Family Portrait - 2

Introduction

In the first message in this series we saw that when one is saved he is in God's family. His picture is in the family portrait. We saw that he gets there by being born into the family. So the portrait tells us of his birth. Next the family portrait also tells us that he belongs in the family portrait and in the family of God. Being one of the family members in the portrait means that you belong. You have as much right as anyone else to be there. You are just as important as any other member. You are just as necessary as any other member.

Notice the words "dear friends" in the text. What does that phrase mean? It means beloved, dearly beloved, or well beloved. It comes from the Greek word agapetos. Belonging to God's family gives us (1) distinction, (2) definition, and (3) destiny. So, what does belonging to god's family mean?

I. Belonging means Importance

Ephesians 2:19, "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with god's people and members of god's household." (NIV)

Everybody is somebody in God's family! In God's family it is not how you feel, how I feel, but how God feels about us that really matters. Importance is connected to your self-worth. The desire to be important is one of the major areas of our lives. In God's family you are important in at least three ways.

A. Important in Position

Look at verse 19 -  stranger (aliens) - (1) alien from commonwealth, (2) apart from community benefits, and (3) away from God.

1. Saved

2. Sanctified 

B. Important in Place

Ephesians 4:16, " from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." (KJV)

1. Fitly

Where you fit

What you fit

2. Framed

Proper place

Proper production = glue

3. Fixed

Knitted and Kept

C. Important in Priority

1. Principle of power

2. Principle of person

3. Principle of presence

When a person is important the next part will happen as well.

II. Belonging means Involvement

Acts 6:1-3, Those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food." So the twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, 'It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Bothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.'" (NIV)

We must be involved in the family of od. We are not to feel like an island. We are not to feel as if the work does not depend on us. There are two "musts" for the family to flourish.

A. Contributing to the Family

When we use the word "contribute" we think of money. Certainly we should be giving, but we should also be going. "God cares for people through people." Zingers, p.282 "God's part we cannot do, our part he will not do." Zingers, p. 282

You are a part of god's family because someone contributed to you, their time, their talents and or their treasures.

B. Cooperating in the Family

Psalm 133:1-2, "A song of Ascents - Of David." "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes." (NIV)

"If you don't believe in cooperation, look what happens when a car loses one of its wheels." Zingers, p. 44

A class of third graders was making team banners to hang from the ceiling over their team group. While other teams were excitedly designing and painting their banners, one team was still trying to choose a name. A girl sat, her arms crossed, her lips pursed and a determined set to he jaw, refusing to accept any name other than her choice. Her teammates used different tactics, to no avail. Finally, one child announced that they had 10 minutes until recess. The stubborn team member looked up at the clock, then at the rest of the room working busily, and at the door, and said, "I think the dolphins is a pretty good name after all." Each team had to report on their cooperation. This team placed on the chart "How to work as a team" this conclusion, "You can't always have your own way." Christian Clippings, Nov 96, p. 24.

III. Belonging means Interaction

1 John 3:10, "This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother." (NIV)

What does interaction mean? - We are to Love One Another - Read 1 John 3

Listen to just a few commands to one another.

A. Don't judge one another.

Romans 14:13, "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." (NIV)

B. Serve One Another

Galatians 5:13, You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature ; rather, serve one another in love."

C. Forbear One Another

Colossians 3:1, "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (NIV)

D. Forgive One Another

Colossians 3:13, "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the lord forgave you." (NIV)

E. Exhort One Another

Hebrews 3:13, "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." (NIV)

F. Consider One Another

Hebrews 10:24, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." (NIV)

G. Learn from One Another

H. Lift up One Another

Galatians 6:1, Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." (NIV)

Are you a member of god's family? Is your picture in the portrait? Do you belong?