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THE FAMILY OF GOD

Lecture Objectives:

In this lesson we will learn that the early Christians considered themselves to be a family. They considered God as their Father and each other as brothers and sisters.

References:

Questions for Focus:

1. According to the last lecture, what, did we say, was for the requirement for entrance into the kingdom?

2. Describe a family. What is your perception?

3. List some characteristics that you think should be found in an ideal family.

4. Why do you think the early Christians saw themselves as "family?"

5. Word Association: Say the word "family." What is the first thing that comes to your mind about "family" when you hear this word?

1. THE FAMILY OF GOD: HISTORICAL REFERENCES
   1. Students read Acts 2.36-47
      1. 3000 were baptized (Many of these were those who crucified Jesus).
      2. List things they did together. (Students answer)
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      3. With one word, describe how they are treating each other
   2. If many of these had been enemies of Jesus and His friends, why do you think they were treating each other as "family?" (Discussion) Because of money? Because of power? Because of pride?
2. THE FAMILY OF GOD: THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS
   1. The birth of a child of God (Read John 1.12-13)
      1. List 3 ways that a person cannot become a child of God.
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      2. How does a person become a child of God? (Compare your answer to what Paul said in Galatians 3.26-27)
   2. The development of a child of God (Read: Ephesians 5.1-14)
      1. A child imitates his father (Illustration: My friend walked with a limp, because his father walked with a limp.)
      2. How does a child of God imitate the Father?
      3. Make a list of 4 things that a child of God should not do, if he wants to imitate His Father (Ephesians 5.1-14).
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3. THE FAMILY OF GOD: THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS
   1. In any family the father teaches his children how to treat each other. It is the same in the family of God.
   2. How should brothers and sisters treat each other?
   3. Group Activity: (Divide the class up in small groups...assign each group some of the scriptures listed below to make a list of how the Father wants his sons and daughters to treat each other. Their lists will be presented later in class.)
      1. Romans 12:9-21
      2. 1 Corinthians 13.4-7
      3. Galatians 6.1-5
      4. Ephesians 4.25-32
      5. Philippians 2.1-8
      6. Colossians 3.12-14
      7. 1 Thessalonians 5.12-22
4. CONCLUSION
   1. How does a person become a member of the family of God?
   2. How does God want His children to behave toward each other?

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Last modified: December 07, 2005