"But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15).

The word "house" is used to designate families (Acts 10:2; Hebrews 11:7; Luke 1:27), and this term means the church is a family (Ephesians 2:19; 3:15; Hebrews 3:6). We are going to see that there are a lot of elements in this relationship.

The scriptures prove in several ways that the church is a family. First, God is the Father (Matthew 23:9; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 3:16; 4:6). Second, Christ is a son over the house of God (Hebrews 3:6). Third, Christians are His brethren (Matthew 23:8; 25:40; Hebrews 2:12). Fourth, all Christians are children of God. On one hand, we are sons and heirs in Christ (Romans 8:15-16; Galatians 4:7; Galatians 3:26), and on the other, we are in opposition to the children of the devil (1 John 3:10).

The blessings of the relationship are wonderful. We have an approach to God as our Father (Matthew 6:6-9; Ephesians 3:14), we have Christ as our High Priest and advocate (Hebrews 4:14; 10:21; 1 John 2:1), and we have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us (Romans 8:14). We also have God's fatherly provision (Matthew 6:8, 33-34; 7:7-11; Romans 8:32; James 1:17), and His fatherly correction (Hebrews 12:4-11). Christians also have God's ever-present love (Romans 8:38-39; 1 John 3:1).

The demands of the relationship are that we must be separated from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17-18; 7:1; 1 John 2:15-16), and we must be obedient as children (Romans 8:12-17; Ephesians 5:6; 1 Peter 1:14; 1 John 3:10). Practically, this means that we negatively do not walk after the flesh (1 John 1:6-7), and positively love our brethren (1 John 3:13-19; 4:7, 20-21). There is much to do as a part of God's household, but the benefits are truly life-changing. Based on that knowledge, all should want to be part of God's house, the church!

- Gospel Teacher, 10/23/11