Embracing Our Spiritual Family: Prioritizing the Household of Faith
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Belsman. Today, we reflect on the profound joy and anticipation of one day beholding Jesus Christ, our Savior, face to face. This morning, we delve into Galatians 6:10, focusing on the theme "Prioritizing the Household of Faith." The scripture encourages us to do good to all, but especially to those within the household of faith. This message underscores the unique and special relationship we share as members of the body of Christ, a relationship that transcends natural familial bonds and is rooted in our shared faith and commitment to Jesus.
Throughout the Bible, various terms like priesthood, congregation, church, disciples, and household of faith highlight the unity and unique relationship we have with God. These terms are interchangeable, reflecting different aspects of our relationship with God and each other. For instance, the kingdom of God signifies His reign in our hearts, the church represents our assembly, and the household of faith emphasizes our familial bond.
The household of faith is distinct from our natural families. While we are called to care for our earthly families, our spiritual family, the church, holds a special place. This spiritual family is formed through being born again, as Jesus explained to Nicodemus in John 3. This new birth brings us into a new family, uniting both Jews and Gentiles under the same covenant through the blood of Christ.
Paul's letter to the Galatians addresses issues of division, discrimination, and the importance of unity within the church. He emphasizes that the church should be a loving family, an example to its neighbors, and a community where members support and care for one another. This unity is crucial, especially in a world that often seeks to divide us.
The church is not just a place for worship but a community where we find support, guidance, and blessings. Whether it's financial advice, marital counseling, or dealing with grief, the church offers resources and support through its members. However, to receive these blessings, one must be an active part of the church community.
In conclusion, we are called to prioritize the household of faith, to build strong relationships within the church, and to support one another as a family. This unity and support are essential for our spiritual growth and for fulfilling our mission to make more disciples.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Unique Relationship with God: The terms used in the Bible like priesthood, congregation, and household of faith highlight the unique and special relationship we have with God. This relationship is not just about individual faith but about being part of a larger, unified body of believers. This unity is essential for our spiritual growth and for fulfilling our mission as the church. [04:39]
2. Born Again into a New Family: Being born again, as Jesus explained to Nicodemus, brings us into a new spiritual family. This new birth unites us with other believers, transcending natural familial bonds and creating a unique, spiritual bond. This unity is crucial for overcoming divisions and discrimination within the church. [12:24]
3. Prioritizing the Household of Faith: Paul emphasizes the importance of doing good to all, but especially to those within the household of faith. This prioritization reflects the special bond we share as members of the body of Christ and underscores the importance of supporting and caring for one another within the church. [27:17]
4. The Church as a Source of Blessings: The church is not just a place for worship but a community where we find support, guidance, and blessings. Whether it's financial advice, marital counseling, or dealing with grief, the church offers resources and support through its members. However, to receive these blessings, one must be an active part of the church community. [43:06]
5. Unity and Support within the Church: The church should be a loving family, an example to its neighbors, and a community where members support and care for one another. This unity and support are essential for our spiritual growth and for fulfilling our mission to make more disciples. We must strive to build strong relationships within the church and support one another as a family. [29:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:23] - Gratitude and Praise
[02:04] - Introduction to Galatians 6:10
[03:46] - Prioritizing the Household of Faith
[04:39] - Unique Relationship with God
[05:55] - The Church as an Assembly
[06:25] - The Bride of Christ
[06:59] - The Body of Christ
[07:36] - The Family Aspect of the Church
[08:09] - The Church as a Spiritual Family
[09:45] - Responsibility within the Family
[10:52] - Providing for One's Own
[11:55] - Being Born Again
[12:24] - New Birth into a New Family
[14:32] - Addressing Division and Discrimination
[15:21] - Scriptures Speak to the Children of God
[17:23] - The Household of Faith
[18:26] - Becoming Children of God
[19:56] - Unity in Christ
[20:58] - The Bible Speaks to Those in Christ
[21:28] - Recognizing Each Other in Christ
[23:35] - Conduct in the Household of God
[25:08] - Importance of the Church to the Lord
[26:16] - Treating Others with Love and Respect
[27:17] - Prioritizing the Household of Faith
[29:08] - Unique Relationship within the Church
[30:44] - Trusting in God
[31:40] - Brotherly Love and Unity
[32:34] - Entertaining Strangers
[33:27] - Continuity of Brotherly Love
[34:15] - Blessings through the Church
[36:43] - The Internet and Church Relationships
[38:53] - Assembling Together
[41:16] - Against Megachurches
[43:06] - Blessings in the Church
[46:20] - Utilizing Gifts within the Church
[48:41] - Relationship and Community
[50:09] - Spiritual Blessings in the Church
[51:24] - Church Folks and Family Dynamics
[52:35] - Never Leaving the Church
[54:27] - Welcoming Back Members
[55:36] - Compassion and Tenderheartedness
[57:25] - Avoiding Retaliation
[59:15] - Invitation to Join the Church
[01:02:00] - Living According to God's Commands
[01:03:05] - Final Invitation and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 6:10 - "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."
2. John 3:5-6 - "Jesus answered, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.'"
3. 1 Timothy 5:8 - "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Galatians 6:10 instruct us to do, and who should we prioritize in our actions? [03:46]
2. According to John 3:5-6, what are the requirements for entering the kingdom of God? [12:24]
3. How does 1 Timothy 5:8 describe the responsibility of a man towards his family? [10:52]
4. What are some of the interchangeable terms used in the Bible to describe the church and its members? [04:39]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize doing good "especially unto them who are of the household of faith"? How does this reflect the unique bond within the church? [27:17]
2. How does being "born again" create a new spiritual family, and why is this significant for overcoming divisions within the church? [12:24]
3. In what ways does the church function as a source of blessings and support for its members? How does this align with the idea of prioritizing the household of faith? [43:06]
4. How does the concept of the "household of faith" differ from our natural families, and what responsibilities come with being part of this spiritual family? [09:45]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current involvement in the church. Are you actively participating in the community to receive and give support? What steps can you take to become more engaged? [43:06]
2. Think about a time when you experienced division or discrimination within the church. How did it affect you, and what can you do to promote unity and overcome such issues? [14:32]
3. Identify a specific way you can do good to someone within the household of faith this week. How can you prioritize their needs and show them the love of Christ? [27:17]
4. How can you balance your responsibilities to your natural family and your spiritual family? Are there areas where you need to improve in providing support to either? [10:52]
5. Consider the resources and support available within your church community. Are there any areas where you need help or can offer help to others? How can you make use of these blessings? [43:06]
6. Reflect on your relationships within the church. Are there people you consider strangers? How can you build stronger connections and foster a sense of family within the church? [33:27]
7. How can you ensure that your actions and conduct reflect the unity and love that should characterize the household of faith? What specific changes can you make in your behavior or attitude? [24:39]
Devotional
Day 1: The Unique Relationship with God
Description: The Bible uses various terms like priesthood, congregation, and household of faith to highlight the unique and special relationship we have with God. This relationship is not just about individual faith but about being part of a larger, unified body of believers. This unity is essential for our spiritual growth and for fulfilling our mission as the church. Understanding these different aspects helps us appreciate the multifaceted nature of our connection with God and each other. The kingdom of God signifies His reign in our hearts, the church represents our assembly, and the household of faith emphasizes our familial bond. This unity is crucial, especially in a world that often seeks to divide us. [04:39]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the unity and growth of your church community this week?
Day 2: Born Again into a New Family
Description: Being born again, as Jesus explained to Nicodemus, brings us into a new spiritual family. This new birth unites us with other believers, transcending natural familial bonds and creating a unique, spiritual bond. This unity is crucial for overcoming divisions and discrimination within the church. The spiritual family we join through being born again is formed through the blood of Christ, uniting both Jews and Gentiles under the same covenant. This new birth is a transformative experience that redefines our relationships and priorities, emphasizing our commitment to our spiritual family. [12:24]
Ephesians 2:19-20 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone."
Reflection: In what ways can you strengthen your relationships with fellow believers to reflect the unity of the spiritual family you are part of?
Day 3: Prioritizing the Household of Faith
Description: Paul emphasizes the importance of doing good to all, but especially to those within the household of faith. This prioritization reflects the special bond we share as members of the body of Christ and underscores the importance of supporting and caring for one another within the church. The church should be a loving family, an example to its neighbors, and a community where members support and care for one another. This unity and support are essential for our spiritual growth and for fulfilling our mission to make more disciples. [27:17]
Galatians 6:10 (ESV): "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Reflection: Who in your church community could use your support or encouragement today, and how can you reach out to them?
Day 4: The Church as a Source of Blessings
Description: The church is not just a place for worship but a community where we find support, guidance, and blessings. Whether it's financial advice, marital counseling, or dealing with grief, the church offers resources and support through its members. However, to receive these blessings, one must be an active part of the church community. Being involved in the church allows us to utilize our gifts and receive the support we need in various aspects of life. This active participation is crucial for experiencing the full range of blessings that the church has to offer. [43:06]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: What steps can you take to become more actively involved in your church community and experience its blessings more fully?
Day 5: Unity and Support within the Church
Description: The church should be a loving family, an example to its neighbors, and a community where members support and care for one another. This unity and support are essential for our spiritual growth and for fulfilling our mission to make more disciples. We must strive to build strong relationships within the church and support one another as a family. This involves treating others with love and respect, recognizing each other in Christ, and ensuring that our conduct reflects our commitment to the household of faith. [29:08]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate love and support to a fellow church member this week, especially someone you may not know well?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you woke up this morning, man, you ought to just be praising God and thanking him. Man, the way the world's going and people leaving here, and then, therefore, you got another. Another chance, amen, to give him some praise and glory and honor for indeed who he is." [01:23] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Man, I want to just thank God for his grace and his mercy, for all the things he has done for us, and blessing this congregation, and we hope that, God, we just continue to be great disciples inside the body of Christ." [02:04] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We serve in a kingdom under a what church? A king. So therefore his territory is not land, it's the territory of our hearts. And therefore he reigns there. He is the king there." [05:09] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The church should be a loving family. The church should be an example to its neighbors. The church should make strangers wonder about their unique relationship. And your co-workers should know who your family is." [29:08] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have to live in this world. But we don't belong to the world. We have to live here. But our mind is not here. We have to live here. But we are guided by our heavenly father. And our lord and savior, Jesus Christ." [59:15] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "There are groups throughout the whole Bible, groups of people, that have a special and a unique relationship with God. Look throughout the scriptures, you see the word priesthood, the word congregation, the word church, disciples, children of God, household of faith. And these things show, supposed to be a unity, and a unique relationship with indeed God." [04:39] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Family denotes two things. When you say somebody is family, that denotes relationship and responsibility. Y'all ever seen somebody acting a fool and they say, ain't them your folks? Ain't them your people? Ain't them your folks? Hey, bro, your folks acting crazy on the book. Amen? Because they relate that you're supposed to be in continuity indeed with them." [09:45] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The scriptures speak to people in relationship indeed with God. They're dealings with those that will have a relationship without God. The people that God is speaking to will have to deal with people that do not have a relationship with God. The scriptures speak to the people that have a relationship with God that they may deal with the people that do not have a relationship with God." [16:26] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The church can't help people that don't participate with the church. Church can't do it. We cannot help you. You cannot receive the blessing if you are not part. There are things that we will do by you just being our neighbor. But that word especially, that's for the household. That's for the household of faith." [50:09] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Internet has killed the family aspect. But it's a blessing because there are times we need it. There are times we can spread the gospel with it. We send it out to everybody. We send it out everywhere. Brother Trey be begging, folks. Just send it out. Just send it out. But it has killed the relationship with church folks. See, how can we be a family if I never interact with you?" [37:19] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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