The Family of God
                           Matthew 12:46-50

Introduction

I.    One of the most important parts of the church is its family-like
      aspect 1 Tim 3:15).
      A.  It is possibly the most attractive simile describing the
 	  church.
      B.  Being a part of the family of God is a great blessing.

II.   We all realize how important a family is.
      A.  We marry, have children, rear them, & cry when they leave.
          1.  Why, because of the importance of family.

III.  What are some of the elements of the family that make the family
      really work?

Body

I.    IN A FAMILY WE FIND EXPECTATIONS.
      A.  Jesus has given different talents to different people, & He
          expects those talents to be used (Mat 25:21).
          1.  He wants us to grow (2 Pet 3:18).
          2.  He wants us to mature (Col 1:28).
      B.  God wants us to realize our potential.
          1.  He expects us to do our best.

II.   IN A FAMILY WE HAVE FORGIVENESS.
      A.  Jesus is willing to forgive everyone in the family who
          repents (Mat 18:21-22).
      B.  Jesus expects us to forgive one another.
          1.  We do things from time to time that are problematic
              (Mat 6:14-15).
III.  IN A FAMILY THERE IS ENCOURAGEMENT.
      A.  Jesus wants us to encourage one another (1 Th 5:11).
          1.  How do we encourage each other?
              a.  Properly spoken words (Eph 4:29).
              b.  Togetherness (Heb 10:24-25).
              c.  Cooperation [working together] (1 Cor 3:9).
              d.  Manifested love (1 Cor 13).

IV.   IN A FAMILY THERE IS DISCIPLINE.
      A.  God's family must be a disciplined family (Heb 12:7-8).
          1.  If we are not disciplined, we are not God's children.
          2.  Discipline helps us to become Christ-like people
              (2 Tim 3:16-17).
      B.  God expects us to live a certain way in His family.
          1.  The way we live will bring either glory or dishonor upon
              God.

V.    IN A FAMILY WE HAVE A SUPPORT GROUP.
      A.  God wants His family to be sensitive (1 Cor 12:26).
          1.  Studies have shown in the fields of psychiatry & 
              psychology that the most effective techniques are 
              associated with group therapy.
          2.  We need to get together as a group.

VI.   IN A FAMILY PROBLEMS ARE WORKED OUT.
      A.  Since the church is made up of people, problems are going to 
          arise from time to time.
          1.  In Acts 6, there was a problem in the church.
          2.  In Acts 15, there was another problem in the church.
      B.  God wants us to deal with the problems & find the biblical
          solutions.

VII.  IN A FAMILY THERE IS A PLACE OF IDENTITY.
      A.  God wants us to know who we are.
          1.  If you were asked, "Who are you?" what would you write 
              down?
          2.  What makes you different?
              a.  The family you belong to.
              b.  The name you wear (Acts 11:26).
              c.  The talents you have.
              d.  The principles you live by.
                  (1 Pet 4:15-16)
      B.  God wants us to realize that we are His children; we are 
          Christians (Gal 3:26-27).

VIII. IN A FAMILY WE FIND SECURITY.
      A.  God wants us to feel secure in His family (Rom 8:31-39; Acts
          4:12).
      B.  A lot of the problems that are in the world are there because 
          homes are not providing security.

IX.   IN A FAMILY THERE IS ACCEPTANCE.
      A.  We are to accept one another (Rom 14:1; 15:7).
          1.  That doesn't mean we accept what people do that is wrong.
          2.  But we accept people in matters of judgment, in weakness 
              of faith, & in immaturity.
      B.  We must have the attitude of acceptance (John 3:17).
          1.  In Mat 19 - Little children.
          2.  In Lk 19 - Zaccheaus the publican.
          3.  In John 8 - Adulterous woman.
              a.  We need to want one another.

X.    IN A FAMILY WE FIND COMFORT.
      A.  God is a comforting Father (2 Cor 1:3).
          1.  Therefore, God's family should be a place where we find
              comfort.
              a.  The world is often an uncomfortable place.
                  (1)  By their lives, speech, attitudes.
      B.  In God's family there is comforting care.
          1.  God want us to care of His children (1 Th 5:14).

Conclusion

I.    God's family is a place of:
      A.  Expectations, forgiveness, encouragement, discipline, 
          support, problems are resolved, identity, security, 
          acceptance, & comfort. 

II.   As the family of God,
      A.  Let us be steadfast (Acts 2:42).
      B.  Let us be responsible (Isa 6:8).
      C.  Let us be aware of the family needs (Js 1:27).
      D.  Let us be encouragers (Heb 3:13).

III.  The church works well when the family aspect is working well.
      A.  God's family is the greatest family.


**   If you have any questions or if you would like to become a Christian,
     please let us know.

Alan C. Cole
26th St. Church of Christ
101-26th Street
Huntington, WV 25703
Phone - (304) 522-0717
E-Mail - Cole8@marshall.edu
Homepage - http://mupfc.marshall.edu/~cole8/