TRUE FAMILY IN CHRIST
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 12:46-50
Key Verse: “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Matthew 12:50)
Supporting Texts: Ephesians 2:19, Galatians 3:26-28, Romans 8:14-17, John 1:12, Hebrews 2:11
Description: This study reveals the spiritual family believers receive through Jesus Christ and the importance of obedience, unity, and fellowship within the household of faith.
INTRODUCTION
In Matthew chapter 12, while Jesus was speaking to the multitudes, His mother and brethren stood outside seeking to speak with Him. Jesus responded by teaching an important spiritual truth: those who do the will of His Father are His true family.
Jesus was not dishonouring His earthly family. Rather, He was revealing that spiritual relationships in God’s Kingdom are deeper and eternal. Through salvation, believers become members of God’s family and share a spiritual bond that transcends natural background, tribe, status, or nationality.
The family of God is built upon faith in Christ, obedience to God’s will, love for one another, and unity in the Spirit. Every believer has a place and identity within this spiritual household.
1. SALVATION BRINGS BELIEVERS INTO GOD’S FAMILY
Faith in Christ makes believers children of God.
a) Jesus identified obedient believers as His family (Matthew 12:49-50)
Spiritual relationship with God is established through faith and obedience.
b) Believers become children of God through Christ (John 1:12)
Salvation gives spiritual identity and sonship.
c) Christians are adopted into God’s family (Romans 8:15-17)
Believers become heirs together with Christ.
d) God’s family includes people from every nation and background (Galatians 3:28)
Unity in Christ overcomes earthly divisions.
Biblical Example:
Ruth became part of God’s covenant people through faith and commitment to the God of Israel (Ruth 1:16-17).
2. TRUE FAMILY IN CHRIST IS BUILT ON OBEDIENCE TO GOD
Spiritual relationship with Christ requires submission to God’s will.
a) Jesus emphasised doing the Father’s will (Matthew 12:50)
Obedience is evidence of genuine discipleship.
b) Loving God involves keeping His commandments (John 14:15)
True faith expresses itself through obedience.
c) Hearing and obeying God’s Word brings spiritual stability (Luke 11:28)
Blessedness comes through faithful response to truth.
d) Disobedience weakens fellowship with God (1 John 1:6-7)
Sin disrupts spiritual intimacy and growth.
Biblical Example:
Abraham was called the friend of God because of his faith and obedience to God’s instruction (Genesis 22:15-18).
3. BELIEVERS ARE CALLED TO LOVE AND SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER
The family of God must reflect unity and compassion.
a) Christians are members of one household (Ephesians 2:19)
Believers belong together in God’s Kingdom.
b) Love identifies true disciples of Christ (John 13:34-35)
Genuine love reflects God’s nature.
c) Believers should bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
Spiritual family involves support, care, and encouragement.
d) Unity strengthens the Church spiritually (Psalm 133:1-3)
God commands blessing where unity exists.
Biblical Example:
The early Church cared for one another sacrificially and lived in unity and fellowship (Acts 2:42-47).
4. GOD’S FAMILY HAS AN ETERNAL DESTINY
Spiritual family relationships continue eternally in God’s Kingdom.
a) Believers are fellow heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17)
God has prepared eternal inheritance for His children.
b) The family of God will reign eternally with Christ (Revelation 21:3-7)
Eternal fellowship with God awaits believers.
c) Earthly relationships are temporary, but spiritual inheritance is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Kingdom relationships carry eternal significance.
d) God prepares a place for His children (John 14:1-3)
Heaven is the eternal home of believers.
Biblical Example:
Stephen remained faithful unto death because he saw the glory of Christ awaiting him eternally (Acts 7:55-56).
CONCLUSION
Jesus revealed that true family is not based only on physical connection but on obedience and relationship with God. Through salvation, believers become members of God’s eternal household and share spiritual unity through Christ.
The family of God is built upon faith, love, obedience, and mutual support. Believers are called to walk together in unity, reflect God’s love, and remain faithful as heirs of eternal life.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, thank You for making me part of Your family through Christ in Jesus name
2. Father, help me to walk continually in obedience to Your will in Jesus name
3. Lord, strengthen my relationship and fellowship with You in Jesus name
4. Father, fill my heart with genuine love for other believers in Jesus name
5. Lord, help me to support and encourage members of Your family in Jesus name
6. Father, remove every spirit of division and disunity from the Church in Jesus name
7. Lord, help me to reflect Your character and love daily in Jesus name
8. Father, establish me firmly in faith, holiness, and spiritual maturity in Jesus name
9. Lord, let Your peace and unity reign among Your people in Jesus name
10. Father, help me to remain faithful until I receive my eternal inheritance in Jesus name
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall continually walk in the love and fellowship of God’s family!
2. Every spirit of rejection and loneliness is broken over your life!
3. God shall strengthen your relationship with Him daily!
4. You shall walk in unity, peace, and harmony with fellow believers!
5. The love of Christ shall overflow through your life continually!
6. Every division and misunderstanding around you shall be healed!
7. God shall establish you firmly in faith and spiritual maturity!
8. You shall experience favour, support, and encouragement within the body of Christ!
9. Your spiritual inheritance in Christ shall not be lost!
10. You shall remain faithful and victorious as a true member of God’s eternal family!
