The Family of God

Bible passage: Read Hebrews 2:10-18 & 3:1-6

As with the ‘body’, the picture of the Church as a family, stresses our relationships to one another and our unity.
Look at these verses which describe the Church as the family of God:
(Romans 8:15-17, Ephesians 2:19, John 1:12). How is it a blessing to be in the family? Do we value this privilege enough?
In our society, at this time, the ‘family’ is under pressure and strain to an incredible extent. Can you think of some of the current stresses that threaten family life in general?
Do you think the same forces militate against the Church as family? Are there different, distinctive problems the Church family faces? If so what are they?

(Read Hebrews 2:10-13) How did Christ become our brother and how did he make it possible for us to be part of his family? What action was required? On whose part?

(Read Hebrews 2:14-18) What common elements does Christ share with us? Why was it necessary for him to be like us?
How does the picture of Christ presented in v18 affect your attitude toward him as your brother?

(Read Hebrews 3:1-6) The word ‘house’ is also related to the concept of family, referring not to a collection of stones, but to a connected group of people in Jesus. Who is it that builds people into the household of God, according to v3-4? According to v6, what does Christ’s faithfulness have to do with the building process? How does it affect your confidence in the building? Although we have seen that Christ is the one who establishes us in the family of God, what do v1 and v6 say we must do to maintain the family and our place in it? What do you think this means in practical terms and in Gorgie church in particular? What are some practical ways you can do these two things?

From our study, how may we develop a sense of ‘family’ in Gorgie Church?