Get in the Family! God's Family!

Introduction:
What a blessing it is to be part of the family of God at Southside! Christians are in God's family! (Eph. 2:19) Before coming to Christ we were aliens, strangers, and foreigners. But through Christ we are able to be reconciled in His body through the cross. Let us strive to look at ourselves in this light - a spiritual family. Today we will discuss some blessings in being a part of God's family and some responsibilities family members have to the Lord. We'll conclude the lesson by talking about how you can become a part of God's family.

I. Eph. 1:3 - Blessings of being in God's family
    A. Rom. 8:16-17 - the Christian is an heir of God's promise.
        1. 1 Pet. 1:3-4 - heir to what?
        2. Gal. 3:26-27 - how is one adopted into Christ?
        3. Obedience to the gospel gives one right to be an heir.
        4. See also Gal. 3:26-27; 29; 4:4-7
    B. Phil. 4:5-7 - Christian will be under God's protection
        1. God will take care of you.
        2. 1 Cor. 10:12-13 - God will provide a way of escape!
    C. Heb. 4:14-16 - Christ is our Advocate
        1. We have hope of mercy. Contrast to the worldly person.
        2. 1 Jhn. 2:1-2 - Christ has satisfied the debt we owe!
    D. 1 Jhn. 3:1 - We have God's ever present love!
        1. We are His children.
        2. Rom. 8:38-39 - we can't be separated from His love!

II. What Are My Responsibilities to God's Family?
    A. To separate myself from the world.
        1. 2 Cor. 6:17-7:1 - must seek to perfect holiness.
        2. involves a conscious effort to change for the better!
    B. To adhere to the will of Christ
        1. 1 Jhn. 3:10; 22-23 - to practice righteousness.
        2. not to earn salvation - but out of love for God!
    C. To love my brethren.
        1. 1 Pet. 3:8-9 - to love as brothers.
        2. Brotherly love = a sign, a badge of a disciple!
        3. See also 1 Jhn. 3:10-11; 4:7; 4:20-5:1; Jhn. 13:34-35.

III. How Can You Become a part of God's Family?
    A. Jhn. 3:3-5 - must be born again.
    B. Gal. 3:26-27 - put on Christ through faith/baptism
    C. 1 Pet. 1:22-2:3 - continue to obey His word.



Get in the Family! God's Family! Introduction: What a blessing it is to be part of the family of God at Southside! Christians are in God's family! (Eph. 2:19) Before coming to Christ we were aliens, strangers, and foreigners. But through Christ we are able to be reconciled in His body through the cross. Let us strive to look at ourselves in this light - a spiritual family. Today we will discuss some blessings in being a part of God's family and some responsibilities family members have to the Lord. We'll conclude the lesson by talking about how you can become a part of God's family. I. Eph. 1:3 - Blessings of being in God's family A. Rom. 8:16-17 - the Christian is an heir of God's promise. 1. 1 Pet. 1:3-4 - heir to what? 2. Gal. 3:26-27 - how is one adopted into Christ? 3. Obedience to the gospel gives one right to be an heir. 4. See also Gal. 3:26-27; 29; 4:4-7 B. Phil. 4:5-7 - Christian will be under God's protection 1. God will take care of you. 2. 1 Cor. 10:12-13 - God will provide a way of escape! C. Heb. 4:14-16 - Christ is our Advocate 1. We have hope of mercy. Contrast to the worldly person. 2. 1 Jhn. 2:1-2 - Christ has satisfied the debt we owe! D. 1 Jhn. 3:1 - We have God's ever present love! 1. We are His children. 2. Rom. 8:38-39 - we can't be separated from His love! II. What Are My Responsibilities to God's Family? A. To separate myself from the world. 1. 2 Cor. 6:17-7:1 - must seek to perfect holiness. 2. involves a conscious effort to change for the better! B. To adhere to the will of Christ 1. 1 Jhn. 3:10; 22-23 - to practice righteousness. 2. not to earn salvation - but out of love for God! C. To love my brethren. 1. 1 Pet. 3:8-9 - to love as brothers. 2. Brotherly love = a sign, a badge of a disciple! 3. See also 1 Jhn. 3:10-11; 4:7; 4:20-5:1; Jhn. 13:34-35. III. How Can You Become a part of God's Family? A. Jhn. 3:3-5 - must be born again. B. Gal. 3:26-27 - put on Christ through faith/baptism C. 1 Pet. 1:22-2:3 - continue to obey His word.