Embracing Spiritual Family Through Faith in Jesus
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound concept of spiritual family through the lens of Jesus' interactions in Matthew 12. We began with a personal story about Ty, a young man who became part of my family through adoption, illustrating how God can knit hearts together in unexpected ways. This story set the stage for understanding how Jesus invites us into a new, spiritual family without dismissing our biological ties.
In Matthew 12, Jesus' biological family sought to dissuade Him from His mission, thinking He was out of His mind. Instead of being discouraged, Jesus used this moment to teach a powerful lesson about spiritual kinship. He pointed to His disciples and declared that those who do the will of His Father are His true family. This teaching is not about rejecting our biological families but about recognizing the profound importance of our spiritual family, which is formed through faith in Jesus.
We delved into what it means to do the will of the Father, clarifying that it is not about works but about believing in Jesus. This belief transforms us at our core, setting the foundation for our actions and thoughts. Jesus' invitation to trust Him grants us entry into the family of God, a family that is bought by His blood and is essential for our spiritual growth.
We also discussed the cultural challenges that hinder our understanding of the church as a family, such as idolatry and individualism. These issues often lead to a consumerist approach to church, where personal preferences overshadow communal commitment. True spiritual family requires us to be deeply committed, available, and willing to serve one another, reflecting the interdependence that God designed for His church.
Finally, the call to action was twofold: for Christians, to deepen their commitment to the local church and for non-Christians, to believe in Jesus and be adopted into the family of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Spiritual Family Over Biological Ties: Jesus redefined family by emphasizing spiritual kinship over biological connections. This does not mean we should neglect our biological families, but rather, we should recognize the profound importance of our spiritual family, which is formed through faith in Jesus. [05:01]
2. Belief as the Foundation: The will of the Father is not about performing good works but about believing in Jesus. This belief sets the foundation for our entire life, influencing our actions, thoughts, and words. Trust in Jesus grants us entry into the family of God, transforming us at our core. [16:54]
3. Challenges to Spiritual Family: Idolatry and individualism are significant barriers to experiencing the church as a family. Idolatry occurs when we love anything more than God, while individualism leads us to believe we can handle our spiritual journey alone. Both hinder the communal and interdependent nature of the church. [21:05]
4. Commitment to the Local Church: True spiritual family requires a high level of commitment and availability. Relationships within the church are cultivated over time and require intentional effort. Serving within the church is crucial, as it reflects our dedication to the family of God and helps us grow spiritually. [27:07]
5. Invitation to Non-Christians: For those who have not yet believed in Jesus, the invitation is to trust in Him and be adopted into the family of God. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection provide the foundation for this new family, offering eternal life and a profound sense of belonging. [30:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[05:01] - The Story of Ty
[06:23] - Jesus' Messianic Mission
[07:51] - Jesus' Family's Reaction
[09:22] - Jesus' Teaching Moment
[10:59] - Misinterpretations of Jesus' Teaching
[12:18] - Honoring Biological Family
[13:58] - Jesus' Care for His Mother
[15:25] - Radical Invitation to a New Family
[16:54] - The Will of the Father
[18:17] - Metaphors for the Church
[19:44] - The Family of God
[21:05] - Idolatry and Individualism
[24:08] - Interdependence in the Church
[25:31] - Commitment to the Local Church
[27:07] - Cultivating Relationships
[28:35] - Serving the Family
[29:21] - VBS and Serving the Kids
[30:00] - Invitation to Believe in Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 12:46-50 - "While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, 'Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?' And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.'"
2. John 6:40 - "For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."
3. 1 Timothy 5:8 - "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jesus' response when His biological family sought to speak with Him while He was teaching? (Matthew 12:46-50)
2. According to John 6:40, what is the will of the Father?
3. How does 1 Timothy 5:8 describe the importance of providing for one's family?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Jesus use the moment when His family sought to speak with Him to teach about spiritual kinship? [09:22]
2. How does believing in Jesus transform us at our core, according to the sermon? [16:54]
3. What are the cultural challenges mentioned in the sermon that hinder our understanding of the church as a family? [21:05]
4. How does the concept of spiritual family challenge the idea of individualism in our culture? [24:08]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: How do you balance your commitment to your biological family and your spiritual family? Are there areas where you feel you could improve? [13:58]
2. The sermon mentioned that belief in Jesus sets the foundation for our actions and thoughts. How has your belief in Jesus influenced your daily life and decisions? [16:54]
3. Idolatry and individualism were highlighted as barriers to experiencing the church as a family. Can you identify any idols or individualistic tendencies in your life that might be hindering your relationship with your church community? [21:05]
4. How available do you make yourself to those within your church? What steps can you take to deepen your relationships with fellow church members? [27:07]
5. Serving within the church is crucial for spiritual growth. In what ways are you currently serving your church family? Are there new areas where you feel called to serve? [28:35]
6. For those who have not yet believed in Jesus, the invitation is to trust in Him and be adopted into the family of God. If you are a non-believer, what questions or concerns do you have about taking this step? [30:00]
7. Think about a time when you felt deeply connected to your church family. What contributed to that sense of connection, and how can you foster that feeling in your current church community? [25:31]
Devotional
### Day 1: Spiritual Family Over Biological Ties
Jesus redefined family by emphasizing spiritual kinship over biological connections. This does not mean we should neglect our biological families, but rather, we should recognize the profound importance of our spiritual family, which is formed through faith in Jesus. In Matthew 12, Jesus' biological family sought to dissuade Him from His mission, thinking He was out of His mind. Instead of being discouraged, Jesus used this moment to teach a powerful lesson about spiritual kinship. He pointed to His disciples and declared that those who do the will of His Father are His true family. This teaching is not about rejecting our biological families but about recognizing the profound importance of our spiritual family, which is formed through faith in Jesus. [05:01]
Matthew 12:48-50 (ESV): "But he replied to the man who told him, 'Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?' And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.'"
Reflection: Think about your relationships within your church community. How can you deepen these connections to reflect the spiritual family Jesus speaks about?
### Day 2: Belief as the Foundation
The will of the Father is not about performing good works but about believing in Jesus. This belief sets the foundation for our entire life, influencing our actions, thoughts, and words. Trust in Jesus grants us entry into the family of God, transforming us at our core. When we believe in Jesus, we are not merely adhering to a set of rules or performing religious duties; we are entering into a transformative relationship that changes us from the inside out. This belief is the cornerstone of our spiritual identity and the basis for our inclusion in God's family. [16:54]
John 6:29 (ESV): "Jesus answered them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.'"
Reflection: Reflect on your personal faith journey. How has your belief in Jesus transformed your actions, thoughts, and words?
### Day 3: Challenges to Spiritual Family
Idolatry and individualism are significant barriers to experiencing the church as a family. Idolatry occurs when we love anything more than God, while individualism leads us to believe we can handle our spiritual journey alone. Both hinder the communal and interdependent nature of the church. In today's culture, these challenges are prevalent and can easily infiltrate our spiritual lives. Idolatry can take many forms, from material possessions to personal ambitions, while individualism can make us feel self-sufficient and disconnected from the community. Recognizing these barriers is the first step toward overcoming them and embracing the true essence of the church as a spiritual family. [21:05]
1 Corinthians 12:25-26 (ESV): "That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together."
Reflection: Identify any idols or individualistic tendencies in your life. How can you surrender these to God and embrace a more communal and interdependent approach to your faith?
### Day 4: Commitment to the Local Church
True spiritual family requires a high level of commitment and availability. Relationships within the church are cultivated over time and require intentional effort. Serving within the church is crucial, as it reflects our dedication to the family of God and helps us grow spiritually. Being part of a spiritual family means being present, involved, and willing to invest in the lives of others. This commitment goes beyond attending services; it involves active participation, support, and service. By dedicating ourselves to the local church, we not only strengthen our faith but also contribute to the growth and well-being of the entire community. [27:07]
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: How can you increase your commitment to your local church? What specific steps can you take to be more available and involved in your church community?
### Day 5: Invitation to Non-Christians
For those who have not yet believed in Jesus, the invitation is to trust in Him and be adopted into the family of God. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection provide the foundation for this new family, offering eternal life and a profound sense of belonging. This invitation is open to everyone, regardless of their past or present circumstances. By accepting Jesus, individuals are welcomed into a loving and supportive spiritual family that transcends all earthly ties. This new family offers not only eternal life but also a sense of purpose, identity, and community that can only be found in Christ. [30:00]
Ephesians 1:5 (ESV): "He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: If you have not yet placed your trust in Jesus, what is holding you back? If you are a believer, how can you share this invitation with someone in your life who has not yet experienced the love and belonging of God's family?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Now, in many ways, the story that we're looking at today with Jesus, what he is doing is he is extending an invitation to add to your family, an invitation into a new and beautiful family." (15 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The will of God is not to do, but to believe. Jesus was very explicit in this. And if you've ever noticed, belief sets the foundation for our entire life. The reason why you and I say the things that we say, the reason why we do the things that we do, we think the way that we think is because there's a deep set of beliefs that lay a foundation for our life." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So how do we become a child of God? Well, you believe in Jesus, and he gives us this beautiful right to become sons and daughters of the king. He has bought us entry into his family. And so Jesus is teaching, trust me, trust me, and you get this beautiful, beautiful family." (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "For the non-Christian, the invitation is to believe in Jesus and be placed in the family of God. That Jesus lived the life that we should have lived. Sinless. Perfect. And then on the cross, there was this divine exchange that took place. He took on all of our sin, all of our shame, all of our debt, and he died in our place for our sins. And then three days later, rose from the dead, conquering Satan, hell, sin, and death." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we believe that story, when we trust that story as the foundational piece of our life, we are adopted into the family of God. We are placed into the family of God. And so if you've never trusted in Jesus, the call would be today, trust in him." (16 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Now, instead of getting discouraged, Jesus is actually going to use this as a powerful teaching moment. Because in this moment, I would be incredibly discouraged that my own family is rejecting me. But for him, this is just simply a teaching moment. Goes on, verse 48. But he replied to the man who told him, who is my mother? And who are my brothers? And stretching out his hand towards his disciples, he said, here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So I think what you're seeing is this passage is not discrediting, discounting the biological family that we have. What this is doing is it's offering a radical invitation into a new family. And I think what we see, the overall emphasis, here is our spiritual family is profoundly important. And really how he is defining the spiritual family is it's more than just physical. It's more than just biological. This family that we have is actually bought by the blood of Jesus. And he puts us into the family of God. He adopts us into his family. And this family is critical to our lives." (46 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sometimes God will surround us in a church with people we would never choose on our own volition to have a relationship with or to be in community with. And he does that to teach us how to love him even deeper. How about this? Do you find yourself complaining more than serving in the local body? If so, has idolatry or self-worship crept into your life? And if so, it will kill this idea of the family of God." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Bible, and especially the New Testament, teaches there's an interdependence that you and I have to one another. Like we need each other and there's no getting out of that. We are interdependent and interwoven. So if I'm going to grow to full maturity in Christ, if I'm going to look like Jesus, I need you and you need me. That's how God has built the church." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "How available do you make yourself to those within the church? You know, relationships are cultivated over the long haul. They're not cultivated in once a week gatherings as Sunday. You will get to know people. If you just come on a Sunday, you will get to know people. But there won't be a richness and a depth to your relationships. It will be lacking something." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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