come across to each other.

I Peter 4:8

Q.  What does it mean that love covers a multitude of sins?

I Corinthians 13:5

Q.  How does keeping no record of wrongs affect your relationships?

Matthew 18:15-17

If you sin against me, it is easier for me to talk to someone else about it than to talk to you.  But that is wrong. 

Q.  What should you do if someone comes to you with an issue about someone else?

-You may have to help him with his heart, but then direct him to go to that person.

Q.  What issues or sins are avoided by obedience to this scripture?

-unresolved issues between brothers, gossip, misconceptions, misinformation

We must follow Jesus' plan until there is a resolution. Gossiping or slander will cause division and destroy the unity God wants for his family.  Jealousy, dissensions, selfish ambition, factions, and envy are sins that Galatians 5:19-20 says will keep us out of inheriting the Kingdom!

3)  Each Person is Valued

Ephesians 4:11-16

Q.  According to this scripture, what was the job of all of these roles (apostle, evangelist, teacher, etc.)?

-"to prepare God's people for works of service."

Q.  Who is included in these works of service?

-all of us!

Q.  What are some ways verses 14-16 describe maturity in God's family?

-Not "tossed back and forth" by all of the issues --the latest letter, criticalness, slanderous accusations, etc.

-Each of us is "speaking the truth in love"

-We are all "held together"

-"Each part does its work," every person has a role and is doing something to build up the Kingdom

We will not be a mature family unless every single one of us is a contributor!

I Corinthians 12:12-27

This scripture shows us just how valuable every single part of our spiritual family is.  Imagine the cost of giving up part of your physical body, even a part that is not always on display.  Every part is important.  Every part has a function.  God has uniquely qualified you to do something special for his church that only you can do.  What is it?  What is the role God has in mind for you to play in his family, and are you filling that role?

4)  Great Memories and Family Traditions

I Thessalonians 2:8

Paul is recounting the way they shared the gospel with the Thessalonians.  He reminds them that they shared their lives with them. 

Q.  What are some parts of our lives God intends us to share with each other?

Sharing our lives with each other is what binds us to the Kingdom and makes us never want to leave, our best memories, our best friends, and our future dreams are all here!

Hebrews 10:24-25

The Bible says here we need to "consider how" to encourage each other.  It takes planning and preparation.  Do you put time and thought into "considering how" you can really make your group special?  Verse 25 commands us to keep meeting together for the purpose of encouraging one another.  Your presence or absence affects someone.  We don't meet together so we can get something out of it or get our needs met.  We come together to give! 

Mark 14:13-15

Jesus had taken time to make special arrangements ahead of time --he had all the details lined up.  He wanted that night to be a special time with the disciples.

Q. What were some of the other special memories Jesus made with his disciples?

-turning water to wine at the wedding

-feeding the 5000

-the nap on the wild seas

-walking on water in the middle of the night

-the early morning fish breakfast

5)  Strong, Spiritual Leadership

Lastly, another part of what makes for a strong physical family, is strong, spiritual leadership of that family. 

Q.  How does it make you feel to see a father of a family who is wimpy or a poor example?

God, of course is the ultimate father to all of us.  But the Bible teaches we also have "parents in Christ."

I Corinthians 4:14-17 

Paul describes himself as a "father" to the disciples in Corinth.

Q.  What was in Paul's heart for these people?  What did he want for them?

Q.  Why did he call them to imitate him?

I Thessalonians 2:10-12 

Again, Paul describes his ministry as a father.

Q.  What kind of father does he describe himself as in these two verses?

I Thessalonians 2:7 

Here Paul describes his ministry as a mother. 

Q.  What are some attributes of a physical "mother caring for her little children"?

-unconditional love

-self-sacrificing

-gentle and caring

-attentive to detail

-wants what's best for her children

There is a place for "spiritual parenting" in the church --teaching non-Christians, training young Christians, training older Christians for specific roles.  We need to embrace strong leadership in God's family as it is a tool for bringing all of us to maturity.