Summary: “You Belong in the Family” [Family Portrait] Text: Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Matthew 12:46-50; Galatians 3:26-29; Revelation 7:9-10 April 20/21, 2013 Pastor Matt Erickson Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live (1 Corinthians 8:6) Family Beginnings Family at creation (Genesis 4) Family in Torah (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) Family: a calling from God, not merely self-fulfillment or a moral expectation Jesus’ Radical Family (Matthew 12:46-50) Jesus’ physical family Jesus’ radical opening of the definition of family Jesus’ family and the will of God Family: a community of those who do the will of God The Early Church as a Family Paul and singleness (1 Corinthians 7:1-16) The expectation of intergenerational community (1 Timothy 5:1-16; The radical opening through Jesus (Galatians 3:26-29) Family: those adopted by God through Jesus Christ God’s Multi-Everything Family (Revelation 7:9-10) The radical welcome of God’s family The diversity of God’s family Family: a multi-everything expression of God’s mission in Jesus Christ Discussion Questions: When you hear the word, ‘family’, what do you think of? This week, we are beginning a new series called “Family Portrait.” Whether on your own or with a group, begin your study by asking God to speak to you. We are looking at some broad themes in the Scripture. To do this, we will explore a lot of Scripture. Read the following passages and consider what you think these verses are saying about the concept of ‘family’ and what it means to be a part of a family as Christians: Matthew 12:46-50 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 1 Timothy 5:1-16 One of the key concepts in the New Testament related to family is our adoption by God as His children through the work of Jesus Christ. Read and reflect on what each of these Scripture passages says about adoption by God: Romans 8:14-16 Galatians 4:4-6 Ephesians 1:4-6 What does the idea of adoption by God mean to you personally? How has this changed your life, or how should it change your life? At Eastbrook, we desire to look like a glimpse of the community seen in Revelation 7:9-10. Read those verses. What is unique about this picture in our world today? How might we grow in this direction as a church? What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you from this study? Write it down. If you are in a small group, discuss this together. Take time to pray that you will grow in love. [Next week: We will talk about what the ideal family is like, if there is one. You can prepare by reading the story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 11:27-25:11]
