THE CHURCH AS GOD'S FAMILY

THE CHURCH AS GOD'S FAMILY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Key Verse: "For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." — 1 Corinthians 3:9 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 2:19-22; Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:4-5; 1 Timothy 3:15

Description: The Church is God's family, where believers are united in Christ to grow together, serve together, and glorify God together.

INTRODUCTION
The Church is much more than a physical building or an organisation. It is God's spiritual family, made up of people who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ and united by the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 3:9, Paul reminds believers that they are God's field and God's building, emphasising that they belong to God and are part of His divine household.

Every believer has a place and a purpose within God's family. Just as members of a natural family love, support, and care for one another, members of the Church are called to demonstrate unity, compassion, forgiveness, and mutual encouragement. Through the fellowship of believers, God's love is displayed to the world.

In a generation where division, selfishness, and isolation are increasing, the Church must reflect the unity and love of Christ. As members of God's family, we must work together, grow together, and faithfully fulfil God's purpose for His Church.

1. GOD IS THE FATHER OF HIS FAMILY
The Church exists because God has adopted believers into His family through Jesus Christ. Every Christian enjoys the privilege of belonging to God's household.

a) Adopted Into God's Family (Romans 8:15-17)
Through salvation, believers receive the Spirit of adoption and become children of God with the privilege of calling Him Father.

b) Fellow Citizens With The Saints (Ephesians 2:19)
Believers are no longer strangers but members of God's household, enjoying equal privileges and responsibilities.

c) United Through Christ (Galatians 3:26-28)
Every believer is one in Christ regardless of tribe, race, language, or social background.

d) Loved As God's Children (1 John 3:1)
God's love for His children is immeasurable, and He desires us to live in the assurance of His fatherly care.

Biblical Example: The father warmly received the prodigal son, restoring him fully into the family and demonstrating God's love for His children (Luke 15:20-24).

2. MEMBERS OF GOD'S FAMILY SHOULD LIVE IN UNITY
Unity is essential for the health and growth of the Church. God is glorified when believers love and support one another.

a) Love One Another Sincerely (John 13:34-35)
The distinguishing mark of Christ's disciples is genuine love for one another. Love strengthens the bond of Christian fellowship.

b) Bear One Another's Burdens (Galatians 6:2)
Members of God's family should support one another through trials, difficulties, and seasons of need.

c) Forgive One Another (Colossians 3:13)
Forgiveness preserves unity and prevents bitterness from destroying relationships within the Church.

d) Maintain The Unity Of The Spirit (Ephesians 4:3)
Believers must make every effort to preserve the unity that the Holy Spirit produces among God's people.

Biblical Example: The believers in the early Church shared their possessions, cared for one another, and worshipped together in unity, causing the Church to grow daily (Acts 2:42-47).

3. EVERY BELIEVER HAS A PLACE IN GOD'S FAMILY
Every member of the Church is valuable and has a unique role to play. God expects every believer to contribute to the growth of His family.

a) We Are Members Of One Body (Romans 12:4-5)
Just as the human body has many parts, the Church consists of many members with different functions working together.

b) Serve With Your Spiritual Gifts (1 Peter 4:10)
God has entrusted every believer with gifts that should be used faithfully to strengthen the Church.

c) Encourage One Another Daily (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Regular fellowship strengthens believers and inspires them to continue serving God faithfully.

d) Build Up One Another In Love (Ephesians 4:15-16)
Every believer has the responsibility of contributing to the spiritual growth and maturity of the Body of Christ.

Biblical Example: Aquila and Priscilla faithfully served alongside Paul, opening their home for ministry and strengthening the early Church (Acts 18:24-28; Romans 16:3-5).

4. WORK TOGETHER FOR GOD'S GLORY
God desires His family to labour together in unity for the advancement of His Kingdom. The Church becomes effective when every believer works together under Christ's leadership.

a) Labour Together With God (1 Corinthians 3:9)
Believers are God's fellow workers, called to participate in His work of building His Kingdom.

b) Proclaim The Gospel Together (Matthew 28:19-20)
Every member of God's family shares the responsibility of making disciples of all nations.

c) Pray For One Another Continually (James 5:16)
Prayer strengthens relationships within God's family and releases His power in the lives of believers.

d) Glorify God Through Unity (Psalm 133:1)
When God's people dwell together in unity, His blessing rests upon His Church and His name is glorified.

Biblical Example: Paul, Barnabas, and the believers at Antioch worked together in harmony to spread the Gospel, leading to the growth of the early Church (Acts 13:1-3).

CONCLUSION
The Church is God's family, where every believer has been adopted through Christ and given a place of belonging, purpose, and service. As members of God's household, we are called to love one another, preserve unity, encourage one another, and labour together for the advancement of God's Kingdom.

Let us remain faithful members of God's family, strengthening the Church through our love, prayers, service, and commitment. As we walk together in unity under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the Church will continue to grow in strength, influence, and glory, bringing honour to God.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for making me a member of Your family through Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to love every member of Your Church with genuine Christian love, in Jesus name.

3. Father, remove every spirit of division, strife, and disunity from Your Church, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, help me to use my spiritual gifts faithfully for the growth of Your family, in Jesus name.

5. Father, strengthen the bond of unity among believers in every congregation, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, make me an instrument of peace, encouragement, and reconciliation within Your Church, in Jesus name.

7. Father, help me to remain faithful in fellowship and committed to the work of Your Kingdom, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let Your love continually flow through my life to bless other believers, in Jesus name.

9. Father, establish Your Church in righteousness, holiness, and spiritual power, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let Your Church continue to grow in unity, strength, and influence until the return of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall flourish as a faithful member of God's family, and your spiritual life shall continually grow stronger.

2. You shall experience the love, unity, and encouragement that flow through the family of God.

3. Every spirit of division and offence assigned against your fellowship with God's people shall be destroyed.

4. The Lord shall reveal and develop every spiritual gift He has deposited within you for His glory.

5. You shall become a source of encouragement, peace, and strength to many believers.

6. The Lord shall establish you firmly in His Church, and your labour in His Kingdom shall never be in vain.

7. You shall continually enjoy meaningful fellowship with God's people, and your faith shall remain steadfast.

8. Every good work that God has committed into your hands shall prosper as you faithfully serve Him.

9. You shall contribute significantly to the growth, unity, and effectiveness of the Body of Christ.

10. You shall remain faithful in God's family until the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall receive your eternal reward with joy.