The Christian Family

TEXT: Romans 8:14-17

In the New Testament, which often compares physical life with spiritual life, we are introduced to the concept of a spiritual family. This concept is introduced in terms which are related to a physical family and helps us understand our spiritual relationship more clearly

Occasionally, the illustration and even language fails to fully express all the details of the relationship, in which case the Word of God uses other illustrations, like the vine and the branches, the concept of fruitbearing, etc. We should not think that because there is more than one illustration that it means we do not have a familial relationship with God. Often, the truth must be conveyed in terms which provide a picture which we can see more clearly than mere words.

There are three physical truths which are used in Scripture to illustrate our relationship with God as our Father.

I. Our relationship with God is illustrated as a family

A. We are called children of God (Rom 8:14)

B. This is contrasted with slavery to sin (Roman 8:15)

C. God pictures us as His heirs (Rom 8:17)

II. Our entry into God’s family is illustrated as a birth

A. God’s Word likens our entry into a new life as our entry into physical life by birth (John 3:6-7)

B. Just as there is a miracle of creation required for physical birth, so there is a miracle required for new birth (John 3:8)

III. Development in our Christian life is illustrated by growthNew born baby New Christian 1 Peter 2:2

Physical toddler Spiritual toddler 1 Cor 3:1-3; 13:11; Eph4:14; Heb 5:11-14

Physical child Spiritual child Luke 2:40; 1 John 2:13-14

Physical youth Spiritual youth 1 John 2:13-14

Physical parent Spiritual parent 1 Cor 4:14-17; 1 Thess 2:7-13; 1 John 2:13-14;

Where are you?

Heb 5:12