Embracing Our Roles in God's Family
Summary
In our journey of discipleship, we are reminded of the importance of understanding our roles within the family of God. Just as in a family, each member has a unique role, so it is within the body of Christ. Our adoption into God's family is not just a change in legal status but the beginning of a transformative journey. Colossians 1 tells us that God has rescued us from darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His Son, highlighting our new identity and freedom in Christ. This truth calls us to reflect on how we function as part of God's family, understanding that each of us has a distinct role to play.
Paul's letter to the Ephesians emphasizes the diversity of gifts within the church, such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, whose responsibility is to equip the saints for ministry. This equipping is not just about doing but also about being—becoming more like Christ. Maturity in faith is measured by unity and knowledge of God's Son, transcending differences and preferences. Unity is not about uniformity but about a shared purpose and belief in the same Jesus, who died for our sins and rose again.
The practical outworking of this unity is seen in our involvement in life groups and serve teams. These are opportunities to lay down our preferences, serve others, and grow spiritually. Serve teams allow us to engage in multi-generational spaces, fostering unity and building up the church. By serving, we contribute to the health and growth of the body, ensuring that no part is left behind.
As we mature in our faith, we are called to take care of one another, just as a healthy locker room takes care of its members. Our goal is to build up the church and grow in the knowledge of God's Son, taking on the responsibility to love and support each other. We are all adopted into the same family, and as we embrace our roles, we honor God and make Him known.
Key Takeaways:
1. Adoption into God's Family: Our adoption into God's family signifies a change in legal status and the beginning of a transformative journey. We are rescued from darkness and transferred into the kingdom of His Son, highlighting our new identity and freedom in Christ. This truth calls us to reflect on how we function as part of God's family, understanding that each of us has a distinct role to play. [41:37]
2. Unity in Diversity: Unity in the body of Christ is not about uniformity but about a shared purpose and belief in the same Jesus. It transcends differences and preferences, focusing on the core truths of our faith. This unity is essential for maturity in faith, as it allows us to grow together in the knowledge of God's Son. [47:03]
3. The Role of Serve Teams: Serve teams provide opportunities to lay down our preferences, serve others, and grow spiritually. They allow us to engage in multi-generational spaces, fostering unity and building up the church. By serving, we contribute to the health and growth of the body, ensuring that no part is left behind. [57:21]
4. Maturity through Knowledge and Unity: Maturity in faith is measured by unity and knowledge of God's Son. This maturity is not individualistic but corporate, as we grow together in the Lord. It involves living out the truths of Scripture and allowing them to transform our lives, rather than merely memorizing them. [51:00]
5. Taking Care of One Another: As we mature in our faith, we are called to take care of one another, just as a healthy locker room takes care of its members. Our goal is to build up the church and grow in the knowledge of God's Son, taking on the responsibility to love and support each other. [01:01:20]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Introduction to the Series
- [02:30] - Understanding Our Roles
- [05:15] - The Adoption Analogy
- [08:00] - Colossians 1: Our New Identity
- [12:00] - Functioning in God's Family
- [15:30] - Gifts in the Church
- [20:00] - Equipping the Saints
- [25:00] - Unity and Maturity
- [30:00] - Serve Teams and Spiritual Growth
- [35:00] - The Importance of Community
- [40:00] - Taking Care of One Another
- [45:00] - Practical Steps to Serve
- [50:00] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Colossians 1:13-14
- Ephesians 4:11-16
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Colossians 1:13-14, what significant changes occur when we are adopted into God's family?
2. In Ephesians 4:11-12, what roles are mentioned, and what is their purpose within the church?
3. How does the sermon describe the concept of unity in the body of Christ? [47:03]
4. What practical examples of serving within the church were given in the sermon? [58:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of adoption into God's family in Colossians 1:13-14 relate to our identity and freedom in Christ?
2. What does Ephesians 4:13 suggest about the relationship between unity and maturity in faith?
3. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of laying down personal preferences for the sake of unity? [49:55]
4. In what ways does serving on a team contribute to spiritual growth and maturity according to the sermon? [57:21]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own journey of faith. How has your understanding of being adopted into God's family changed your perspective on your identity? [41:37]
2. Consider the roles mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-12. Which role do you feel most aligned with, and how can you actively pursue it within your church community?
3. Unity in diversity is a key theme in the sermon. How can you contribute to unity in your church, especially when faced with differences and preferences? [47:03]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of serve teams. Are you currently serving in your church? If not, what steps can you take to get involved in a serve team that aligns with your gifts and interests? [58:46]
5. Think about a time when you had to lay down your preferences for the greater good of your church community. How did that experience impact your spiritual growth?
6. The sermon mentions the importance of taking care of one another. How can you be more intentional in supporting and loving your church family this week? [01:01:20]
7. Reflect on the idea of maturity through knowledge and unity. What specific actions can you take to grow in your knowledge of God's Son and foster unity within your church? [51:00]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Embracing Our New Identity in Christ
Our adoption into God's family is not merely a change in legal status; it marks the beginning of a transformative journey. This journey involves being rescued from darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God's Son, as highlighted in Colossians 1. This new identity in Christ brings freedom and calls us to reflect on our roles within God's family. Each of us has a distinct role to play, contributing to the body of Christ in unique ways. Understanding and embracing this identity is crucial for living out our faith authentically. [41:37]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: What specific role do you believe God has called you to play within His family, and how can you begin to embrace this role more fully today?
Day 2: Unity Through Shared Purpose
Unity in the body of Christ is not about uniformity but about a shared purpose and belief in Jesus. This unity transcends differences and preferences, focusing on the core truths of our faith. It is essential for maturity in faith, as it allows us to grow together in the knowledge of God's Son. By embracing unity, we can work towards a common goal, supporting one another in our spiritual journeys. This shared purpose strengthens the church and reflects the love of Christ to the world. [47:03]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to fostering unity within your church community, especially when faced with differences and preferences?
Day 3: Serving as a Path to Spiritual Growth
Serve teams provide opportunities to lay down our preferences, serve others, and grow spiritually. Engaging in multi-generational spaces through service fosters unity and builds up the church. By serving, we contribute to the health and growth of the body, ensuring that no part is left behind. This act of service is not just about doing but also about being—becoming more like Christ in our actions and attitudes. Serving others is a tangible expression of our faith and a means of spiritual growth. [57:21]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts to serve others in your community, and what steps can you take this week to begin or continue this service?
Day 4: Growing in Maturity Through Knowledge and Unity
Maturity in faith is measured by unity and knowledge of God's Son. This maturity is not individualistic but corporate, as we grow together in the Lord. It involves living out the truths of Scripture and allowing them to transform our lives, rather than merely memorizing them. As we grow in knowledge and unity, we become more like Christ, reflecting His love and grace to those around us. This growth is a lifelong journey that requires intentionality and commitment. [51:00]
Hebrews 5:13-14 (ESV): "For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to deepen your knowledge of God's Word and grow in unity with fellow believers this week?
Day 5: Caring for One Another in Love
As we mature in our faith, we are called to take care of one another, just as a healthy locker room takes care of its members. Our goal is to build up the church and grow in the knowledge of God's Son, taking on the responsibility to love and support each other. This care for one another is a reflection of Christ's love and a vital aspect of our faith journey. By supporting and encouraging each other, we strengthen the body of Christ and fulfill our calling as His disciples. [01:01:20]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Who in your community needs your support and care right now, and how can you practically show them the love of Christ this week?
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Quotes
Paul explains, he writes to the church in Ephesus, and he talks about how a family should operate like a body. He says this in Ephesians 4, now these are the gifts Christ has given the church, the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. You know what he says their responsibility is? He says their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. [00:41:37] (26 seconds)
Ephesians 4 .13 says it like this. It says, this will continue until we all come into such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Christ, aka this doesn't stop here. It doesn't stop on this side of eternity. [00:46:02] (22 seconds)
Maturity is also measured by knowledge of God's son. Now, this isn't a measure of our own personal spiritual growth. This isn't you coming up to me and being like, I can rattle off this many verses. I'm glad that you can. I really do. I'm glad that you have the text of scripture hidden in your heart so that you might not sin against him. But you know what's even better? What if we just chose to live out one verse a year? [00:50:24] (26 seconds)
If you decided to live out, hey, I'm going to live out this verse every day of my life this year, your life would be changed in five years. You would be different. You would be more loving. You would be more compassionate. You would be more like Jesus if you decided just to live out one verse. A year instead of memorizing one every week. [00:50:50] (22 seconds)
Listen, these teams are yes to help build the body or build the church, but they're a vital part of our spiritual formation too. They are a vital part of our maturity as we grow in unity in our faith and knowledge of God's son. [00:59:23] (16 seconds)
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