We Are Family

Feb 07, 2010 By: Pastor Joseph LoSardo Series: Ephesians III Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-20
I. Preliminary notes and caveat II. Introduction – Family: Natural vs. Spiritual A. Illustration B. Natural ‘flesh and blood’ love (Luke 11:11-13) C. Supernatural love of others D. The church as family 1. Problems in the early church (Gal 2:11-16, Ja 2:1-6, Col 4:1,1 Tim 6:1, 1 Cor 11) 2. Problems today Examine your priorities – when you are faced with scheduling conflicts – how often do you favor family engagements to church fellowship? III. The Church defined as a household A. Considering family in light of Jesus’ teaching 1. Matt 12:48-50 2. Luke 9:59-62 3. Luke 14:26 4. Mark 10:28 B. Ephesians 2:19 oikeos = household C. Neglected teaching in the modern church “People are leaving the church and finding God” L. Bruce “There is no salvation apart from the church” IV. The characteristics of the household A. Eph 2:20 A strong foundation B. Church defined People from diverse backgrounds, drawn together in Christ – united to Him – and therefore each other – standing arm in arm – as true brothers and sisters – upon the same solid foundation – bound by something thicker than blood! Is that your view of “church” or is it a place you go on Sunday? V. How should we live as family? A. 1 Tim 3:15 B. 1 Tim 5:1 1. Older men 2. Younger men 3. Older women 4. Younger women C. Live and let live? 1. Matthew 18:15 2. Gal 6:1 D. One anothers 1. Fellowship (Heb 3:13) 2. Pray for one another – corporately (James 5:16) 3. Bear one another’s burdens (Gal 6:2, 1 Jn 3:17) 4. Love one another (Rom 13:8, 1 Pet 1:22) E. The key to living lovingly as family – Philippians 2:3