Family Privileges
The Church, a group called out of sin unto Slavation is described in different ways in the Bible.
Building - Ephesians 1:21-22 "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,"
Body - Ephesians 1:23 "Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all."
Bride - Revelation 19:7 "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."
As we read in the text above, a family! In a very real sense we are a family and as part of that family we have special privileges - blessings! Romans 8:16 "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:" In Christ we are a family!
1. We have a father who is accessible. Ephesians 2:18 "For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father"
2. We have a place where we (saved) fit. Ephesians 2:19 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;"
3. We bear the family name. Ephesians 3:14-15 "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named"
4. We are inter connected to one another ( I affect the family) Ephesians 4:25 "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."
5. We demonstrate family care. Ephesians 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
6. We obey for loves sake. Ephesians 5:1-2 "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour."
7. We walk in light. Our course and conduct are different now! Ephesians 5:8-10 "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord."
8. We have God given orders. Ephesians 5:21-25, 28 "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;" " So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself."
9. We are unfied in Christ, we draw closer together as we draw closer to Christ. Ephesians 6:23 "Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
These are just some of the great privilege and blessings to belonging in the family of God! Let's thank God for the family, let's be faithful to pray for the family and let's ask God to help us to be the family He would have us to be.
